Business

‘Apple Cart’ Owner Points To Sanitization Efforts As Tuesday Opening at Mead Park Nears

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The owner-operator of a popular gourmet food provider in Mead Park said that although he always looks forward to opening for the season, he’s “very anxious” this year with the presence of COVID-19 in the community. The Apple Cart will open Tuesday at Mead Park Lodge, according to Emad Aziz. “We are hiring a person specifically to walk around all day long and clean up, sanitize tables and chairs,” Aziz told NewCanaanite.com. The Apple Cart is one of several local businesses that’s communicating with customers about on-site safety measures as New Canaan adjusts in the wake of a confirmed case of COVID-19 here. Reported Wednesday by emergency management officials, the presence of the highly contagious virus led to decisions to have New Canaan Public Schools students learn from home for two weeks, as well as the closures until further notice of New Canaan Library, Grace Farms, Lapham Community Center, New Canaan YMCA and the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, among other organizations.

Business

‘Long Time Coming’: Organika Kitchen Opens on Main Street 

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Nearly one year after announcing its plans, vegan and vegetarian foods provider Organika Kitchen officially opened Monday in downtown New Canaan. The eatery, well-established in Southport, soft-opened at 96 Main St. in the morning and welcomed its first customers into the newly remodeled, clean and well-lit space throughout the day. “It’s a long time coming—very long time coming,” said Dimitri Pantzos, a partner in the business who is overseeing the New Canaan location day-to-day. “But we are open now so that’s all that really matters.

Business

FIRST LOOK: ‘Organika Kitchen’ on Main Street To Open in Two Weeks [PHOTOS]

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Vegan and vegetarian foods provider Organika Kitchen offered locals a sneak peek of its offerings Thursday night during the annual Taste of the Town Stroll. Known for its pancakes, mezza plates, smoothies, organic salads and juices, protein and açaí bowls, burgers and pizza, Organika served up pesto pasta salad cups and small cups of its “Super Green Smoothie” (spinach, kale, mango, banana) during the 8th Annual Stroll. It will open in two weeks on a full-time basis, according to Dimitri Pantzos, a partner in the business. “We’re very excited,” Pantzos said outside the new location as visitors gladly took the samples on a clear, cool evening. 

Asked what made Organika want to participate in the Stroll, Pantzos said: “We just want to be part of the town and commerce, and Tucker’s really nice, so why not participate?”

He referred to Tucker Murphy, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce. Items on Organika’s chalkboard menu include Margarita Pizza (tomato sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, topped with extra virgin olive oil and basil—$11), Protein Boost Smoothie (banana, almond butter, cacao powder, cinnamon, rice protein, raw honey and almond milk—$8.50), Beets By OGK Fresh Juice (beet, lemon, ginger, apple, celery—$8.50), Almond Crunch Bowl (banana, blueberries, açai, almond milk, mango, topped with strawberry, banana, granola, almond slices, almond butter and raw honey—$10.50) and Dragon Bomb Smoothie (mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, topped with pineapple, coconut and raw honey—$10). 

The Stroll is a “food-raiser” organized by the Chamber and sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway and Walter Stewart’s Market that brings in donated items for the local Food Pantry as well as eyeglasses and hearings aids for the LIONs Club of New Canaan.

2015 New Canaan Holiday Guide

SNEAK PEEK: ‘Organika Kitchen’ on Main Street To Open This Month

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Organika Kitchen, a vegan and vegetarian foods provider, is less than two weeks from opening its New Canaan store at Main Street and East Avenue, according to an owner of the popular business. Dimitri Pantzos said the 96 Main St. store, formerly Kaahve coffee shop, will include a large “grab-and-go” fridge for people eating on the go, as well a “a full salad bar, hot bar so you can build your own salads and build your own protein bowls.”

“I am really excited,” Pantzos said. “I love meeting new people and every day that I’m here more people are popping in, peeking their head inside. It’s awesome to see everyone.

Business

‘Organika Kitchen’ Eatery Coming To Main Street

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A provider of vegan and vegetarian foods is moving into the recently vacated commercial space at Main Street and East Avenue. Organika Kitchen—which offers pancakes, mezza plates, smoothies, organic salads and juices, protein and açaí bowls, burgers, pizza and more—is on track to open in February, according to Dimitri Pantzos, a partner in the business. The company’s first and highly successful eatery is in Southport and Pantzos said New Canaan was chosen as a second location because “we love small towns.”

“We love the community and families. Our mission is to bring healthy food to families at an affordable price. That is why we don’t take any shortcuts.