The first week of October brought a mix of cozy home-cooked meals, milestone celebrations, and favorite Fairfield County staples. From anniversary dinners and new restaurant openings to smoky salmon and sweet gelato nights, this week was a delicious blend of comfort, love, and a touch of Italian inspiration.
Home-Cooked Comfort
The week started with a flavorful Baja Chicken Skillet from Bella Bucchiotti, a dish that packed bold Mexican-inspired spices, melted cheese, and roasted bell peppers into one skillet. (You can find her original recipe here).
By Tuesday, the kitchen turned into a mini smokehouse with a pellet-smoked salmon glazed in Mike’s Hot Honey and lime, paired with roasted sweet potatoes. This recipe—originally featured on The Amore Life—is one of my favorites for combining smoky heat with citrus brightness.
Midweek Moments: The Granola Bar & Oggi Gelato
Midweek lunch was a relaxed stop at The Granola Bar in Fairfield, a local favorite for brunch lovers. I went with a Turkey BLT—light, crisp, and just what I needed. By evening, dinner was replaced by dessert: another stop at Oggi Gelato, where we tried new flavors that never disappoint. It’s always a sweet reminder of Italian gelaterias—creamy, fresh, and perfectly portioned.
Anniversary Dinner at A’Vuchella
Thursday marked our 31st wedding anniversary, and there was only one place we wanted to celebrate—Trattoria A’Vuchella in Bridgeport. If you’ve followed my past posts, you know how much I love this restaurant. With its warm Italian charm and fresh house-made pasta, every visit feels like stepping into a little corner of Sorrento. The food, the service, the Negroni—perfection.
New Flavors in Fairfield: Cosetta
Friday brought excitement with the opening of Cosetta, a brand-new Italian café in downtown Fairfield. I was thrilled to see it open—its owner, Ralph Gencarelli, also runs Plaza Deli in Norwalk, where I used to grab lunch (and breakfast) almost daily for years.
Cosetta blends traditional Italian panini, pizza, and espresso with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Locals are already raving about its homemade sandwiches and beautifully presented cappuccinos. It’s quickly becoming one of the best new spots for a casual Italian meal in Fairfield.
Later that evening, we stopped at Brewport in Bridgeport—a dependable go-to for their creative pizzas and local craft beer lineup. The open warehouse setting and lively energy make it one of the best places for an easy Friday night.
Cosetta Fairfield CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brewport Bridgeport CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Weekend Eats & Celebrations
Saturday started slow with a burger at Old Post Tavern in Fairfield—classic, juicy, and perfectly charred. In the evening, we celebrated my wife’s boss’s birthday at Hudson Malone in Westport. Their salmon dish was spot-on: tender, fresh, and elegantly plated. The restaurant’s blend of rustic style and upscale comfort creates the perfect dinner atmosphere.
We closed out the week with a Sunday celebration for my wife’s birthday. After meeting the kids in Norwalk and a little house-hunting, we ended up at Elm in New Canaan. The chic yet relaxed restaurant had a fantastic brunch menu—my Chicken Tinga was packed with flavor, while the Turkey Club, Flatbread, and Burger were all crowd favorites. A perfect end to a celebratory week.
Hudson Malone Westport CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elm New Cannon CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️