Inspired by Stanley Tucci’s charming journey through Italian cuisine, I’m starting my own food journal—one week at a time. Each post will capture the meals, moments, and memories that shaped my table, beginning July 1. From pasta made at home to restaurant finds and new dishes I’m testing for The Amore Life, this series is my personal celebration of food, family, and the art of eating well.
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The Inspiration Behind the Series
Food has always told the story of where I’ve been, who I was with, and what mattered most in that moment. Like Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy and his bestselling book What I Ate in One Year, I wanted to create something that captures more than just ingredients but captures life through food as well. This series starts in July and will follow the meals I eat and cook each week, from Italian classics to unexpected favorites.
Whether I’m making zucchini alla Nerano from scratch or grabbing an espresso at a corner café, each post will reflect real meals and honest moments. No filters. Just the food, the story, and maybe a recipe or two.
What You Can Expect Each Week
- A recap of meals I cooked or enjoyed
- New Italian recipes I’m working on
- Local finds and hidden gems
- Ingredients that inspired me
- Reflections on flavor, culture, and mood
- Photos and food memories
This isn’t just about eating but it’s about experiencing food as a way of living beautifully and intentionally. Whether it’s a bowl of spaghetti or a bite of street food, I hope these weekly notes inspire your own Italian-style eating at home.
How You Can Follow Along
Bookmark this series and follow The Amore Life on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scenes bites, cooking moments, and full recipe features. I’ll also be updating my Italian Recipes and Travel & Lifestyle sections weekly, weaving in seasonal ideas and culinary tips.
Let’s eat well. Let’s eat with love. Andiamo!
Week 1: July 1 – July 6
I am going to skip what I ate on the last few days of June. I want to be consistent with the dates, and I did not really remember what I ate over the weekend.
Tapas Night at Barcelona Wine Bar, Norwalk
We headed down to Norwalk to visit the kids and made a stop at Barcelona Wine Bar for some tapas. It’s always a great spot—I’ve been to the one in Fairfield and their former Norwalk location plenty of times, but I hadn’t realized they’ve expanded to 12 states and dozens of cities. If there’s one near you, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a group or even just a few people—there’s truly something for everyone.
My son ordered the Parrillada Barcelona, and we were all surprised by just how much food it came with a full New York Strip, generous portions of chicken breast, chorizo, and pork loin. It was an absolute feast!
Barcelona Wine Bar ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What we ate
- Smokin’ Goat Cheese (Spain): Creamy, rich, and unforgettable
- Aged Manchego (Spain): Firm, nutty, classic
- Speck (Italy): Smoky and lean from Alto Adige
- Mussels in white wine
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Sweet, salty, addictive
- Spiced Beef Empanadas
- Albondigas: Spicy meatballs that disappeared fast
- Estrella Galicia beer: Crisp and perfect with the food
Fire Pit & Stuffed Breads at Home
We had some friends over for a cozy night by the fire pit. To keep things relaxed, we picked up small bites and a tray of stuffed breads from Angelina’s in Newtown, CT. Their food is always spot on—perfect for casual entertaining. Everyone brought a little something to share, which made the evening feel effortless and enjoyable, just the way a summer night should be.
Angelina’s Deli & Catering⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Local Gourmet ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What we ate
- Chicken, meatball, eggplant stuffed breads
- Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls with Chipotle from The Local Gourmet
Baseball & Pizza
We spent the morning on the weekend at our nephew’s baseball game, which is always a great way to start the day. With time to kill before picking up our daughter at the airport, we swung by The Bar in New Haven for a quick lunch. We tried a sausage and pepper pizza—it was just okay. More like a standard slice than a standout.
The Bar New Haven⭐️⭐️⭐️
On to next week!