O68 Magazine, in partnership with inRidgefield, is thrilled to present to you the results of the 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards. We would like to say thank you to the residents of Ridgefield, Redding, and Wilton, for taking the time to vote for your favorite businesses. We’re also grateful to all the businesses who promoted the Reader’s Choice through their social media and in-store. Voting took place through inRidgefield.com from April 1 through May 31, with readers checking in and voting for their favorite restaurants, shops, and services, and more. InRidgefield is the go-to site to find out about the latest in arts and culture, entertainment, events, shopping, dining and events in Ridgefield and the surrounding towns. They frequently and seasonally update their listings so you will always be in-the-know of what’s happening in our area. The following ten businesses received the most overall votes. Here at 068, we are excited to shine a light on what make our region such an amazing community. You can view a complete list of all the winners in all categories at www.inRidgefield.com/winners
Wiremill Saloon & Barbecue, Georgetown (Barbecue) – featured in our July/August 2022 issue. You can find that story at https://068magazine.com/068-feature-summertime-bbq-foodies/
Complexion Perfection, Wilton (Botox & Fillers) – featured in our May/June 2023 issue. You can find that story at https://068magazine.com/068-is-that-a-thing-new-ways-to-breathe-in-wellness-healing-treatments-that-may-surprise-you-november-december/
Milestone, Georgetown (American)
Bangkok Republic, Wilton (Asian)
Redding Roadhouse, Redding (Brunch)
EcoChic Salon, Wilton (Cut & Style)
In addition to Charlie and Olivia Rabin, who work alongside their mom, Ridgefield Hardware is a dedicated employer of Ridgefield High School’s teens, giving them a chance to develop their work ethic. “A majority of the kids who start working here in high school continue on into college during their breaks,” says Rabin. “There’s always someone there to greet you as soon as you walk in the store, ready to assist you with whatever project you’re working on.”
Originally opened in Copps Hill Plaza in 1984 by Bob and Sally Silbernagel, Books on the Common was sold in 2004 to husband-and-wife team, Darwin Ellis and Ellen Burns. In 2009, the store moved to its current location on Main St. Now closing in on their 40th year, the beloved bookstore is still going strong. “Forty years for any small business is impressive, but in the independent book selling world that’s like forever,” says Burns.
Moving to Main Street definitely increased the foot traffic in the store but Burns and Ellis credit the store’s longevity to the personal touch that they offer. “I think people appreciate the fact that we order books with our customers in mind. Customers can come in and talk about books they’ve read or want to read. You have that sense of community,” says Burns.
Summer is always a busy time for the store – between graduations, Father’s Day, summer reading and of course, their much-loved Where’s Waldo program, which encourages kids (and their parents) to go on a scavenger hunt to locate the infamous striped-jersey-wearing Waldo. Participants can earn coupons to Books on the Common as well as be entered into a drawing for prizes. “It’s such a fun event, which requires no screens or batteries, and brings customers into so many of the downtown businesses, “says Burns.
The aroma that emanates from The Cake Box on Main Street is more than enough to lure customers in. The sheer deliciousness of their products though, is what keeps them coming back. Owned by partners Jordan Gregory and Robert Byrnes, The Cake Box offers a wide selection of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Everything is made from scratch in-house using only the highest quality, often locally sourced ingredients. “One of the biggest things that our customers appreciate is our dedication to being a nut-free bakery,” says Byrnes. The Cake Box also offers gluten-free and vegan products to accommodate other dietary restrictions.
The Cake Box had two locations prior to moving to Main Street. “The increase in foot traffic has been amazing,” says Byrnes. Often, first-time customers become repeat visitors. “We have people come in saying that they had our raspberry lemon cake, and they need to have it again,” he says. Byrnes and his wife appreciate this loyalty and longevity of their customers. “We did the cake for a baby shower for one customer and now her middle-school daughter comes in every week,” says Byrnes. The Cake Box hopes to be a part of celebrations for the 068 area for years to come!
From the sudden dream of two Yale law graduates to one of Main Street’s most bustling areas, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe has quickly become a fan favorite of the community. “I think people appreciate that Deborah Ann’s offers a fun experience for all ages and appreciate our high quality homemade ice cream and chocolates served by a friendly and attentive staff,” says Co-Owner Mike Grissmer. In addition to delicious and original chocolates, which Deborah Ann Backes and Mike Grissmer started making in September 1998, they are also well known for the handmade ice cream that uses fresh dairy from Upstate Farms, a co-operative of family farms in upstate New York that pledge not to treat their cows with rBST growth hormones.
Deborah Ann’s uses local and carefully sourced ingredients, while also partnering with other businesses. Their most recent partnership resulted in an ice cream flavor you’re not likely to find anywhere else to say the least! “We loved working with Southwest Cafe to create a roasted green chili ice cream last month and are always looking for new fun flavors to try!” says Grissmer.
In 2001, Herve Aussavis moved to Ridgefield with his wife and two sons and drew upon his extensive experience in operating French restaurants in New York City to open Luc’s. Tucked in one of Ridgefield’s oldest and most rustic buildings, Luc’s has been giving residents of Fairfield County a taste of Parisian food and flair since.
“I think part of our longevity is that we are like a big family here at Luc’s. A lot of our staff has been here ten years or more and so many of our customer are regulars – some eat here several times a week,” says Emilie Woda, Luc’s Manager. “I feel like people come back because they can rely on what we’re going to deliver.”
