The Plan reader survey + 3 local recs
Because I love solicited and unsolicited advice.
Morning!
Today I won’t be publishing my Monday “Ask an Expert” column because I did something last week that is hard for me: I decided to let go of the pressure I put on myself and just be present. There is a lot going on right now, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all.
On Saturday, we threw our 8-year-old daughter a movie-making birthday party at our house for a few of her closest friends. She and my husband wrote the script, we borrowed a bunch of costumes, and our much more talented friends helped us shoot and edit this thing into a cinematic masterpiece.
And let me just tell you: It was a proud parent moment. Like, I couldn’t believe we actually pulled this thing off. It was the kind of party she may mention in her 40s when someone asks her: “What was one of the best birthday parties you had as a kid?”
I’m 42 years old and my answer to that question remains the same. It was the party my parents threw me for my 10th birthday, where my friends and I got to make our own driver’s licenses using Polaroid headshots, a typewriter, and clear contact paper. (Yes, the party favor was literally a fake ID. Nothing will ever top it.)
So, in the spirit of taking a step back to reflect, I thought I’d just take a moment to check in with you all. Whether you’ve been here for the last 6 months, or just signed up last week, I want to know what you think so far!
Click here to take my survey; I promise it’ll take just a few minutes:
To thank you for your feedback today, here’s a quick roundup of 3 local things I love.
3 Local Things I’m Loving Right Now
The Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup at Corner Cafe (622 Main St. Ridgefield) »
I was there yesterday afternoon to pick up our lunch to-go and the owner asked me, “So have you tried our soup yet?” I told him: “It’s *literally* the reason we keep coming back here.” I’m a firm believer that every food establishment should have at least one item on the menu like that—something that keeps you coming back again and again. Otherwise, what’s the point? Anyway, this insanely delicious soup is that menu item for me. I can’t quit it.
The Pub at The Playhouse in New Canaan (93 Elm St., New Canaan) »
This is the place right inside the newly-renovated movie theater right on Elm St. It is so well done: The décor, the cocktails, the seating. We stopped in here last month for a date-night drink and were impressed. They’re still figuring out the bar bites situation, but I know they’ll nail it soon. I highly recommend.
The Lewisboro Town Park Playground (1079 NY-35, South Salem) »
Before this playground was fully renovated in 2023, we would typically just head to Ballard Park in Ridgefield or Mead Park in New Canaan to access one of the really good local playgrounds. Today, we’re so lucky to have one right in our backyard. This one is a kid’s paradise. The zip line is the biggest draw for my kids, with the spinny thing coming in close second. There’s such a good vibe there on Friday afternoons after school. Check it out if you haven’t already.
And that’s it. Enjoy the week!
xo,
K