Stamford, CT - (December 1, 2011) – A notable new addition to Stamford’s dining scene makes its debut this coming May when critically acclaimed New York chef Stephen Lewandowski opens his innovative new restaurant, Harlan Social. Based on the gastropub concept, Harlan Social will combine the convivial atmosphere of a traditional neighborhood pub with a menu of fresh, creative contemporary fare. The restaurant’s location in Harbor Point’s new LockWorks is in the heart of the city’s award-winning, revitalized South End waterfront district.
“Harlan Social adds yet another exciting dimension to Harbor Point’s concept of cosmopolitan living,” said Carl Kuehner III, CEO of Building and Land Technology, the Stamford-based real estate development firm behind Harbor Point’s remarkable ongoing success. “Stephen is a talented chef who will make this unique dining establishment a stand-out centerpiece of the community.”
Stephen Lewandowski’s impressive credentials include serving as Executive Chef for Myriad Restaurant Group and Executive Chef of New York’s downtown landmark restaurant, Tribeca Grill, co-owned by famed restaurateur Drew Nieporent and actor Robert De Niro. Frequently profiled in the media, he has been featured in publications including “The New York Times”, “Bon Appétit”, “Wine Spectator”, “Food & Wine”, and “Where® New York City”, and has appeared on the Food Network, CNN, Good Morning America, Martha Stewart Omni media, Behind the Burner, and Julie & Julia Promotions.
Trained at The Culinary Institute of America, Mr. Lewandowski has travelled all over the world as a celebrated guest chef with Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines, and his experiences abroad have influenced the flavors of his dishes. Having discovered his love of cooking at age twelve, preparing Sunday dinners at home with his father, he is actively involved in The American Institute of Wine & Food’s “Days of Taste”, teaching children about food from farm to table. He also participates in charity events including Taste of the NFL and Citymeals on Wheels.
Mr. Lewandowski describes the essence of his new restaurant, “In a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, Harlan Social will be a lively gathering place for people to socialize and enjoy good food and drink that is intriguing but not intimidating. Guests can view the open kitchen and ‘action station’, and there will be a full-service outdoor dining area. We will also be hosting private parties, neighborhood events, and cooking demonstrations.”
Harlan Social is part of Harbor Point’s Yale & Towne neighborhood, on the historic site of the former Yale Lock Factory. Strategically positioned to serve the community’s residents and business professionals, its location is convenient to Harbor Point’s new residences – The LockWorks and The Lofts at Yale & Towne, Fairway Market – and Class A commercial space including offices, hotels, and retail establishments. Close proximity to downtown Stamford, the waterfront, I-95 and the Stamford Transportation Center, will add to the restaurant’s draw as a dining destination for visitors to the area. As Mr. Kuehner notes, “we are extremely pleased to be welcoming Harlan Social to Harbor Point, and are certain it will become a culinary favorite of Southern Fairfield County.”
About BLT
A second-generation real estate development company, Connecticut-based Building and Land Technology has completed ventures worth more than $3 billion including over 4 million square feet of commercial development and 4,500+ residential units. BLT trophy properties host the headquarters for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Gen Re, GE Commercial Finance, Diageo, GE Real Estate, Xerox, GE Energy Financial Services, XL, Hewitt, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Design Within Reach and Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy. Their numerous office parks, apartment complexes, single-family subdivisions, common interest communities and adaptive reuse projects total in excess of 8,000,000 square feet of development. For more information, visit the website at BLToffice.com.
About Harbor Point
Harbor Point, Stamford’s most dynamic neighborhood, connects the City to its revitalized waterfront and acres of newly developed parks. Home to the unique apartment communities 101 Park Place (www.101parkplace.com ), the Lofts at Yale & Towne (www.ytlofts.com ), and The Lockworks ( www.hplockworks.com ), as well as several projects currently in development, Harbor Point is bustling with nearly 1,000 new residents. Together with their diverse and growing population of residents, Harbor Point has seen an influx of both large and small commercial and retail tenants including Connecticut’s first Fairway Market, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Design within Reach, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy, Go Green Dry Cleaners, Robeks Premium Fruit Smoothies, First Niagara Bank, exhale Spa, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and more. Harbor Point has been awarded LEED Gold Status for leadership in environmentally-friendly neighborhood design. Visit www.harborpt.com to find out more.