A week of great eats between Fairfield and Charlotte — from cozy hometown favorites to Southern bites and Italian indulgence. Highlights include A’Vuchella’s unforgettable cavatelli, Cosetta’s breakfast perfection, and evenings filled with good food, wine, and laughter.
What I Ate This Week: Cozy Fall Nights, Comfort Food & Classic Favorites (Oct 6 – 12)
From homemade tortellini and chicken cutlets to lasagna at Testo’s and a whiskey tasting in Danbury, this week’s menu was a perfect mix of cozy fall comfort and local flavor. Discover the best bites, pizza stops, and savory dishes that made the week of October 6–12 unforgettable.
How to Cook the Perfect NY Strip Steak: Methods, Temperatures, and Pro Tips
Master the art of cooking NY Strip steak with this in-depth guide. Explore charcoal grilling, pellet smoking, cast iron searing, and more—plus tips on temperatures, flavor, and finishing touches.
What I Ate This Week: From Ribeyes to Tallahassee Gameday (Sept 15-21)
From ribeyes on the pellet smoker to birthday tiramisu, and finally Parents Weekend at FSU, this week was full of family, flavor, and unexpected highlights.
What I Ate This Week: Amsterdam Misses, Fairfield Favorites, and Family Food Wins (Sept 8-14)
From Schiphol pizza fails to Fairfield foodie wins, this week’s meals spanned Amsterdam pubs, hotel dinners, and finally, Italian comfort at A’ Vucchella. Work meetings in Zaandam brought forgettable canteen lunches, but evenings offered redemption with a coworker’s BBQ and cozy meals at home. Back stateside, I dove into orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, college football snacks, and indulgent gluten-free cupcakes from Alina’s Cakes. A week that started with travel chaos ended on a sweet (and savory) note.
Amalfi Recipes: Classic Dishes That Bring the Coast to Your Kitchen
Bring the taste of the Amalfi Coast home with these essential Amalfi recipes. From zesty lemon pasta to anchovy-laced dishes and sweet Delizia al Limone, this guide celebrates the heart and soul of coastal Italian cooking.
Searching for Italy in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North,” but the connection goes deeper than canals. From a love of the good life to a thriving Italian culinary scene, the Dutch capital embraces Italian warmth and flavor in ways that might surprise you. We’ll take you through the city’s Venetian echoes, its vibrant café culture, and three restaurants—Sapore Italiano, Il Pacioccone, and Ceppi’s—that transport you to Italy, one perfect plate at a time.
Discover the Charm of Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante
What’s the difference between an osteria, trattoria, and ristorante? Learn the types of Italian restaurants, their rich history, famous examples, and how these classic dining styles have influenced Italian-American cuisine.
The Italian Coffee Ritual: Espresso, Culture, and the Joy of the Brew
Explore the rich tradition of Italian coffee—from its espresso origins to modern brewing at home with machines like the Breville Barista Touch. Learn tips for perfecting your cup, understand how coffee shapes Italian life, and discover the best beans to use.
Dean Martin: A Life of Song, Cinema, and Italian Soul
Dean Martin, the King of Cool, was more than just a Hollywood legend—he was a proud son of Italy. Born Dino Crocetti to Italian immigrants, Martin’s music, movies, and image were shaped by his deep love for Italian culture, especially his family’s Neapolitan roots. Explore how Italy influenced every part of his storied life.
Castello di Volpaia: Wine, Heritage, and Hospitality in the Heart of Chianti
Explore the historic charm and exceptional wines of Castello di Volpaia, a medieval Chianti village transformed into a renowned vineyard estate. We enjoyed a personalized tasting and tour hosted by the Mascheroni Stianti family, and sampled their bold reds and exquisite olive oil. It’s a must-visit destination for wine lovers exploring Tuscany.
The Art of the Negroni: A Classic Italian Cocktail with a Stanley Tucci Twist
Discover the bold, bittersweet charm of the classic Italian Negroni cocktail, and why Stanley Tucci’s shaken version became a viral sensation. Learn about its origins, how to make it like Tucci, and how this iconic aperitivo became a symbol of Italian sophistication around the world.