On Our Radar

Girl Talk

The lines in front of the Stamford Media Center are about to get longer with the September premiere of Trisha Goddard, a one-hour weekday talk show covering issues important to women. Trisha, a conflict-resolution expert, joins daytime hosts Jerry Springer, Maury Povich and Steve Wilkos. Check your local listings!

Coffee-licious

Finally! Our very own café with beans not overroasted in Seattle. Lorca, soon to open on Bedford Street, is sure to become your go-to for daily joe, or espresso, latte, cappuccino, single-origin pourover, whatever brew you love. Something sweet to go with that? Try the donuts or Spanish churros with chocolate dipping sauces. Perfect for the post bar-hopping crowd. Rumor has it the sweet menu will be expanded.

Haute Chocolate

We hear that chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt will open a Chocopologie branch any day now right on Main Street in Stamford. But unlike its sister in South Norwalk, the Columbus Park location will focus on retail offerings featuring chocolates (of course!), desserts and dee-lish beverages. Already craving!

Bling on Bedford

Looking to make it official? Check out Russ Hollander’s new retail location on Bedford Street, about to open very soon. As a master goldsmith, Russ, with his able hands, manufactures the pieces you will see here, made in 18k gold and platinum. You’ll feel good about your purchase too; he uses fair-trade, custom-cut gemstones, South Sea and Tahitian pearls, plus diamonds designated conflict-free. Inherited that ring you’ve been eyeing since you were a kid? Russ also offers repair, redesign and remount services. Mark you calendars! Russ promises a grand opening during Stamford Downtown’s Arts & Crafts fair.

Book Nook

Where is Dr. Seuss when you need him? Well, soon (if not already) he’ll be sharing shelf space at the expanded Stamford Toys.

Ever since Borders shuttered its High Ridge Road outpost last year, Stamford Toys owner Nick Tarzia has been inundated with requests to add kid-approved reads to his inventory of crafts, games and unique playthings. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t get asked for books,” he says.

Say hello to Goodnight Moon! When Stamford Toys’ former High Ridge Road neighbor moved out earlier this year, Nick leased the adjacent 2,000 square-feet space to make room for some of the kid-approved classics his customers were demanding. “I like to fill voids,” says Nick. “Years ago, when the Imaginarium closed [in the High Ridge Shopping Center], I added some toys to my stationery store and my customers loved it. Ever since then, I’ve realized it pays to be community- and convenience-minded and to fill the needs of your customers.”

Besides cute and durable board-style books for the infant-toddler set, Nick’s been stocking up on tried-and-true titles by Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein and more. Nick’s also keen on discovering and supporting the books of local children’s authors. “Most of all, I want books that are endearing and timeless. The things you read as a kid or that someone read to you.”  — Beth Cooney