District 95/7
Live. Work. Play. Shop. Stay. Sono.
From www.district957.com, “Situated in the heart of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, District 95/7 Sono is being developed on twelve acres of vacant land adjacent to the Norwalk Harbor and historic South Norwalk, at the intersection of Interstate 95 and US Route 7. With a planned total of 1 million square feet of mixed residential, office, retail and hotel space, District 95/7 represents the crucial centerpiece of Norwalk’s resurgence as a regional economic and social hub.
District 95/7 Sono is being developed by Spinnaker Real Estate Partners and Greenfield Partners, who are thoroughly committed to creating an exciting, mixed-use community in the heart of Norwalk. District 95/7 will be a socially vibrant, environmentally mindful, economically sound community. It will offer a distinct collection of beautifully rendered spaces for live, work, play and relaxation that will enhance the health and wellbeing of the community, now and in the future.”
Sweet Rexie’s
According to Fairfield County Weekly, “SoNo is well-known as a hotbed of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It is also, thanks to the efforts of Nanci Lewis, the prime spot in Fairfield County for a candy fix. Sweet Rexie’s, the Washington Street shop that Lewis opened in December 2004, took Best Candy Shop honors for the third consecutive year. Step into the shop, located a jawbreaker’s throw from the Maritime Aquarium, and it’s easy to see why. To the left, you are greeted by a 40 foot wall 200 different types of candy–Mary Janes, Bit O Honeys, Smarties, a veritable Wonka’s worth of sweet treats. To the right, the store is stocked with American Girl clothing and accessories. Lewis, whose has a background working finance and marketing for a couple Fortune 500 companies, opened the store after taking a few years off to be a full-time parent. Her family, which hails from the Waterbury area, has a history of entrepreneurial adventures, and SoNo seemed the perfect place to start a business. “This quaint historic street with stores, it reminded me of a neighborhood in New York City,” she says. “The aquarium was there, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of other options for people with kids, and I thought it would be a good complement to the area.” In keeping with that kid-friendly vibe, Lewis has recently been making Sweet Rexie’s available for birthday parties for up to 15 Atomic Fireball-eaters at a time. Lewis’ favorite candy? Colt’s Bolts, which are like oversized peanut butter cups with almonds, covered in milk chocolate. “I don’t go near them too often,” she says, “because they can be deadly.” Deadly in the most deliriously luscious manner imaginable.”
Winner of “Best Candy Store” according to the 2007 Fairfield County Weekly Best of Reader’s Poll.
2nd place winner of “Best Gift Baskets” according to the 2007 Fairfield County Weekly Best of Reader’s Poll.
Winner of the 2007 Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut Reader’s Pick for “Best Candy Store”
Sweet Rexie’s
136 Washington St.
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 853-2513
SONO Baking Company & Cafe
“The SoNo Baking Company & Café, is the creation of John Barricelli who, had a vision of creating artisan breads, top quality French style pastries, specialty cakes in a homey, inviting Bakery/Café. He has worked in two of the finest kitchens in the area: The Elms Restaurant & Tavern in Ridgefield, CT and at Martha Stewart Living Productions in Westport, CT.
When working for Ms. Stewart, beginning in 1998, John was involved in TV production, developing and testing her show, working with guest chefs and becoming an on-air personality. He often appeared with Ms. Stewart, showcasing his many talents. John also worked as Ms. Stewart’s in-house caterers for a variety of business and social occasions cooking for large groups and serving dinner parties at her various homes.
In 2003, a television version of the Martha Stewart Omnimedia magazine, Everyday Food was being developed. Ms Stewart’s vision for the show was to feature real people who worked as cooks for the company—and also had busy and demanding lives—like most of us! John was among the five chosen for an ensemble cast. Everyday Food went into production, was sold to PBS and can be seen in 80% of the television market nationally.
Today John has realized his dream of owning a Bakery/Café. It is located in popular South Norwalk, CT (known as SoNo) in a renovated 3600 sq ft former warehouse. The open kitchen and bakery provides a view of hearth breads being baked in a deck oven imported from Italy, gorgeous cakes being decorated, and delicate pastries being carefully constructed—all while you dine in a homey, inviting Café which offers a simple, delicious menu.
John and the rest of the staff at the SoNo Bakery Company & Café invite you over to enjoy a bite to eat, our specialty coffees and some of our unusual and imaginative desserts. Afterwards, feel free to explore as much of SoNo as you can. With its refurbished antique buildings, artsy neighborhood galleries, great restaurants and bars, unique shops, the ever popular Maritime Aquarium, delightful Stepping Stones Museum for Children and close proximity to the waterfront, SoNo is definitely a great place to be! ”
Sono Baking Company
101 South Water Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 547-SONO (7666)
Porterhouse
According to Fairfield County Weekly, “Though it’s been open for eight years, Porterhouse has garnered more attention since it underwent a major renovation three years ago after a leak caused water damage to the restaurant. Now the SoNo steakhouse, that’s always been popular with the business crowd, has a softer, warmer vibe and a more open feel. That a bit of bad luck turned into something good seems to be a trend for the restaurateur and his chef/partner, Andrew Howgego, as they pick up the coveted titles of Best Restaurant Overall and Best Wine List in Fairfield County in 2006 (as well as a Second Place in the Best Steakhouse category). All of which is quite a coup, given the top-notch competition in Fairfield County. How they achieved it has everything to do with dry aging all their own beef, a process that takes 10 to 20 days, and then butchering it, which the chef does himself. You’ll also find kangaroo (”it tastes like venison, but gamier”), venison, wild boar and ostrich on the menu, as well as seafood dishes, all cooked with lively spices and sauces that Aussie Howgego has picked up here and there during his well-traveled life. Porterhouse’s wine list is also well-traveled, featuring 350 selections from Australia, France, Spain and the United States, with an emphasis on reds. Every two months or so, Porterhouse offers wine dinners (featuring five wines and six courses), spotlighting a particular winemaker or region.”
