Off the Ave, Zeste Brings Hamptons Aesthetic to Greenwich

Just off the Ave, at the midpoint between Greenwich Hospital and the YMCA, you’ll find Zeste, a brand new shop that quietly opened its doors in recent days.

Stephanie Finkelstein has opened Zeste at 58A William St, the spot occupied until recently by Pinky.

Pinky has moved around the corner to 71 Church St and Finkelstein has transformed the vacated space where she will specialize in hostess gifts and home décor.

After a soft opening this week, Zeste will be fully open in time for Black Friday, Nov. 27.

“We gut renovated the space and took it down to the studs. The shelves had to be really strong,” Finkelstein said, pointing to a massive shelving lined with pieces of heavy coral, potted orchids, diffusers, stationery and picture frames running the entire length of the store.

Finkelstein, whose father and grandparents are from Greenwich, moved to town to put down roots and raise a three-year-old. She took her time scoping out the perfect off-the-Ave spot for Zeste, and was thrilled the day she spotted the For Rent sign in the window at 58A William Street.

“I eyed this building for so long,” she said, adding that she hit it off with the landlord who has been easy to work with and agreeable to the renovation.

The 300-square-foot shop feels spacious with fresh white paint and updated lighting. With sisal on the floor, displays punctuated with corral and generous moldings at every turn, one has the feel of wandering into a new shop on Jobs Lane.

After running a successful store in Southampton for a decade where big brands were the focus, Zeste will feature artisan brands that are made in America, if not locally.

There focus is on hostess gifts and home décor, with plenty of candles and pantry items.

The store features European artisanal foods from Victoria Amory, who lives in Greenwich, plus gourmet cookies from Savor, and farm-to-table jams and honey from Blue Hill.

There are hand made and engraved cards from The Printery in Oyster Bay.

There are herbal skincare products from Farmaesthetics based in Newport, RI, with 100% natural ingredients that utilize certified organic herbs, flowers, oils and grains from American family farms.

Price-wise, items range from $10 to $250. “We are a great spot for teacher gifts and hostess gifts,” Finkelstein said, pointing to notepads and cute bamboo pens beside a boxed set of bridge cards and score pads, priced at $22.00.

Finkelstein described how in recent weeks as she set up the store displays, customers have wandered in to explore the shop. “They’ve gotten so excited they’ve wanted to purchase the displays for their dinner parties,” she said.

Find Zeste at 58A William Street in Greenwich. Hours 10-6, Monday – Saturday. Tel. (917) 626-4611