Restaurant Scene Explodes @ Stamford's Harbor Point

Lou Gorfain

Hard to believe, but spring beckons.  It’s just a few days away. And along with hyacinths and daffodils, a number of new eateries will soon be blossoming at Stamford's Harbor Point -- just in time for those hazey lazey dayz.  (Yes Virginia, there is a Summer)  

At the spectacular 6000 square foot Glass Garden on the waterfront, Aaron Sanchez is now shooting for a Cinco de Mayo opening for his new latin themed resto.   As CTBites first reported last year, Sanchez will be working his spanish sorcery in a sexy, high end dining, cocktail and wine lounge space.  But there's a name change:  “Alegre”  has become “Poloma.”

According to Jon Sabrowski, Harbor Point's Leasing Director, a bouquet of other new eateries are targeting a Memorial Day opening.   Among them is an American grill from South End Hospitality, whose pedigree includes Black Bear, Darien Social, Bobby Q's and McFadden’s. The tap house will feature a rooftop bar, offering a panoramic view of the harbor and the Sound beyond.  (Yes Virginia, there are sea breezes.)  The restaurant faces the 22 story twin towered apartment complex currently under construction  (We can report that the 242 unit complex will not be the hotel-condo once envisioned.)

Also new to Harbor Point is Top This, a casual yogurt, breakfast and sandwich shop formerly located in downtown Stamford.  The cafe will offer a light, healthy cuisine that should appeal to the clientele of Exhale Fitness Spa next door and the millennials and gen-xers now living, working and playing at Harbor Point. They will also serve gourmet coffee, the first neighborhood caffeinerie in Harbor Point

And what’s a neighborhood without a corner deli?   Corbo’s -- a new delicatessen and sandwich shop --also plans an early summer opening. Conceived by David Corbo and Tommaso Grasso, owners of the highly regarded Golden View Firenze in Greenwich, the shop will offer authentic Italian cheeses, meats, and sandwiches. Grasso, a legendary chef and connoisseur from Florence recently moved to Connecticut and has teamed up with Corbo in a number of culinary ventures in southwestern Connecticut.  They consider Harbor Point a foodie hotspot.

Remember Eclisse, the family-style Italian restaurant that has been a fixture on Canal Street for over twenty years?  Well hush, hush. It’s undergoing a secret makeover,  Goodbye cucina.   Hello churrascaria. “Eclisse” is becoming “Tango,” an Argentine Steakhouse.  Though management remains guarded about the transformation, we expect Gauchos to soon stride the room, brandishing juicy, charred hunks of meat skewered on gleaming swords. “We’ll still have Italian,” an insider whispered to us. So, will it be Steak Florintine or Argintine? 

With the demise of Eclisse, Harbor Point will be without an outstanding Italian restaurant, and Sabrowski may be close to signing a major player.  He also continues to fish for a leading seafooder to occupy an open waterfront pad site.

CTBites earlier reported that Bareburger, the widely acclaimed micro chain of organic and natural burgers, would open an emporium at Harbor Point.  We understand that progress has been rather desultory, so it may not be until late summer when they finally open their Stamford doors.  

Of course, the Beer Garden, which was Stamford’s hottest drinking scene last summer, has been replaced by Paloma.  But as we first reported, World of Beer has stepped in across the street to take its place. Pouring selected and seasonal craft brews from around the globe, this national franchise will offer one of the widest selections of suds and spirits in Connecticut.  WOB is built out, permitted, and hiring, so expect a Grand Opening in days. (Yes, Virginia, you might spot the very first Bud of spring.)    

To bring Downtown and the South End closer,  Harbor Point is now providing a free 4 bus trolley service linking the South End, the Transportation Center, and Downtown.  http://stamford-downtown.com/getting-around/harbor-point-trolley/