This week brought big life moments: officially closing on the sale of our home, welcoming my daughter back from Florida before she returns to Florida State, and sharing meals that blended nostalgia, celebration, and plenty of flavor. From pub classics in Norwalk to Tuscan-inspired fine dining, homemade Mediterranean feasts, and sizzling cast-iron filets, food carried us through a memorable week.
A Nostalgic Return to Donovan’s
I kicked off the week with a trip back in time—Donovan’s in South Norwalk. Growing up in Norwalk and later working in SoNo, Donovan’s was once a staple pub. It had been over 15 years since I last stepped inside. I ordered the classic Donovan’s Burger with onion rings, which was “ok” but not quite the knockout it used to be. Everyone else’s meals hit the mark, but for me, it was more about the nostalgia than the flavor.
Donovan’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mediterranean Inspiration at Home
Back in my own kitchen, I leaned into the Mediterranean Diet for a light yet hearty dinner. I marinated grilled chicken with olive oil, garlic, and oregano, paired it with grilled zucchini, red onion, peppers, and grape tomatoes. Warm, grilled flatbread rounded out the table. Fresh, rustic, and perfectly balanced.
- Marinate chicken breast in olive oil, garlic and oregano – salt & pepper to your liking.
- In an aluminum roasting pan I added zucchini, red onion, peppers, and grape tomatoes, olive oil and seasoning. Topped with foil and placed on the grill. 10-15 minutes.
- Grilled the chicken on the grill. 4 min per side (depending upon size).
- Once everything is off, add some oil on the flatbread and grill both sides for about 30-60 seconds.
Celebrating a House Closing at Via Sforza Trattoria
After finalizing the sale of our house, it was only right to celebrate at an Italian restaurant. Via Sforza Trattoria in Westport welcomed us with its Tuscan villa charm. I wish the weather had allowed us to sit on their gorgeous patio, but inside felt warm and authentic.
- Drinks: Aperol Spritzes, a Negroni, and a Super Tuscan set the tone.
- Antipasti: Clams Casino and creamy burrata.
- Main: I chose the Pollo Rigoletto—a flavorful sauté of chicken breast and Italian sausage with rosemary, capers, olives, pine nuts, and wine. A rustic, soulful dish.
- Other Plates: Pizza, pasta, and desserts across the family table. The Carbonara looked right but fell short without guanciale. Still, overall, the spot delivered an excellent evening.
Via Sforza Trattoria ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quick Lunch at The Granola Bar
One afternoon called for a quick bite, so I stopped into The Granola Bar in Fairfield. Their grilled chicken sandwich with cheddar and bacon on brioche was exactly the kind of casual yet elevated lunch I needed.
The Granola Bar in Fairfield ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pizza at Colony
Of course, no week feels complete without a stop at Colony Grill. Thin, crispy pizza, an easy meal, and a neighborhood favorite.
Colony Grill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Home Filet Night – Cast Iron on the Grill
The highlight of my home cooking this week was a steak night with all the trimmings.
- Potatoes: Rosemary roasted fingerlings in olive oil, slow-cooked for 40 minutes.
- Corn: Wrapped in foil with olive oil and paprika, grilled until smoky.
- Filets: Thick 10oz steaks seared in my Lodge Cast Iron Skillet on the Napoleon Rogue PRO 525 grill, with a buttery sizzle that hit 700–1000°F between burners and the sear station. Basted with butter and finished with a quick high-heat crust.
- Relish: A quick blitz of grape tomatoes, serrano peppers, red onion, garlic, and green peppers, finished with olive oil and white wine vinegar. A vibrant, rustic topping for the steaks.
Plated together, it was a restaurant-worthy dish right in my backyard.
Back to A’Vucchella (Because Why Not?)
Yes, we returned to Trattoria A’Vucchella—this time for another round of favorites. The Spaghetti alla Nerano shined again, while others dove into Chicken Marsala, Scarpariello, Pork Shank, and a Shrimp Pasta Special. Every dish impressed.
Trattoria A’Vucchella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending the Weekend – Poolside & Pizza
The weekend wrapped with grilled flank steak by the pool—a relaxed family moment—and a quick stop at Riko’s Pizza in Norwalk for their tavern-style pie. A little crunch, a lot of flavor,
Riko’s Pizza ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️