Rachael Mahoney has her hands full between launching Kinney Lane, a prepared foods delivery service and juggling life as a mom to a 15-month-old. Rachael took some time off from her busy schedule to talk to Suburbs 101 about moving to Old Greenwich, CT and loving life in Old Greenwich.
Describe your journey to Greenwich
After about ten years of living in the city, my husband and I felt we were outgrowing our NYC apartment. When we started thinking about having kids we knew it was time to find a bigger spot where we could raise a family and ultimately decided upon the suburbs. We looked at some other towns in Westchester like Rye, Larchmont, and Bronxville. We are both from Connecticut and felt much more connected to Greenwich so it became an easy to decision to move here when we found our home.
You live in Old Greenwich. Why did you decide to move to Old Greenwich? What do you love about Old Greenwich?
We felt an immediate sense of community in Old Greenwich and loved the idea of being close to the water. We spend a lot of time at Tod’s Point throughout all the seasons. (We have a dog and love bringing him in the winter.) I was pregnant when we bought our home; so belonging to a community with lots of kids around was a big draw.
When you moved to Old Greenwich, did you know anyone? How did you make friends?
We knew handful of people. I actually started a small “New Moms” group where we set up play dates with our new babies. I think the best way to meet new people is just to stay engaged with the community as much as possible. We met most of our friends through our son.
Can you describe your social life?
With a new business and a 15-month old son, our social life is usually centered around our son and work events during the week. We make sure to keep our calendar filled with friends as much as possible on the weekends. Being a chef, I love entertaining! We have a lot of parties in our backyard. (Making friends is easier with food)
How would you describe Greenwich residents?
Greenwich residents are engaging, welcoming and family-focused. A major reason we moved to Greenwich is because of how many families live here. Greenwich residents all have similar interests in common: setting our families up for success and giving our kids the best education possible in a community that strives for excellence.
What do you like to do with Finn in the area?
Finn is 15-months old. We are finally at the age and time of the year (it was a long winter) where we can regularly get him out of the house. Our weekends are full of birthday parties, trips to the Aquarium, Stepping Stones, and walks at Tod’s Point and various parks in the area. We bought a backpack that he sits in while we walk him around and he LOVES it.
What are your favorite restaurants in Greenwich or in the area?
Lugano is my favorite local go-to spot in Old Greenwich. I love the staff, their food and their cocktails. I lived off of their Stracciatella cheese when I was pregnant. I also love Back40 Kitchen, we try to go at least once a month. Little Pub is perfect for a quick in and out family lunch or early dinner. Our new favorite is actually in Norwalk: Tavern on GrayBarns.
What are your go-to places in Greenwich or in the area?
Sweat Pea for breakfast, Tod’s Point for walks. We also love taking our dog to the North Mianus Park. Fjord Fish Market has the best sushi. We have a Friday tradition: I take the night off from cooking and we get sushi and fish to grill at Fjord.
What are some things you don’t like about Greenwich?
There are very few things I dislike about Greenwich. If I had to choose it would be the lack of healthy food options; which is one of the reasons I started my business.
What has your experience been with schools in the area?
Our baby isn’t in school yet but we moved to Greenwich partly in consideration of the education options. We are getting ready to look for a twos-program in Old Greenwich though. From what I hear it’s much easier process than it would have been had we stayed in New York – another big reason why we moved.
Do you or your spouse commute to the city? What has your experience been with the commute?
I run my business out of my commercial kitchen in Stamford and my office in Old Greenwich so luckily I don’t have to commute. My husband does commute to CNN in Hudson Yards from Old Greenwich to NYC. Two years later: he is still waiting for a parking spot!
Any tips/advice you wished someone had told you when you were looking to move to the suburbs?
I would advise people who are looking to move into the burbs to seek out their community. In the city, there is so much going on all the time that you don’t need to put in a ton of effort. Find your tribe and lean into it, I’ve found people are actually more open for friendships in the suburbs than they are in the city.
Tell me more about Kinney Lane?
Kinney Lane is a prepared foods delivery service designed to provide healthy meals for busy moms and professionals. The menu is comprised of healthy, organic ingredients and comes in packages designed to just stick in the oven -so all my customers have to do is heat and eat. The menu changes every week so that the food doesn’t get boring. I want to bring health to people’s doors and make it easy as possible for people to feel good about their food choices.
About Rachael Mahoney
Rachael is a classically trained chef and health enthusiast. She worked in digital ad sales for 12 years while also attending culinary school at the French Culinary Institute in NYC and catering on the side. She now owns Kinney Lane an organic prepared foods service. Website: Kinney Lane Instagram: @KinneyLaneFoods
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About Suburbs 101
Suburbs 101 is an online lifestyle guide for the New York Suburbs of Westchester County, Long Island, Fairfield County and Northern New Jersey. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in the New York suburbs through our weekly interviews with local suburbanites and features on Food, Fashion, Home, Travel, and Local Events. Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook and subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter.