By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — Executive chef Stephen Lewandowski is clearly excited about opening his newest restaurant, the Bridge at Saugatuck.

In a renovated riverfront space at 541 Riverside Ave. once occupied by Parker Mansion, and before that, Mansion Clam House, Lewandowski brings years of experience and international culinary flair to Westport.

The restaurant, which opened last Friday, features an interior dining room overlooking a large horseshoe bar and several outside dining spaces, including a patio and riverfront cabanas for drinks and light culinary fare. 

Boaters can pull up to the restaurant “to dock and dine,” he said.

Lewandowski has years of experience as a chef, including 12 years at Tribeca Grill in New York City, Harlan Social restaurant in Stamford and Harlan Public in Norwalk, and the Townhouse restaurant in Greenwich.

He has partnered with Doug Pardon and Craig Melvin to open the Bridge at Saugatuck, which has already attracted a strong following, with dinner reservations fully booked last Friday and Saturday.

The chef described both the atmosphere and menu at the riverside restaurant as having “a modern American feel with global influences.” 

For instance, the “For the Table” portion of the menu features a “mezze” or group of appetizer-size dishes that includes red pepper hummus from the Middle East; eggplant caponata, a Sicilian dish; artichoke muffuletta from New Orleans, and grilled Indian bread naan, all in one collection of small dishes.

The menu also lists “From the Sea” entrees, including seared scallops, miso-glazed black cod and Mediterranean Branzino. 

Wagyu steak, duck breast with cherry sauce and apple cider-brined chicken are featured in the “On Land” portion of the menu.

He is also proud of the restaurant’s wine list, which includes 40 white and 60 red wines, many not usually available in Fairfield County.

Lewandowski believes in offering various ways to experience the restaurant, including the choice of dining on the patio or waterfront dock or in the dining room, as well as a varied selection of food and drink.

Another venture of Lewandoski’s in Westport is The Clubhouse, an indoor recreational golf center currently under construction at 1620 Post Road East, former site of Pane e Bene restaurant. Lewandowski will be in charge of food and beverages at The Clubhouse.

The Bridge at Saugatuck’s bar and outside spaces feature a casual vibe, he said, noting that commuters are stopping by after leaving the train to relax with a drink while watching a game in the bar.

“We’re excited to be here,” he said.

The Bridge at Saugatuck is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m. It is closed Sundays and Mondays for now.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 29, the restaurant will also serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and reopen for dinner at 5. Brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday, Nov. 9.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit the restaurant’s website or call 203-557-0984.

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Freelance writer Gretchen Webster, a Fairfield County journalist for many years, was editor of the Fairfield Minuteman and has taught journalism at New York and Southern Connecticut State universities.