Luc’s is committed to consistency – in their menu offerings and the quality of the food they prepare. Everything on the menu is purposeful and made fresh. Top choices include escargot, mussels, rack of lamb, and steak-frites. They are open from 11:00am to 9:30pm and on Wednesday nights, they feature live music to add to the ambiance.
Coming up in July, Luc’s is gearing up for their annual Bastille Day celebrations which includes music, petanque (a French version of bocce), and a crepe truck. “It’s a super fun weekend-long celebration,” says Woda.
Since opening in November of 2014, the 501(c)(3) Prospector Theater and its state-of-the-art 26,000 square foot building not only has some of the most unique theaters and lobby experiences around—complete with the Heads Up Café—but it’s mission of inclusive employment for people with disabilities is impressive. Known as Prospects, approximately 75% of their employees self-identify with a disability. Employees of the Prospector Theater are empowered daily through work and educational film making as well. The Prospect Productions team creates high quality digital content for the Prospector Theater. Prospects working on the Production team learn in-demand trade skills such as storyboarding, filming, editing, sound and lighting design, post-production, audio engineering, photography, graphic design, animation, visual effects, and much more!
Visit prospectortheater.com to view showtimes of first-run movies and see how you can help make a difference.
For the nearly ten years now, Prime Burger has been a family-friendly place that serves up delicious burgers, fries, thick shakes, and so much more – all at a fair value. This casual and retro-inspired restaurant has been “the” place to grab a burger before a movie or after a little league game. Often, it’s the locale for teens to eat and hang out with friends. While mainly known for their burgers, Prime also offers wraps, Philly cheesesteaks, garden salads and lobster rolls.
Originally opened by Ed Bistany, Anthony Valente, and Bob Sperry in 2014, the restaurant recently got a new owner. Palmer Sperry, Bob’s son, took over as owner and manager in January 2023 and will work alongside his father. Palmer has lived in Ridgefield for the past 25 years and has 10 years experience in the food service business. He is passionate about food and about creating the best possible burger. He plans to continue Prime Burger’s reputation for great food but has a few new ideas of his own that he’s bringing to the table. “We’re going to introduce more innovative specials and are planning a fresh remodel,” says Palmer.
Dimitri’s Diner was established in 1994 by Dimitrios Paschalidis, with the goal of bringing a restaurant with a Greek tradition to Ridgefield, right on Prospect Street. “Good service, good food, and clean place; these are the three main things we go by,” said Kostas Mavridis, current owner of Dimitri’s Diner. “I was 25 years old when I came here, and worked with my partner Dimitrios for 15 years. Everyone knew Dimitrios in this town, and he was like a father to me. He passed away two years ago.”
Together, Dimitrios and Kostas created one of the most expansive menus in the area, including not only a familiar American breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but a diverse assortment of Greek, Mexican, Middle Easter, Spanish, Tex-Mex, Mediterranean food specialties, all with plenty of healthy options as well. With such a long history in the area, Ridgefield will always be home. However, Kostas is open to the idea of expansion. “This will always be our main restaurant, but we may be opening another Dimitris in another town in the future, to bring our successful family diner to more people,” he says.
Named after the leader of the Dodge City Gang aka the “baddest cowboy of them all,” Ridgefield’s Hoodoo Brown Barbeque delivers sinfully delicious food. Inspired by a guys’ trip to Austin, Texas, co-owners Cody Sperry and Chris Saxton opened their restaurant in May of 2015. Since then, Hoodoo Brown has been not only a hometown favorite, but was featured on CT Public Television’s Restaurant Road Trip and was also hailed as Connecticut’s best barbeque by Food & Wine Magazine.
Hoodoo Brown likes to call itself “outlaw” barbeque because they take barbeque styles from different regions and make it their own: from salt-and-pepper rubbed Texan-style to the vinegar and mustard sauce usually associated with the Carolinas. Whether you dine in-house or have it catered to your event, all their menu items are family-style and meant to be shared. Favorite dishes include brisket, full-sized spareribs, and their signature skin-on, bone-in cracklin’ pork belly. “The ribs are amazing, they literally fall off the bone,” says Owen Gaydos.
Hoodoo Brown definitely has a loyal customer base. Christine Hruska recently moved out of Ridgefield, but still stops by when she’s passing through town. “Hoodoo Brown’s BBQ nachos with a few “I’m Your Huckleberry lemonades are a guilty pleasure and makes for a great night,” says Hruska.
Another favorite is 850 Degree Wood Fired Pizza that gathers quite a crowd during lunch and late into the night. They offer spacious seating inside as well as a beautiful cobblestone patio with a brand new roof with an automated system that can close for rainy weather. Music can be heard nearly every weekend on the courtyard, and the bar is always a welcoming spot, especially on game days. “We believe 850 is so popular because it really is a local mainstay,” said Beck Bolender, co-owner of 850 Degree Wood Fired Pizza. “The casual dining experience, wonderful food, and our amazing staff has created a place for family gatherings within the heart of the Ridgefield community!”
Recently, 850 Degree has started widening the distribution of their frozen pizzas to be enjoyed at home. Their offerings now include cheese, margherita, pepperoni, and s’mores frozen pizzas and are available at all three Caraluzzi’s locations, The Market at Pound Ridge Square, Walter Stewart’s Market in New Canaan and DeCicco Family Market in Katonah. The restaurant is also under new leadership, who remain committed to the legacy 850 Degrees has created in the area.
“While there is new ownership here at 850, we really are trying to have it remain the same place that the residents of Ridgefield know and love,” said Bolender.
