Starbucks Parking Situation

Why is the parking situation in all the Starbucks here such a nightmare? Either people are like animals trying to negotiate a spot, inches away from a fender bender, or there are absolutely no spots to be had. The Westport location off exit 18 is awful even with the spots along the adjacent road. Let's not even discuss the Fairfield Post Rd location. Often people are sitting in their parked cars on their phones.

I was listening to the radio the other day and they were talking about not being able to get a seat at Starbucks metro locations because many people take advantage of the WiFi and set up their home offices in there for hours. Others just chatting with friends or knitting. But there comes a point when it's time to say to yourself, my coffee is finished and I should probably let someone else have a seat.

Not getting a seat when you want to meet a friend is frustrating, but at least you get the option to get a drink and leave. In the burbs, you are completely stuck if there is no parking spot. No option but to go somewhere else.

I used to have a regular coffee date with a friend after the gym and we would see the same characters. A woman who was knitting and apparently talking to herself; one male Giants fan reading the paper; a mom and her daughter enjoying a hot cocoa. The problem is I would sometimes go for a second cup later in the day at pick-up from school and the knitter would still be there. I mean I know Starbucks wants people to stay and be comfortable - why else put in leather seats and comfy couches with WiFi and relaxing music. But don't you feel on the inside when it's time to share a seat with someone else? Am I wrong?

I Heart Paper

I have a definite love for all paper goods. I know, not exactly environmentally conscious, but I can't help it and I use it all. I am not a cheesy scrap-booker type (I know what you are thinking), but I love to make cards, collect stationary, art projects, gift wrap and shadow boxes a la Darcy Miller. Well, she is my inspiration!

Naturally I did a little happy dance in my seat when I saw Paper Source was coming to Westport. It's one of those stores I could literally spend hours in (if I had hours to spend) and it would be like a mini vacation for me. It's not open just yet, but likely this month.

While coming back from school drop-off the other day, I noticed a new store in the Blue Lemon lot. It's called Cursive NYC and based on the lovely window display I knew I would like it instantly. Unfortunately there were no parking spots when I had a chance to go last weekend, but I finally got to sneak some free time the other day during school.

It's a lovely store stocked with everything from gifts, jewelry and candles, to hand made greeting cards from Rifle Paper, among other brands. There was a gorgeous white ceramic fawn lamp in the window I was coveting. Loads of sweetly displayed unique washi tape, fragrant candles and other high-end gifts for someone special (or you!). Stop in when you get a moment.

Moving from the city to Fairfield County I was skeptical about finding reliable sushi. When I first met my husband his family religiously went to a restaurant called East. It was in a very unassuming shopping mall - the one with Michael's Craft Store - but had amazing sushi. Top-quality fish, sophisticated dishes that would rival top sushi chefs in Manhattan. Unfortunately, East changed ownership and we no longer go there (quality went down the tubes).

One of the owners from East went on to open an amazing restaurant in New Haven called Miso. It was the best of East plus more. Omakase at the sushi bar with Jason, the owner, is the way to go. You can tweak the dishes by telling him what you like or don't do sushi-wise. But, New Haven is a trek so we don't get there very often. But let me tell you my friends, this is 110% worth the drive. I could eat there every day and not get sick of it. 

This week, Pink Sumo Sushi & Saki Bar opened in Westport behind Patagonia. I admit I went twice - once with a girl friend and once with my husband. Both times I thought the food was delicious and inventive. 

The decor is cute, kind of upscale I guess for a sushi place, but casual with sports on the TVs at the bar. The chef urged us to try the lobster sashimi special, but it's not one of my favorite textures. I am sure it's good though. The Web site says the chef at Pink Sumo was formerly of Nobu, but doesn't say in what capacity. Still, the fish was super fresh and yummy.

The middle dish was my favorite. I couldn't find their menu online to link to, but I remember it was fluke wrapped around avocado and greens. So yummy. The last photo is the Sumo Cup. There are four and each have a different fish on top. Mmmm. We can also vouch for the calamari salad, rock shrimp appetizer, bollywood roll and mango tango roll. So good!

Only slight disappointment was the toro appetizer special. It was a tartare but it was a little too cold. I am guessing they pre-formed the tartar and kept it cold before dinner service. I told my hubby I would rather have cold sushi than warm sushi! It was definitely delicious though and high quality toro.

Still, if I had to choose my last meal before the apocalypse, it would be omakase at Sushi of Gari. Nothing better. 

Been Here Yet?

I love healthy food. I usually hit up Catch A Healthy Habit (mmm, super yummy try the Spring Fling smoothie or Tara juice or Spring Rolls) or The Stand (Almond Pate Collard Wrap or Sweet Potato Soup - it's all good) in Fairfield for juices and vegan fare and now just fell in love with Embody in Westport. The food at these places costs more because of the ingredients and process. I got a juicer and it is such a pain to clean out that I would gladly pay the price. Maybe I am just lazy.

Anyway, Embody is right by Bridge Street next to the Dunkin Donuts (which, btw, charges a full dollar more for an iced coffee than exit 19 D&D). The nice part is that it offers a ton of protein options, including salmon and chicken, which is great if you are not strictly vegetarian or vegan.

You can eat in or take out. They have fresh juices, smoothies, salads and salad wraps. Everything I've had is delish, even the cayenne pepper drink I ordered by accident.

Recommendations include: The All Green w/ginger and lemon, GT Surge, The Jolt, Embody House Mix, Tuna Salad and the Cali Love. But I don't think you can go wrong.