Sun-kissed afternoons, late dinners al fresco, the sound of gentle waves crashing upon the shore—summer’s most cherished activities are in full swing. Whether it’s finding out where to score the juiciest burger, find the trendiest sandals, sign up for the newest, must-try workout, or hear some live music, most of us rely on a handful of extremely dialed in local content creators who scour the county for the latest and greatest. From online blogs to community websites to social feeds, we are grateful to these trend setting, tastemakers who have their finger on the pulse on what’s hot. Since summer is a time to kick back and relax, we checked in with these in-the-know creators and asked them to spill the tea…
Stephanie Webster, CTbites.com
Stephanie Webster started her career as a self-described “eater”, photography editor, and digital strategist whose passion for food began as a kid. Her family travelled extensively, where Stephanie was exposed to flavor profiles from all over the world. “Eating was always an adventure” says Stephanie.
Stephanie launched CTbites.com in July 2009, as a culmination of her experience with creative concept development, branding, and art direction. “I like to think that we are advocates for the restaurant industry,” says Stephanie. “We worked to found ‘Food For Behind The Lines,’ a philanthropic organization created to feed and support unemployed restaurant workers, as well as ‘Food For The Front Lines’ which provided income to local restaurants while feeding our healthcare workers during the pandemic.”
CT Bites was created with the intention to seek out the very best (not necessarily fancy) eats in Fairfield County, and years later, as the site grew, expanded to include every corner of Connecticut. “We are here to support the CT restaurant industry, by shining a light on local chefs, restaurants, farmers, bakers, and artisans in the CT culinary scene,” says Stephanie. Her quest to find great food in Connecticut is ongoing and all consuming.
TOP 5 CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT SUMMER STAPLES:
My camera. A bikini that makes you feel hot. A solid charcuterie board. Tequila. My husband.
MOST EXCITING SUMMER SPOT I RECENTLY SHARED:
Chef Emily Mingrone’s new Fair Haven Oyster Co on the water in New Haven. Worth a road trip.
ON A SUMMER DAY, YOU CAN FIND ME:
Photographing food on a patio…possibly eating and drinking whatever still looks edible post shoot.
FAVORITE FAIRFIELD HIDDEN GEM:
Lovebird! Great for grab n go “healthy’ gluten-free fried chicken and sides perfect for the beach!
FAVORITE SUMMER ADVENTURE:
We go to the North Fork every summer, and always eat at Duryea’s. Jump on the New London Ferry and you’re right there. It’s heaven. The Lobster Salad is epic…also beautiful Greek wines.
SUMMER UNIFORM:
Sundress, wedge sandals, very short shorts … all vintage.
SUMMER CONCERT WISHLIST:
Heading to Lalapalooza in July
FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING IN FAIRFIELD:
Barcelona
SUMMER GUILTY PLEASURE:
Cocktailing in the afternoon
Sherri Bartley Rivera & Jean Rossi Wergeles, Fairfield County Lifestyle
Started by Sherri Bartley and Jean Rossi Wergeles during the pandemic, FCL focuses on positivity, health, wellness and lifestyle. “We love when we make a small difference in the community such as showering a deserving family with holiday gifts or sending a shipment of clothes to displaced residents,” says Sherri. “And of course, we could not do these kind acts if it weren’t for the generosity of local businesses,” adds Jean.
Using their writing backgrounds and love for all things local, the almost-empty-nester friends with day jobs (Sherri is VP of Sales at Bartley Manufacturing and Jean works in cause related marketing for Jammin Hammer Jewelry and Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement), always talked about working together. “When we noticed some of our favorite small businesses closing, we wanted to encourage people to shop local and shop small,” says Jean. “These are the same businesses that donate to fundraisers, support our kids’ sports teams and make up the fabric of our community.”
TOP 5 CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT SUMMER STAPLES:
Sherri: Blowout at HSalon, facial at Veda Healing Spa, summer dress from Traveling Chic Boutique, Green Dream at Organic Krush, and fresh veggies from Sport Hill Farm.
Jean: Wine, good friends, sunscreen, chick-lit books and flip-flops.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT FAIRFIELD IN THE SUMMER:
S&J: The beaches!
FAVORITE FAIRFIELD HIDDEN GEM:
S: Walking at the CT Audobon Birdcraft Museum and the Par 3 Golf Course.
J: Sitting outside at Harborview Market eating their delicious cookies and listening to live music.
