The view of Ned Dimes Marina from the building's porch
The view of Ned Dimes Marina from the building’s porch – Photos Ian E. Warburg

WESTPORT – Dozens of Westport Journal readers met at the Ned Dimes Marina building last night to hear about summer in Westport.

“How to enjoy summer in Westport to the max” was the subject of a Westport Journal Live panel discussion last night. The expert panel included Christy Colasurdo, Events and Communications Director at Wakeman Town Farm, David McPherson, founder/owner of Sea Kayak Connecticut and Massimo Tullio, Owner, The Whelk and Don Memo. A representative of Westport’s Parks and Recreation Department was also expected to serve as a panelist, but had to bow out due to a medical condition.

The crowd at Ned Dimes Marina Building - Photo Ian E. Warburg
Some of the crowd at Ned Dimes Marina Building

Ms. Colasurdo announced that the Wakeman Town Farm “Farmers’ Market kicks off the summer season this Saturday. The Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will feature vegetables grown at the farm and bounty from other vendors as well.”

Colasurdo also mentioned two events of note: Wakeman Town Farm will host an Intimate Chefs’ Dinner on July 10 at 7:00 p.m., featuring Chef Brian Lewis, current James Beard award nominee, and owner of The Cottage and OKO. The seasonal menu will celebrate Lewis’ contributions to the local culinary landscape and the bounty of summer in Connecticut.”

On July 31 at 6:30 p.m., WTF will host a Summer Tomato Dinner with Chef Genee Habansky, “who is working closely with our farmer, Dasha Horton, to create a mouthwatering multi-course feast inspired by what is growing in our gardens this July.”

Mr. Tullio talked about how the new patio at Saugatuck Center Plaza “will let us expand our service to better integrate outdoor dining and to better showcase our view of the Saugatuck River.”

Karen Scott, KMS Compass, Speaker Christy Colasurdo, Wakeman Town Farm and Westport resident Paul Liistro
Karen Scott, KMS Compass, Speaker Christy Colasurdo and Westport resident Paul Liistro

Mr. Tullio and Mr. McPherson also talked about the upcoming “Block Party” at Saugatuck Center. On Sunday, June 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., a family-friendly celebration will be held there with live music, small bites and lawn games.

Joe Wiles and his wife Michelle are returning to Westport after a multi-year gap. Mr. Wiles pressed Mr. Tullio on one of The Whelk’s most-adored dishes: “Massimo, do you promise to keep the deviled egg / fried oyster appetizer on the Whelk menu forever?”

Tullio: “Yes, I do.”

Mr. McPherson told the crowd that “paddleboarding is fun. The best way to learn how to paddle is just to come down to the store, rent a board and check it out. If you’re not happy with the experience, we’ll find something else–a kayak or a paddle-kayak–for you to enjoy.”

McPherson added that “the Saugatuck River is an amazing body of water for so many reasons. It is normally quite calm and since all boats on the river are restricted to a maximum speed of five miles per hour and no wake, nothing gets in the way of enjoying your kayaking.

“And, as an architect, I really enjoy the amazing houses and estates you get to see from the river. From shingle-style to very modern, the views are spectacular.”

Excursions into the Long Island Sound are very popular with Sea Kayak’s clients. “Trips to Cockenoe Island and Sprite Island are great ways to discover the archipelago that stretches from the mouth of the Saugatuck west into and past Norwalk.”

Westport Journal publisher Doug Weber flanked by speakers David McPherson (l) and Massimo Tullio (r)

Don Memo
90 Post Road E
Westport
(203) 557-6198
Reservations

Sea Kayak Connecticut
575 Riverside Avenue
Westport
(203) 557-6033
david@seakayakct.com

The Whelk
575 Riverside Avenue
Westport
(203) 557-0902
Reservations

Wakeman Town Farm
134 Cross Highway
Westport
info@wakemantownfarm.org

Westport Journal LIVE is underwritten by the KMS Team at Compass.

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