The last three weeks were a blend of anticipation, stress, gratitude, and joy. From inspections on a future home, to a difficult week centered around our dog Barney’s recovery, to a much-needed family escape to the Bahamas, food became both comfort and celebration. These weeks weren’t about chasing perfection in the kitchen — they were about showing up, slowing down when needed, and savoring moments with family wherever we happened to be.
December 8 – December 14
Comfort Food and Holding Steady
The week began with optimism — an inspection of what we hope will soon be our new home. With excitement in the air, we stopped for a late breakfast at Southport Diner, one of those classic Connecticut spots that feels frozen in time. Simple, comforting plates and strong coffee were exactly what we needed before the day unfolded.
That evening, we stayed in a Giada-inspired groove, making Chicken Piccata Meatballs paired with Giada Gluten Free pasta and roasted potatoes. Bright lemon, capers, and a silky sauce made this dish feel both familiar and fresh.
The middle of the week shifted dramatically. Our dog Barney suffered a serious back injury and required emergency surgery at VCA Hospital in Shelton. It was a difficult few days, filled with stress, worry, and very little appetite. Food became secondary to waiting rooms, updates, and hope.
On Thursday, after picking up our youngest home from college, we met the kids at Colony Grill. It wasn’t about the pizza — though it always delivers — it was about sitting together, taking a breath, and feeling normal again.
By Saturday, Barney was home and improving. With the kids gathered around him, I cooked up some Carbonara for the family along with gluten-free chicken cutlets. Cooking felt grounding again.
Sunday was leftovers and quiet preparation. Barney was doing well, and we felt confident leaving him with family as we prepared to travel.
Southport Diner Fairfield CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15 – December 21
Bahamas Sun and Unexpected Turns
With our house sold earlier in the year and no place of our own for Christmas, we decided to escape to Atlantis in the Bahamas with the kids. Trading winter coats for sunshine felt like the right move.
After landing, we checked in and headed to Sunset Point, easing into vacation mode with burgers and piña coladas while watching the ocean. Dinner that night was light at Dilly Club, where creative cocktails stole the show. I ordered the Zephyr, which reminded me of a Hugo Spritz. It contained Fords Gin, Giffard Fleur de Sureau Sauvage, Grapefruit, Lime and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, floral, refreshing, and perfect for a warm night.
Tuesday was a full pool day at the Colonnade Pool, complete with a cabana and light lunches that left room for dinner plans. The girls headed to Nobu, while the rest of us kept things casual and ended the night wandering the casino.
Wednesday brought beach time — soft sand, bright sun, and a chilly ocean balanced by loungers and frozen drinks. Dinner at Seafire Steakhouse delivered exactly what you want on vacation: great steaks, polished service, and strong cocktails.
Thursday took an unexpected turn when we decided to send my wife and son home early due to health concerns. Thankfully, everything was fine, but it left the day feeling heavy.
That evening, Paranza by Michael White became a meal I still think about. We started with a crudo of scampi with fennel, lemon oil, and oscietra caviar — a tiny plate with massive impact. The Pesce Spada with Sicilian caponata was outstanding, and the Rigatoni with wild mushroom ragù and black truffle was deeply comforting. A bottle of Frescobaldi Chianti Ruffina tied it all together.
Friday was travel back to a snowy New York.
Saturday was quiet.
Sunday was pure comfort with Romanacci’s takeout, exactly what a winter return called for.
December 22 – December 28
Christmas Cooking and Full Tables
Christmas week began with breakfast at Mamam in Westport, where beautiful baked goods and coffee set the holiday tone. Set in the center of Westport in an adorable storefront, this is a great spot to gather with some friends, spend some alone time drinking a cafe or grabbing a quick bite.
Tuesday meant a run to Stew Leonard’s for Christmas supplies, followed by dinner at Geronimo’s in Fairfield. Their Carne Asada tacos and margaritas are consistently excellent and never disappoint.
Christmas Eve was all about cooking. I made two lasagnas — one traditional and one gluten-free — using a sauce built from beef, lamb, sausage, garlic, basil, passata, olive oil, and a Parmesan rind. The gluten-free version used Sanniti artisanal pasta from Gragnano, while the regular used Rummo sheets.
I also made a gluten-free cheesecake using Kinnikinnick graham-style crumbs, which might be my favorite crust yet.
Dinner that night was burrata with tomatoes and basil, followed by Filet Mignon, lobster tails, and roasted potatoes.
We played around with a little “AI” Christmas cards to make the evening about fun and good times.
Christmas Day was a celebration. The lasagna was a hit — especially the gluten-free version. My brother-in-law’s spiral ham and porchetta rounded out the feast, along with Italian desserts and plenty of wine.
The rest of the week was snowy, cozy, and filled with leftovers.
Sunday wrapped everything up with a big family dinner. I returned to the Chicken Piccata Meatballs and added French Onion Pasta, using ingredients from Fresh Market in Westport, which seriously impressed me and is now firmly on my radar.
Closing Thoughts
These weeks weren’t about perfect meals or elaborate planning. They were about resilience, family, gratitude, and the way food quietly supports us through it all — whether in a hospital waiting room, on a beach in the Bahamas, or around a crowded Christmas table.