What a difference today. For those moving here from New York City,Darien now has a vibrant night life owing largely to a bunch of new restaurants that have opened in town.We have so many now that Darien has its own Restaurant Week coming up starting February 6. In 1985 we had no restaurants much less a restaurant week!

Participating Darien restaurants include, Matsuri,Rory’s,Cesco’s,Phil’s Grille,Chuck Steakhouse Scena Wine Bar and the Goose. Also opening that week,will be a brand new place Darien Social on the corner of Tokeneke Road and the Post Road.

Most meals will be three courses and have a pirx fixe of $20.12 to $30.12. Looking for house that weekend?Come up and stay for dinner.

The owners,Also and Barbara set up the most yummy buffet. All the dishes were totally authentic and delicious. Little crispy purses of mushrooms and peppers, fabulous Italian cheeses, homemade gnocchi in red sauce, bruschetta and biscotti still warm from the oven were among the offerings. The full menu contains pastas,and yummy entrees including a special lasagna served in its own little pot. Prices seem reasonable (just like Darien real estate) from $10-$25.

I guess I’ve been a little behind the curve on this one, since nearly all my fellow Realtors had already been to the place,multiple times in fact.

The atmosphere casual and intimate, the lights are dim and there are a limited number of tables so be sure to make a reservation.My favorite trick with new restaurants is to wander in on a Monday evening when they are quiet and you can have the attention of the chef.

I’ve just made a reservation for Friday evening so I’ll give a full report. If my meal is anything approaching the quality of the offerings at the William Pitt party, brava to Cesco’s.

Just one more reason to buy a home in Darien!!

.<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a><a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a><a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/297/1626878/restaurant/Stamford/Cescos-Trattoria-Darien”><img alt=”Cesco’s Trattoria on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1626878/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;width:200px;height:146px” /></a>

Rowayton,CT , Seaside Village on the CT Gold Coast

Rowayton is a shore town,and homes are located close together in a charming mix of old, seaside houses and grander, waterfront manses. Pricing is similar to that of Darien and of course, water views carry a premium. Also in the spirit of full disclosure, taxes in Norwalk are higher than here in Darien but for many the feel of the place more than offsets the cost. William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty has produced a nice video on Rowayton real estate and I offer it here for you to consider.As always to see what’s on the market in Rowayton contact me here via the blog or at my email , kmbrewer2@aol.com.

http://media.onlinewalkthru.com/index.php?pid=135&cid=24&eid=366&mid=410&username=wpittsir&password=wpittsir

However,recently there has been a rash of burglaries that have left residents unnerved. Now,in the spirit of full disclosure there has always been the odd burglary but mostly crimes of opportunity, i.e unlocked cars and homes. Now though, there have been four or five” break ins” that seem to have been committed by professionals.

Of all things, these people enter  homes by breaking through a wall or even removing parts of a roof and “dropping in”, as it were. Presumably this is to circumvent alarm systems and break directly into master bedrooms or areas that don’t contain motion sensors. Pretty slick. No one has been harmed or to my knowledge even at home when these crimes occur which leads one to believe these are experienced criminals who “case the joint”. (too much Law and Order,sorry)

That said, this is among the worst things that has happened here in recent memory and I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky.After all,it’s just stuff.

As far as the storms impact on the real estate market,its safe to say it has basically brought things to a crawl. The Darien MLS has no power but is operating out of a nearby office. New listings are negligible.Closings seem to be going forward but water in basements has hampered some efforts to close deals.

There are lots of people stranded,but thankfully no one hurt.

Lately however, the news is more disturbing. While Darien is by no means a high crime town,there has been a rash of recent burglaries and break-ins. Until now,the incidents have been comprised of car break ins whereby burglars stole  electronics and cash left in unlocked vehicles. Even this seemed harmless to me since it appeared to be a crime of opportunity rather than intent.

Today however there was a report of a forcible break-in.Burglars climbed on top of a home and punched a hole in the roof. Thank heavens no one has been hurt in any of these events but it strikes me as a disturbing trend in these parts. I won’t be strapping on my six guns just yet but this is very of of the ordinary for Darien. Just sayin..

Call Karen Brewer, right away!

I was chatting with a colleague last night and we were discussing the current state of the real estate market in general and how it has been transformed by the Internet.It has by and large, been a great thing for buyers and sellers alike and offers information in ways no one dreamed of just a few years ago. Pictures,videos,town statistics- all at the click of a button. But there are some things the Internet can’t supply.At the end of the day, there is no photograph or chart that can offer you the information and insight of a “boots on the ground” Realtor. For example,

1.Is that adorable house on the Internet located mere steps from the interstate? Will your windows rattle in the night because it’s in the flight path of almost every plane leaving LaGaurdia.

2.Is the home located on a  preferred street for resale?

3. How close is the house to the street or will you need a electrified fence to protect your kids from traffic.

4. How do the schools differ? Really.

5. How’s the commute? Really.

6. Are taxes going up? When?

7.How long is the wait for a Metro North parking pass? Really.

8 .How crowded are the beaches? Really.

9. Why do so many homes have sump pumps?

10. How do you get your kid into nursery school? Really.

11.How many people send their children to private school? Why?

12. Are there entire neighborhoods that flood? Really.

13 .What ARE wetlands anyway?

14. What is the crime rate? Really.

The Internet, for all its advantages cant offer CONTEXT. It won’t show you whether the railroad tracks run through your yard or tell you who your neighbors are.It can’t take you under its wing and make sure you don’t make a mistake,overpay for a house, or reveal insights into the history of a home. It can’t reliably refer you to mortgage professionals, help you get your lawn mowed or answer questions when you run into it in the supermarket.  And that’s what Realtors are for.  Really.