Beat the Heat: New Canaan’s Cooling Desserts

With the heat ramping up, and more days above 90 degrees forecasted for this summer—the National Weather Service is calling for sunshine and 80-plus-degree temps all week—New Canaan dessert shops such as Baskin Robbins, Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato and Swirl are ready to help locals “beat the heat.” Baskin Robbins on Main Street long has served as a hub for those who want something cold and sweet. Baskin Robbins worker Felisha Swaby told NewCanaanite.com that the most coveted order is the Mint Chocolate Chip Shake. Easy to drink, customers won’t have to worry about this shake melting like conventional ice cream cups and cones, she said. Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato owner Nuccia Mazzonetto hand-makes her gelati and has gained a great reputation among those who know quality New Canaan desserts.

Did You Hear … ?

An entity identifying itself as ‘New Canaan Merritt Apartments LLC’ has filed a lawsuit saying a town man has failed to pay rent on a Park Street unit while subletting it out. The defendant lives on Valley Road and he didn’t pay rent in March or April, then failed to clear out of the unit as instructed, according to a complaint filed April 29 in state Superior Court in Norwalk. According to the New England Real Estate Journal, a limited liability company more than three years ago purchased the 4-building, 34-unit Merritt Apartments in New Canaan. New Canaan Merritt Apartments LLC has dissolved, according to records on file with the Connecticut secretary of the state. ***

The Oak Street homeowner who had applied to the Planning & Zoning Commission for approval to rebuild the multi-family structure there has since pulled that application, Planning & Zoning Commission members said at their most recent meeting.

Future Unclear for Elm Street FroYo Provider Red Mango

The future of one of New Canaan’s three frozen yogurt purveyors is unclear, as a sign in the window says the business was “closed for vacation” last week and it still hasn’t reopened. Red Mango on Elm Street appears to be empty, gutted of its tables, chairs, counter and equipment. One of the franchise’s three owners (there are 200-plus Red Mango outlets nationwide), Mike Hoover of Queens, N.Y.—the other two are in Westchester—could not immediately be reached for comment. The business at 125 Elm St. is a member of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce.

Chocolate-Based Gelato a New Canaan Winter Fave

By Michael Dinan

Here’s something St. Luke’s dad Dr. Jack DiTeodoro never tires of, no matter how cold, snowy or sleety it gets outside: Gelato. And despite the proliferation of cold treats vendors in the area, New Canaan’s own Gelatissimo Artisan on Forest Street (AKA “Restaurant Row”) is his favorite. “It’s the best gelato place in all of Fairfield County—the best I’ve ever had,” DiTeodoro, a Stamford family physician and owner of BillingSquad.com, as well as a lifelong fan of the dessert, told NewCanaanite.com. Gelatissimo owner Nuccia Mazzonetto told us that New Canaan’s favorite flavor tends to change with the seasons.