So, once or twice a week, I’ll highlight a few of the places I’d love to see thrive – places where the “corporate office” is behind the counter or in the back room.

The chef/owner of Cook and Craft, Brian Ebzery takes all things culinary very seriously. He tests each and every cook’s tool that comes at him from all quarters, stocking only those in each category he deems the best. As a result, customers are not confronted with fifty different versions of the same thing. Wander in, start looking around, and chances are you’ll get into a 10 minute conversation about topics as diverse as the evolution of the stovetop grill or the best use for stub ends of carrots and potatoes (to avoid grating your fingertips). You’ll find the best wooden citrus reamer ($4), the best sets of candy colored cotton place mats ($14.99 for 4), and the best hostess or wedding gifts; ie. hand-made floral-shaped ceramic “baked brie” dish with carved wooden spoon ($34). “People might think we’re expensive,” said Brian. “But my prices are the same as Bed and Bath’s.”

Trendy boutiques and New-York glam type salons – not to mention the restaurant of the MOMENT, Lolita Cocina (more on that in future posts) – are popping up all over formerly ramshackle,  Byram. Combined with the splash that the Tarry Lodge (right down the street – but over the Byram River, placing it squarely in Port Chester, NY) created when it opened last year, this folksy, quiet section of Greenwich is quiet no more.  One of the more notable and appealing newly-opened shops is Mill Street Home at 227 Mill St. (203) 813-3600.  The three owners have very different tastes and work well together, so while one buys timeless classics, another purchases, say, “Tea Leaf Reading Kits,” ($12).  Mill Street Home promotes the work of local artists  - one exhibiting now whose work will be featured in the New Sex And The City Movie (selling at Nest in NYC for $1,000 per piece.  Here, $850 and less on the artists website, which the store owners generously provide).  There’s an Old English Alphabet 10′X8′ bamboo floor covering perfect for dorm rooms ($200) and lots of candles, soaps and funny greeting cards. “People come in just to read the cards and sit and laugh, “said owner, Christina.  ”We’re kind of like a retail Cheers.”