Back in March of 2009, I left the Norwalk bureau of The Advocate for a new job at Greenwich Time. I was excited for my new challenge and, though the Norwalk office was right next to Whole Foods and down the street from Stew Leonard’s, I didn’t really consider Westport Avenue to be a culinary hotspot.
A lot’s changed in three years. Apparently right around the time I left, a little gem called Sugar and Olives opened right across busy Route 1 on Lois Street, right near the Montessori Middle School I had written a few stories about.
Sugar and Olives scores points for getting most of its ingredients from the Westport Farmers Market, but what really struck me was that it was one of the most delicious and creative, but still unpretentious, brunches I have had in ages. I stumbled upon it while looking for a place to meet friends from Fairfield on Sunday. The place was surprisingly empty, so no wait for a table. It had modern decor with a rustic air… if that makes sense. It wasn’t super barnyard-y like some other “eat local” establishments. Our server was extremely nice and enthusiastic about explaining where the ingredients came from and how things were prepared.
The food was also pretty fantastic. Our meal included heavenly (pardon the pun) angel food French toast sticks, which my friends’ 4-year-old daughter happily enjoyed, and I got “rolled eggs”, a crepe-like omelette filled with pea and leek puree. My friends were excited the place had Gorilla Coffee from Brooklyn, and I enjoyed a pot of Earl Grey and a glass of Prosecco with blueberry liquor. They also have a separate bakery, and we brought home some “sugar bombs,” basically doughnut holes with cinnamon and sugar.
I know this place is three years old, but I thought it deserved a little recognition from us. Just don’t go making it all impossible to get a table on Sunday morning.
The delicious angel food French toast sticks were the highlight of the meal. And yes, that IS vanilla in the sugar!
The bakery selection.
They take eating local seriously.
I agree with Jim: this restaurant is a true, bonafide rip off.
We gave it four tries, to be nice. I want a refund. I left hungry from the minute portions and this salmon dish was inedible.
The $5.00 coffee was bitter and not fresh. I know Gorilla from Seattle. And either this isn’t Gorilla or the owners don’t know the first thing about using fresh beans.
Bad service, too. The kitchen and server were overwhelmed and disorganized. And we were the only 4 people in the joint.
Not worth the trip. Or the money.
I couldn’t have had a more distinctly different experience from this author. Food was meh, overpriced, service was awful. Another disappointment in CT.
I have been here several times. I love this place. Now I feel like the secret is out.
They deserve the best. The food, staff and atmosphere is great!
Well, the place sure is not cheap – no wonder it is the best restaurant you never heard of.
That place looks great! Thanks for the recc. I’ll have to check it out when I’m down there.
I grew up in Norwalk but I now live in Manhattan. South Street Seaport has a similar style place that deserves mention. It is called Fresh Daily. Never crowded. Awesome fresh food. Country feel yet a touch modern. Great staff. Love these places.