This week was a mix of comforting home cooking, indulgent Italian dining, and a big family Sunday supper inspired by the lemons of Amalfi. From smoky salmon to perfect pasta, the menu was one of my favorites this summer.
Home Cooking Highlights
The kitchen was busy early in the week, starting with smoked salmon in pecan wood brushed with Mike’s Hot Honey and paprika, soaked in fresh lime juice. On the side: mashed sweet potatoes with paprika, butter, milk, and more Mike’s Hot Honey, plus sautéed asparagus topped with Parmigiano Reggiano.
Midweek brought a Giadzy gluten-free rigatoni dish with hot Italian sausage and broccoli, all tossed in a luscious white wine, butter, garlic, and bone broth sauce. Comforting yet elegant.
For something a bit more casual, I made blackened chicken fajitas loaded with red and green peppers, onions, salsa, and sour cream — wrapped in gluten-free tortillas.
Eating Out
Trattoria A’Vuchella – Bridgeport, CT
A meal worth remembering. I started with a Negroni and an Italian Margarita (with limoncello — need that recipe). The carpaccio arrived layered with fresh arugula and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. For my main, carbonara done to perfection, paired with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2019 – La Monica. My wife had the bucatini all’Amatriciana, equally outstanding. We closed with cheesecake with blueberries and tiramisu. The atmosphere matched the food — warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Trattoria A’Vuchella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gabagool Wine Bar
We also visited Gabagool Wine Bar in Fairfield for happy hour. Drinks were solid, but the food fell a bit flat. Gabagool Wine Bar offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a well-curated wine list and friendly service, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meet-up or date night. While many guests praise the ambiance and drinks, experiences with the food can vary—my visit echoed this, with solid cocktails but underwhelming dishes that didn’t quite match the buzz. Still, with approachable staff, convenient parking, and a warm vibe, it’s worth considering as a wine-forward social stop rather than a destination for standout cuisine.
Gabagool Wine Bar ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spotted Horse Tavern – Westport, CT
Dinner here was a win — my filet mignon was perfectly cooked and satisfying without overcomplication. The Spotted Horse Tavern delivers classic American comfort with elevated flair. Reviewers often praise its cozy, polished ambiance—think barn-panel walls, a bustling horseshoe bar, and a strong sense of community. Popular dishes like mussels in fra diavolo or white wine and beautifully plated tuna tartare receive consistent applause. While service quality can vary depending on staff, most guests find it welcoming once seated. It’s a dependable option for relaxed dining with good drinks, stylish vibes, and approachable menu offerings.
Spotted Horse Tavern ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sunday Supper – An Amalfi Lemon Feast
The weekend stayed quiet until Sunday, when the house was full of family — 8 adults, 2 adult children, and 5 kids. The menu was inspired by the lemons of Amalfi:
- Primi: Strawberry caprese salad with quartered strawberries, pearl mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Prosciutto with melon, a crisp iceberg Italian salad, and fresh bruschetta rounded out the first course.
- Secondi: Spaghetti with homemade meatballs made from a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
- Dolce: Limoncello posset with blueberries and whipped cream — with a surprise of lemon cookies hidden at the bottom for an extra crunch.
A perfect ending to a flavorful week! Cannot wait to see what will be eaten next week.
Recipes
