Around Town

New Canaan Chamber Awards Set for Sept. 25 [Q&A]

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The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce is re-launching its annual awards for local businesses. 

The 2024 New Canaan Chamber Awards will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 on the Anderson Terrace at New Canaan Library. We put some questions to the organization’s executive director, Laura Budd, ahead of the gathering, which features lite bites, appetizers and wine provided by Craftbottlz and Walter Stewart’s Market ($35 tickets here). Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: What went into the Chamber of Commerce’s decision to relaunch the Awards?

Business

‘The Beach Corner’ Seeks New, Expanded Space in Town After 30 Years at Main and East

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A New Canaan business has temporarily closed its doors after 30 years downtown as it finds new, expanded space here. The Beach Corner, a family-owned retailer specializing in women’s swimwear, matching accessories and cruise wear, opened in 1994 at the corner of Main Street and East Avenue. This month, according to Kim Ribeiro—an owner of the business along with her mom, Marcia Chludzinski, and sister, Margo Bogdanski—The Beach Corner shut its doors following discussions with the building’s landlord. It’s the right time to relocate within New Canaan and expand because “it’s not the busy season right now,” Ribeiro said. “We did look at some space in Westport, and that’s a nice change and it would bring new clientele, but I don’t want to lose my New Canaan clientele—they’ve been so amazing to me for 30 years and I know they’ll miss us if we leave,” Ribeiro said.

Business

‘Yoga Utopia’ To Open Monday on East Avenue

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A new yoga studio is set to open Monday in downtown New Canaan. Yoga Utopia (here on Instagram) at 33 East Ave. is a “holistic, self care wellness studio,” owner Lena Booth told NewCanaanite.com. 

“It is an inclusive place for all to go and enjoy the practice of yoga,” Booth said in an email. “The studio also includes classes in guided meditation, mat pilates, moon circles, sound baths, reiki, body massage, drumming, healing circles, gentle stretch and more.”

The space on East Avenue had been occupied previously by Posh, a high-end consignment shop. In New Canaan, Yoga Utopia joins a handful of popular yoga and wellness studios including Sama Yoga on Grove Street, Kaia Yoga on Park Street and Forme Barre Fitness on Elm Street.

Business

‘The Waveny’ Restaurant Planned for Pine Street

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The owners of the hugely popular Spiga restaurant in New Canaan are planning to open a new eatery on Pine Street. The Waveny Polo Bar & Grill—featuring “new American cuisine,” according to promotional materials, including “small plates, salads, steaks, chops, fowl, burgers, seafood, great wine, craft cocktails and more”—is going at 36 Pine St., former location of The South End. Plans filed with the New Canaan Building Department call for a “renovation to the existing restaurant space including the exterior facade and patio area.” A letter of authorization from the property’s owner identifies Pine Hospitality as the new operator. According to Connecticut Secretary of the State records, Pine Hospitality’s principals include Dan Camporeale and Gennaro and Alex Racanelli, who also are owners of Spiga (the Main Street restaurant opened eight years ago). Reached by phone, a Spiga owner confirmed plans for a new restaurant at 36 Pine St.

Business

‘I Like This Town’: ’Curry Mango’ Indian Restaurant Opens on South Avenue

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After a year in construction, new Indian restaurant Curry Mango has officially opened on South Avenue, occupying the space where Mackenzie’s once stood. 

With a wide range of authentic Indian cuisine to offer, from classic dishes such as curry to more exotic options, Curry Mango’s menu will likely have something for any hungry customer entering its doors. Like its titular spice, the restaurant’s interior boasts a unique orange color scheme, accented by a long photographic mural featuring motifs of Indian culture. Curry Mango’s most popular dishes currently are their chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and masala dosas, the restaurant’s owner said. When asked if they had a signature menu item, owner Renjith Francis named the chicken chettinad, a roasted chicken dish served with black pepper sauce. For those looking to get a deal on their lunch break, Curry Mango has them covered with their lunch specials, which are available from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM seven days a week.