In this episode of Ridgefield Table, A Peek in the Kitchen, host Jillian Fontana sits down with Nadia Blair, the co-owner of Flobees, a roadside food stand on Route 7. Nadia shares the story of how she and her husband Aaron decided to transform a nostalgic building into Flobees, which opened in January 2025. The episode delves into the passion and intentionality behind their menu, offering traditional comfort food with a nostalgic twist like depression burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, unique sauces and drool-worthy desserts. Nadia also discusses their commitment to sustainability and community, emphasizing their efforts to make Flobees a family-friendly destination. Additionally, the episode covers the historical and cultural influences on their dishes and the importance of the building's history to their concept. Don't miss Nadia's insights and behind-the-scenes look at this family-run establishment that's bringing a taste of the South to New England.

Find out what drives the passionate pastry chef and operator of Ross Artisanal Bakery & Café, located in downtown Ridgefield, Ct. Ian Lewis shares his experiences, ranging from the toughest Michelin kitchens to running operations for million dollar accounts. Lucky for us, he landed in our town and is pushing out some stellar dough. Sommelier Jillian Fontana asks some bold questions to find out what really goes on in that magical kitchen.

A brief overview of future episodes of Ridgefield Table: A Peek in the Kitchen

A Journey Through Southwest Café with Owner Barbara Nevins

Join sommelier Jillian Fontana in the debut episode of Ridgefield Table: A Peek in the Kitchen, brought to you by the Ridgefield Theater Barn, as she interviews Barbara Nevins, the owner of Southwest Café. Barbara delves into her 37-year journey of sharing New Mexican cuisine influenced by Pueblo tribes. Explore her passion for food, the popular Hatch Chile Wine Dinner, and the art of wine pairings. Discover the familial relationships fostered in the restaurant, including the American dream story of Barbara's head chef. Learn about Southwest Café’s commitment to community, from organizing AIDS benefits to the Margarita 5K. This episode offers an insider’s view of the café’s culinary delights, vibrant atmosphere, and community engagement.

More About Artist Erin Nazzaro: https://www.instagram.com/erinnazzaro/?hl=en

00:00 Welcome to Ridgefield Table

00:28 Meet Barbara Nevins of Southwest Cafe

01:06 The Challenges of Running a Restaurant

02:39 Exploring New Mexican Cuisine

05:09 The Hatch Chile Wine Dinner

07:28 Pairing Wines with Spicy Food

09:40 Upcoming Wine Dinner Events

09:56 Excitement for the Second Event

10:20 Building a Family-Like Team

11:47 The Chef's Journey

12:53 Art and Ambiance of the Restaurant

14:03 Modeling for R.C. Gorman

16:16 Future Plans for Southwest Café

17:03 Community Involvement and Events

19:15 Conclusion and Farewell