LUNCH
All week: 12-4
DINNER
Mon-Thurs 4-10
Fri & Sat 4-11
Sun 4-9
Porterhouse
124 Washington Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 855-0441
Jeff’s Cuisine
“Have a taste for something different??? Tired of fast food? Then try Jeffs Cuisine. Enjoy slow cooked Southern Style cuisine. Unique Flavor Like No Other, These Great Selections are from my Families Recipes over 200 Years Old, Passed Down to my Grand Mother Roxy Bell & my Aunt Daisy Bell To Me, . . . Now, To You . . .” – Chef Jeff
Hours:
Tues – Thurs: 11:30am – 9pm
Fri: 11:30am – 10pm
Sat: 12Noon – 10pm
Sun: 1pm – 8pm
Jeff’s Cuisine
54 North Main Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 852-0041
Caffeine
“Caffeine coffee and chocolate lounge is located in the historic SoNo district of South Norwalk, serving local residents and SoNo visitors fine coffees, tea, light meals, chocolates and dessert in a comfortable livingroom lounge atmosphere. The relaxing interior offers a tranquil oasis to afternoon shoppers, as well as a calm alternative to the evening club goers. The menu and retail displays feature handmade chocolates and specially roasted coffees for enjoyment in the lounge or gift boxed to give to that special someone.
The comfortable and casual interior of Caffeine offers diverse seating and conversation opportunities with scattered sofas, arm chairs, throw pillows, and various coffee and end tables. The wood floor sports assorted oriental and contemporary throw and area rugs. Table lamps, a mixture of chandeliers, even a disco ball over the 70’s corner and a lava lamp provide the subdued lighting. Assorted reading materials are scattered about and the exposed brick walls feature a rotating display of art. Comfortable in your chosen chair? Adore that end table? Can’t live without that lamp? No problem; take them home! All of Caffeine’s decor items are for sale!
Caffeine features specially roasted and blended American and Italian style coffees expertly prepared and served in the café, or also available in whole bean or freshly ground to take with you. Home prepared salads, snacks and desserts, such as a Roasted Chicken, Asiago and Red Pepper Sandwich or Devilish Chocolate Fudge Cake are also available, perfect with our many diverse beverages as a snack, lunch or light dinner. On your way out, be sure to take some of our handmade chocolates home, perhaps the Caramel Pecan Turtles or the Espresso & Irish Creme. . . or both.”
Caffeine
133 Washington Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 857-4224
Pasta Nostra
Come in and experience for yourself what it is that has prompted many of their discriminating customers to proclaim Pasta Nostra to be “the best restaurant in the world”.
3rd place winner of “Best Home-made Pasta” according to the 2007 Fairfield County Weekly Best of Reader’s Poll.
Hours:
Wednesday nights beginning at 6:00.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 5:30.
Dinner only.
Pasta Nostra
116 Washington Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-9700
Chocopologie
Chocopologie is a café and retail store owned by Knipschildt Chocolatier, which gives a behind the scenes look at the process of making handmade chocolates. The interior design is modern and comfortable. Menu items range from chocolate fondues to crepes and salads.
Note that they are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
3rd place winner of “Best Dessert” according to the 2007 Fairfield County Weekly Best of Reader’s Poll.
Winner of the 2007 Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut Reader’s Pick for “Best Chocolate Shop”
Chocopologie
12 South Main Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-4754
Burger Bar and Bistro
“The Burger Bar is unlike any other burger joint. With its cutesy cow covered walls and tables, complimentary Sudoko booklets, and color coordinated chairs and settings, there is a not-so-subtle feminine twist on a traditionally masculine space. But burger enthusiasts need not worry; the 14 oz. double burgers and assortment of toppings and dipping sauces should do the trick.”
Great selection of burgers, hot dogs, and all the toppings and to-die-for mac & cheese. Bonus–they’re open late on the weekend!
3rd place winner of “Best French Fries” according to the 2007 Fairfield County Weekly Best of Reader’s Poll.
Burger Bar
58 North Main Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(20) 853-2037
Visit Burger Bar Website
The Brewhouse Restaurant on Marshall St. is located within walking distance of the Maritime Aquarium, the Crown Theatres and Historic SoNo. The building was originally built in the 1920’s and went under extensive renovations in 1992. The renovations included an addition of a full basement, second story and clocktower. The Brewhouse Restaurant was opened in 1995. One of the best burgers in Fairfield County and an extensive beer selection. BrewhouseBrewhouse
13 Marshall St
South Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 853-9110
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