Best of Greenwich, by Sara Fawcett
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Having grown up in Greenwich, I have definitely made some favorite spots around town. I didn’t have to think much to compile this list. Here we go - enjoy dining, running, shopping…..
Glory Days Diner is a town staple; so don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s just a diner. Trying to get a table, or even a parking spot out front is close to impossible on the weekends. You’ll find a diverse group of customers here, from high schoolers to grandparents, as well as local businessmen. Let me tell you, they have THE BEST milkshakes in town and luckily you can get them to go.
One of my husbands and my favorite little restaurants in town is Penang Grill. It’s an Asian Fusion restaurant right off Greenwich Avenue. They have the best General Tso’s chicken in town. It’s also BYOB, so go prepared.
Meli-Melo*** has been a go-to spot for lunch for my girlfriends and I, starting as far back as our high school days. They serve the best crepes, both sweet and savory, as well as my favorite, French Onion Soup! The Ham & Cheese or the Strawberry & Nutella crepes are absolute favorites in my group of friends and they definitely don’t disappoint! Don’t be alarmed when you have to wait for a table, but trust me, it’s totally worth the wait.
When I’m in the mood for a nicer dinner atmosphere, my girlfriends and I love Barcelona. It’s actually a chain restaurant with locations in nearby Stamford and Norwalk, as well as, West Hartford and now nationally. We usually order off the tapas menu because we can pick a few different dishes and split them amongst the group. They also have one of the best Red Wine Sangrias around!
For date night, my husband and I love Terra. While it is a nice restaurant, it still feels relaxed. We also appreciate the side patio during the warmer months.
The best health market in town has to be none other than Green & Tonic***. Post workout, when I’m in need of a yummy green juice or smoothie, their Ultimate Warrior smoothie is just what I love. They have an amazing Daily Detox juice (orange, pear, pineapple, ginger, aloe), which is super refreshing. G&T also has a great selection of organic and raw food. I suggest the Portobello Wrap, Brussels Sprouts with Roasted Carrots or the Roasted Seven Vegetable Soup with Quinoa. Best of all, they have 2 locations in town!
After school, my son and I love to get a treat at Yoforia Frozen Yogurt in Old Greenwich. They offer a bunch of different froyo flavors and an abundance of toppings. All of their flavors are organic as well as the fruit toppings. Don’t worry, they also have favorites like M&M’s or Kit Kat pieces. I’d have to say the reason this place is our favorite is because the froyo actually stays frozen and doesn’t turn into a soupy mess once it’s out of the machine, like many other yogurt chains.
Also in Old Greenwich is a new bakery, Sweet Pea’s Baking Co***. Ashley and I have had a few meetings here because it’s just too delicious to pass up. While I’m not a coffee drinker (shocker, I know), it smells heavenly in there as they roast and brew the coffee beans within the bakery. My favorites here are the amazing Morning Glory muffins and the gooey, rich, chocolate-y gluten-free Brownies. Ashley is a regular, so if you need more pastry endorsements, just ask her!
I do have to show some love for my gym, Sportsplex in Stamford, where I’ve been a member for over 3 years. Sportsplex has some of the best Zumba and Yoga instructors around, making those 2 my absolute favorite classes. They also have BodyPump, Insanity, Pilates and much more. Three times a week they offer group-training sessions called “Group Jamz” which definitely kick your butt, but also are a lot of fun! There’s also a SaltPure pool, which was a big plus for me when I signed up. Overall, the gym has a great atmosphere and an amazing staff. I know it is not in Greenwich, but it is right on the border and my favorite amongst the competition.
...and a few of Ashley’s Picks…
Take note of the *** above. These too are Ashley’s picks!
Pasta Vera at the top of the avenue is great for prepared meals to go and also a wonderful dinner that doesn’t have the noise of a large and popular bar, and minus the fan -fair of the place with cache. Needless to perhaps add, Ashley recommends the pasta.
Organic Planet for both a healthy lunch and casual and healthy dinner. You cannot go wrong with this place! https://femmegems.com is a must visit for the jewelry obsessed lady. It is also a great place to pick up bridesmaids gifts and even fun wedding day jewelry. Additionally, a great place to pick up gift certificates for your bridesmaids, if you can’t come to a decision on a purchase.
Yeah Rag & Bone has finally opened a greenwich location. Love this clothing line! For those with a manhattan feel but relaxed and not too rustic.
Ashley’s two favorite nail salons are the Coco Nail Spa in the Riverside shopping center and the Town Nails on the post road, also in Riverside, across from the J House Hotel and adjacent to the Aux Delices. Please note that the Coco Nails in Riverside does not have the same owners as the salon in Stamford, CT of the same name. Both salons are not claustrophobic and they don’t play loud obnoxious music. Coco Nails has flat screen TVs without the sound on. Usually they are playing the cooking channel, so veg-out TV. Town Nails does not even have TVs! A+ plus for me!
Two just over the boarder secrets are the following:
Bar Taco has a Port Chester location with some outdoor seating. I highly recommend going in the warmer months to sit outside and on a weekday because the place gets so packed.
I am a huge fan of the chocolate brioche rolls, pies and everything else under the sun at the Kneaded Bread in Port Chester as well.
Last but not least, we adore Femmegems on Greenwich Avenue! Gorgeous and fun gems, perfect for bridesmaids gifts! You can also design your own jewelry with fine stones and professional settings. If you are a jewelry addict such as myself, be sure to stop in (or not)!