What I Ate This Week: Cooking, Comfort, and a Winning Weekend (Sept 22–28)

This week was filled with family celebrations, a few disappointing grocery finds, and plenty of good food. From smoked brisket to chicken piccata and an unforgettable dinner at A’Vuchella, this was one of those weeks that reminded me why food connects everything—family, memories, and moments of pure joy.

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Celebrations and Comfort Food

The week started with a reason to celebrate—my daughter’s new car. We headed to Banc House in Norwalk, a classic BBQ joint known for its slow-smoked meats and laid-back vibe. The brisket was tender and full of flavor, while the mac and cheese were perfectly creamy. Banc House has long been a local favorite for comfort food, and now I’m reminded why.

Banc House Norwalk CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Grocery Letdown and a Piccata Win

I’ve been meaning to stop by Balducci’s in Westport for a while, expecting a high-end Italian market experience. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. The mozzarella went bad the next day, and when I asked for pancetta or guanciale, they looked at me like I was speaking another language. Not impressed—and definitely not going back soon. I will stick with Caraluzzi’s and DeCicco’s. They are the standard everyone should strive for.

Balducci’s Westport CT ⭐️⭐️

To make up for it, I turned the night around with one of my go-to dinners: Chicken Piccata with broccoli and roasted potatoes. Simple, lemony, and exactly what I needed to remind myself that good food doesn’t always come from fancy stores.

Midweek Family Dinner

My son came over midweek to pick up his new Microsoft Surface Laptop, so I fired up the grill for some New York Strips from Whole Foods. I tried a new seasoning—Kosmos Q “The Best Classic Steak Rub”—and it was excellent. The steaks seared perfectly on the Napoleon grill’s Sear Station, finished with a buttery crust. Grilled broccoli and steak fries rounded out the meal.

Easy Meals and Quick Fixes

Breakfast at Roost on Black Rock Turnpike never disappoints—their egg sandwich remains one of the best in Fairfield. Later that day, I grabbed dinner to go from A&S Italian Fine Foods in Fairfield. Their meat sauce and meatballs over homemade tortellini were classic and comforting. For the gluten-free version, I used Taste Republic Tortellini, which continues to impress with its authentic texture and flavor.

Weekend Eats

Friday night called for pizza at Brewport in Bridgeport. This converted brewery-restaurant combo always delivers—great craft beer and thin-crust pizza fresh out of the oven.

Brewport Bridgeport CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Saturday was a double feature: a casual lunch at Firehouse Deli, known for its hearty sandwiches, and dinner back at A’Vuchella in Bridgeport. My daughter joined us for her first visit and instantly fell in love. She ordered the Carbonara, which she said tasted “just like Rome.” I had the Spaghetti alle Vongole, bursting with garlic, parsley, and perfectly cooked clams, while my wife ordered the Cavatelli e Salsiccia, rich and comforting. We shared Polpette and Calamari Fritti to start, and of course, ended with Tiramisu. As always, flawless.

Firehouse Deli Fairfield CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sunday Tailgate & Patriots Win

We wrapped up the week in true family fashion—tailgating at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots game. Smashburgers with caramelized onions, Italian sausage, chips, and cold beer under perfect fall weather. Surrounded by family, laughter, and a Patriots win—this was a Sunday done right.

Our tailgate setup. Easy and worth it.