Best of Summer

Editor's Note

When we began our annual tribute to the Best of the Connecticut Gold Coast four years ago, who knew that it would become so popular? Back in 2005 we worried that, first of all, not enough people would vote to give us valid choices for the Readers’ Picks section, and, second, no one would be around in August to attend our party honoring the winners. We needn’t have been concerned. From the beginning we’ve attracted plenty of attention, and each year the number of participants has grown — to the point where in 2007 we had nearly 2,500 party attendees to taste the food and drinks, enjoy the entertainment, sample the spa services, and take in everything else that makes the event
so much fun.

In this month’s issue, we’re once again bringing you the results of voting that took place earlier in the year, when more than 2,200 readers filled out our online survey. Some of the winners’ names are familiar — for example, the Loft in South Norwalk has won in the Best Martini category for four years running. Others are newcomers to the list.

Our editors then did their part, highlighting some of the people, things and places that help make this part of Fairfield County unique. This year the selection of Editors’ Picks includes a handwriting expert, a veterinarian who has a farm for rescued animals and a memorial to 9/11 that we’ll bet almost no one knows about, to name only a few.

The party is set for Wednesday, August 6, at the Greenwich Hyatt, from 6 to 10 p.m. For more details visit bestoftix.com. It’s a come one, come all event, with part of the proceeds once again benefiting Kids in Crisis in Greenwich. We hope to see you there.

Of course, not all parties have to be extravaganzas. Some of the best take place in our own backyards. There were a lot of moments of nostalgia as I read “Summer Games.” I remember as a child growing up in Maine, spending the hours after dinner in the summer with all the neighborhood kids, playing hide and seek or statue or some other game that we’d invent on the spot. Your exact age didn’t matter — the older kids would bring the younger ones along. Years later I used a lot of these ideas to create the Ryzewicz Olympics, modifying the rules to accommodate everyone from Great-Aunt Dot down to the smallest cousin. It was a wonderful way to entertain relatives for the afternoon.

Rounding out the issue is a story about Katrina Firlik, a neurosurgeon/mom/best-selling author who lives in New Canaan. She is now embarking on a new phase of her career that involves developing ways to enhance thinking. I think you’ll enjoy Steve Sawicki’s interview with this multifaceted — and very talented — woman.

I’ve said before that August is my favorite month — a slower-paced interlude to enjoy before the hectic fall arrives. So kick back while you can. See you in September!