A distinctive new bistro-style restaurant opens in Westport. Inspired by the french roots of their four Aux Délices specialty food shops found throughout Fairfield County, owners Debra Ponzek and Greg Addonizio launched a traditional french bistro with a modern, distinctive flair in Westport. Now, in addition to the counter-service breakfast and lunch offered in the store during the day, Aux Délices Bistro offers full waiter-service dinner Tuesday through Saturday in an intimate dining room and outdoor patio.
“Since leaving my west coast restaurant, I have wanted to launch a new restaurant. Deb and I are thrilled to be opening a neighborhood bistro that offers great bistro food and wine and that extends our relationship with the community into the night.” said Greg Addonizio, Aux Délices’ co-owner .
Aux Délices Bistro is conveniently located just north of exit 18 on Interstate 95, the same location as the old Arcudi’s Restaurant. The space is completely renovated and transformed into a casual, comfortable space sure to remind you of classic french bistros – with banquets lining the walls and small tables where intimate conversations are enjoyed. The recycled barn-wood walls, reminiscent of an old french farmhouse, and the velvet drapes are comfortable and inviting. Butcher-paper tablecloths and copper sconces give Aux Délices Bistro a contemporary feel.
Chef Lisa Varnberg pulls from traditional training at the French Culinary Institute and her past experience at Miramar and Barcelona to create an eclectic menu that mixes savory, traditional bistro food including standards such as Steak Frites as well as distinctive, modern dishes like the Moroccan Tuna Tartar. A children’s menu is also available making Aux Délices Bistro a much-needed dinner destination for families.
Aux Délices Bistro is open Tuesday through Thursday 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Parking is available.
Owners Greg Addonizio and Debra Ponzek opened the first Aux Délices shop in Riverside, CT in 1995. The opening was warmly welcomed by a clientele seeking finely crafted specialty foods and freshly baked desserts.
Following the success of the Riverside store, a second location in downtown Greenwich was established in 1999 and in 2003 a large commercial kitchen in Stamford was opened, followed by a Darien shop in 2004, and the Westport store in 2012.
All three shops offer Chef Ponzek’s culinary creations, company-branded prepared foods and a unique collection of specialty foods. Imported items from France, Spain and Italy, as well as locally produced items line the shelves.
Aux Délices also offers full-service catering and event planning to their growing clientele in surrounding towns. Aux Délices caters to all types and sizes of events, ranging from children’s birthday parties and informal get-togethers to large weddings and fundraisers, serving as many as 600 guests.
Both hands-on and demonstration cooking classes are offered at the Stamford location for adults, children, corporate functions and parties
Debra Ponzek is an internationally-acclaimed chef who, prior to opening Aux Délices, was Executive Chef at New York City’s Montrachet Restaurant and credited with a seven-year run of three-star status. Greg Addonizio also attended the Culinary Institute of America, and owned several successful restaurants in California and Connecticut before opening Aux Délices.
Chef Ponzek has also published three cookbooks: French Food, American Accent; The Summer House Cookbook; and 2006’s Family Kitchen.
