Among the birdhouses to be auctioned tonight at the Project Return birdhouseacution is “Woodland Dreams,” created by Lisa DelGrande Waldo, an award-winning illustrator of children’s books. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Among the birdhouse art offerings at tonight’s Project Return birdhouse auction is the painting, “Flight Home” by artist Linn Cassetta of Westport. Cassetta, former member of the Project Return board of directors, was on hand for today’s Bagels & Birdhouses event prior to tonight’s auction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The New York Times restaurant critic Patricia Brooks gives Westport’s The Cottage in Colonial Green a rare “excellent” rating in this Sunday’s Metropolitan Section (available online here.) She says chef and owner Brian Lewis, former chef and owner of Elm in New Cannan, has produced a top class eatery in space formerly occupied by Le Farm. “While the menu may be a bit showoffish, the food itself, a patchwork of many cultures, is expertly prepared,” she writes. “We didn’t have any disappointments, at either dinner or brunch.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westport’s Project Return, the nonprofit that helps young women in crisis, tonight hosted a preview reception, Meet the Artists, a prelude to the Saturday’s Taking Flight Birdhouse Auction Gala at the Warehouse at FTC, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, from 7 to 11 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Richard and Nina Bentley of Westport pose tonight in front of two Project Return birdhouse sculptures. The pencil on the left was created by Richard and the pencil on the right was created by Richard and Nina’s son, Andrew Bentley. Both sculptures, the father/son team entries to Saturday night’s birdhouse auction, pay homage to artist Dalton M. Ghetti. Richard’s birdhouse is called “Ace Hardware” while Andrew’s is called “Dalton Bentley.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport artist Miggs Burroughs tonight shows off his “Sentinel,” his 21st annual contribution to the Project Return Birdhouse Auction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Susie Basler, the executive director of Westport’s Project Return, who has announced her retirement after 30 years, greeted guests tonight at Meet the Artists, a prelude to Saturday night’s 21st annual Birdhouse Auction Gala. The event, which will honor Basler, is at the Warehouse at FTC, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, from 7 to 11 p.m.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) DAve Matlow for WestportNow.com

Albert Podell, a former Playboy editor, regaled a Westport Center for Senior Activities audience today with tales about spending 50 years visiting every country on Earth. Along the way, he ate mice and live monkey brains, and was almost lynched. He rates each country according to the quality of their toilet paper. He is pictured with his assistant, Samantha Allyson, prior to signing copies of his book, “Around the World in 50 Years.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Bobby Q’s Barbecue & Grill, 42 Main St., closes on Sunday, according to owner Bob LeRose.  Staff member Christopher Dorta said the restaurant will reopen in late May at 11 Merwin St., Norwalk. “The name of the new location has not yet been finalized, but it will remain as Bobby Q’s plus a little twist,” he said. He said the hours for the remaining three days are today until 10 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant has been a Main Street presence since 2004. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Arts Center tonight held a special noir-themed “Drink n’ Draw.” Inspired by the exhibition on view “Noir” (which features the paintings, drawings, and prints by Westport artist Ann Chernow) attendees drew from from a model wearing vintage outfits and striking classic poses. The next “Drink n’ Draw” will be held on Thursday, April 21. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Marina White for WestportNow.com