ULTIMATE SUMMER MEAL:
S: Seared Salmon Teriyaki and a salted marg at Malibu Taco.
J: “Lobstah” roll (what else?) at Lobstercraft.
SUMMER BOOK I’M LOVING:
S: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (Jean read it first!)
J: Jane Green’s Sister Stardust
SUMMER GUILTY PLEASURE:
S: Dairy Queen mint Oreo Blizzard
J: Dave’s Paleta at the beach with a fun book!
Ria Rueda, TheBuzzCT
California raised and Connecticut based, Ria Rueda started TheBuzzCT on Instagram during the height of the pandemic in August 2020. A strong believer in supporting and shopping local whenever possible, Ria decided to share her CT-based business finds on Instagram, and as they say, the rest is history.
Ria loves sharing her discoveries—everything from fashion and beauty to hospitality and wellness, but what she loves most is having “real” conversations. “I think it's important to show my audience that life isn't always pretty so I express my vulnerabilities with the hope to make others feel that they are not alone,” says Ria.
With a successful 25-year career in public relations and events, Ria affectionately refers to TheBuzzCT as her side hustle which compliments her day job as Brand Ambassador for Aitoro and Monogram Luxury Appliances, perfectly.
WHEN I THINK OF SUMMER, THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND:
The smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of crickets, dinners on the beach, dining al fresco, watermelon, and farmer’s markets.
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SUMMER EVENING:
Getting a few friends together to enjoy dinner on the beach complete with candles when it gets dark.
TOP 5 CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT SUMMER STAPLES:
SuperGoop Glow Sunscreen, wide brim hat, a great tan, a refreshing drink, and Kopari Shimmer Body Oil
MOST EXCITING SUMMER SPOT I RECENTLY SHARED WITH MY AUDIENCE:
Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina
FAVORITE FAIRFIELD HIDDEN GEM:
The Green Next Door next to Southport Yacht Club that overlooks the water.
ULTIMATE SUMMER MEAL:
Sashimi, sliced heirloom tomatoes sprinkled with salt, and roasted veggie salad.
GO-TO SUMMER DRINK:
Any cocktail with watermelon.
SUMMER UNIFORM:
A mini, midi or maxi summer dress.
FAVORITE OUTDOOD DINING IN FAIRFIELD:
Barcelona
SUMMER GUILTY PLEASURE:
Afternoon naps
SUMMER MANTRA:
Everyone should believe in something. I believe I should go to the beach.
Jen Telford & Blair Church, CT SPRINKLES
When CT natives, Jen Telford and Blair Church, met at Eastern Connecticut State University twelve years ago, they had no idea they’d later give birth to CT Sprinkles. Since the two were always dining out, their friends were constantly asking for restaurant recommendations. So, the food-loving friends started an Instagram page posting their food adventures in CT. The addition of “sprinkles” is a tribute to their joint love of all things sweet, especially rainbow sprinkles!
Launched in January 2020, just two months after the world shut down, the pair quickly pivoted. “We were able to use our platform to promote and support local restaurants offering curbside pickup and family meals during Covid,” says Jen. “Now that we are able to dine in restaurants again, we go out to eat as much as possible,” adds Blair. Although their primary focus is food, they have recently started highlighting other local businesses they love like GlowBar and SkinLab.
CT Sprinkles is purely a creative outlet—Jen is a teacher and Blair is an occupational therapist. Over 10,000 followers later, this dynamic duo loves trying new restaurants and connecting with new people. “It’s the best feeling when a follower tried something we recommended and loved it!” adds Jen.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT FAIRFIELD IN THE SUMMER:
The beaches! We love getting take-out and bringing dinner to the beach.
MOST EXCITING SUMMER SPOT YOU RECENTLY SHARED WITH YOUR AUDIENCE:
Cisco Brewers at The Village in Stamford.
FAVORITE SUMMER ADVENTURE:
Our annual trip to Block Island.
ULTIMATE SUMMER MEAL:
Oysters, rose, and lobster rolls with French fries.
FAVORITE WAY TO COOL OFF:
Froyo (We have a slight obsession with 16 Handles!)
GO-TO SUMMER DRINK:
Aperol Spritz
FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING IN FAIRFIELD:
Artisan
FAVORITE SUNSCREEN:
SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen
SUMMER GUILTY PLEASURE:
Ice cream…every evening.
