This week was a mix of home cooking, family celebrations, and travel adventures that ended in Tallahassee for Parents Weekend at Florida State University. From smoked ribeye and corn at home to one of the best pork chops I’ve ever had, the week balanced comfort food with celebration meals and college-town energy.
Home Comforts
The week started simple, as I was traveling last week, but strong. I needed to get back to some USA MEAT! A couple of thick ribeye steaks went onto the pellet smoker until perfectly smoky, then finished with a high-heat sear. Add in smoked corn on the cob and smoked broccoli, and it was one of those meals that reminds you why grilling never gets old.
And, of course, no week in Connecticut is complete without Colony Grill pizza. This time, a stop in Milford for their thin-crust, tavern-style classic kept things familiar and comforting.
And yes…We did go to Oggi Gelato again.
A Birthday Celebration at Rraci’s
Midweek, we gathered for my daughter’s birthday at Rraci’s Restaurant, a longtime favorite in Brewster, NY, known for its Italian fine dining. Rraci’s is a well-regarded and known for blending classic and innovative dishes in an elegant setting. The vibe was warm and upscale, perfect for celebrating. I went for the salmon—perfectly cooked and full of flavor—while the star of the night might have been the tiramisu. Light, creamy, and indulgent, it was the perfect birthday treat.
Rraci’s Restaurant Brewster NY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Off to Tallahassee for Parents Weekend
By Friday I was on the move. The trip took me through Jacksonville, where I stopped at Zaxby’s for the first time. Their chicken sandwich hit the spot—crispy, juicy, and surprisingly good for a quick bite.
That night in Tallahassee, we celebrated again at Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant, a local institution since 1963. Known for its old-school charm and reliable Italian favorites, it was the perfect kickoff to Parents Weekend. The drinks were strong, the food hearty, and dessert sealed the deal.
Mom & Dad’s is a Tallahassee institution—serving up classic Italian fare for over 50 years. The comfortable ambiance and consistent, decent food (the bruschetta and chicken parm I would say were “average”), though the attentive service and well-prepared entrees were great!
Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant Tallahassee⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gameday Eats in Tallahassee
Saturday was all about college football. Breakfast at Madison Social, the go-to gameday spot, started things off right. Known for its lively atmosphere and creative brunch menu, it’s become an FSU staple. From there it was a blur of pre-game hangs at apartments, fraternity houses, and tailgates—exactly what Parents Weekend should feel like.
Dinner was at Table 23, one of Tallahassee’s most popular restaurants for elevated Southern comfort food. The pork chop I ordered was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had: thick, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. Every bite was perfect.
Table 23 describes itself as “a Southern Porch, Table and Bar,” blending southern hospitality with elevated cuisine. Locals love it for its comfortable ambiance and approachable menu, placing it high on their “must-eat” list when in Tallahassee.
Table 23 Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sunday was a travel day back home, starting with a surprisingly good Delta Gamma parent’s breakfast hosted by my daughter’s sorority. It was a sweet way to end the weekend, sharing food and stories with other families. At Jacksonville Airport, I grabbed a quick bite at Chili’s before the flight. Nothing special—but after a week like this, I wasn’t complaining.
