This week was one for the books — travel, great food, and a few unforgettable meals. From lakeside dinners in North Carolina to a dream meal at Carbone in New York City, it was a delicious mix of cozy comfort and culinary indulgence.
Starting the Week Italian Style
The week began close to home with a comforting meal at Romanacci in Trumbull. I went for the cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe, one of my favorites — hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with that slight bitterness from the greens. My wife got the small SHU pizza, crisp and cheesy with just the right amount of char. Romanacci always delivers that authentic Italian flavor that reminds me of a neighborhood trattoria back in Italy.
Romanacci Trumbull CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charlotte Work Trip: Lakes, Friends & Flavor
Tuesday took us back to Charlotte, but this time, my wife joined the trip. After landing, we stopped at Rise Café for a quick breakfast — a local favorite known for great coffee and hearty morning plates. If I am in the area I definitely stop there for breakfast.
That night, we met up with friends who recently built their dream home on Lake Norman, right near the Trump National Golf Course. The view was absolutely stunning; the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and sip your wine a little longer.
Dinner at Eddie’s on Lake Norman capped the evening with fresh seafood, cocktails, and laughter that lasted long after the plates were cleared.
Rise Cafe Huntersville NC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eddie’s on Lake Norman Mooresville NC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Midweek Meetings and Italian Nights
Wednesday was all business — a full day with my customer before heading back to meet my wife for dinner at Dean’s Italian Steakhouse in Charlotte. The restaurant had that refined yet comfortable feel, with excellent service and a standout menu. My steak was cooked perfectly, the sides were rich and flavorful, and every bite felt indulgent. It’s the kind of place you go once and immediately plan your next visit.
Dean’s Italian Steakhouse Charlotte NC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Breakfast, Travel, and the Long Ride Home
Thursday morning started bright and early at Café Monte, one of Charlotte’s best spots for breakfast. French-inspired with Southern hospitality, it’s known for its croissants, omelets, and coffee that actually tastes like coffee. My breakfast was spot-on — eggs cooked perfectly and the service friendly as ever. On the drive back from the airport, we made a quick stop at Parkway Diner in Stamford. It wasn’t their best day — the food was just okay — but after a long travel stretch, sometimes “okay” is just fine.
Cafe Monte Charlotte NC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Parkway Diner Stamford CT ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheers, Coffee & Carbone
Friday was celebratory — some exciting news (more on that soon!) and the perfect excuse for happy hour at Geronimo Tequila Bar in Fairfield. Their margaritas are always solid, and the crowd was lively. My brother-in-law, son, and wife joined, and it was just a fun, easy night of conversation and clinking glasses.
Saturday started with a visit to Black Rock Coffee House, one of my go-to spots for a good cappuccino and something light to start the day. Lunch was back at Little Pub in Fairfield, another comfort favorite, before we wrapped the night with family.
And then came Sunday — a New York day for the books. We spent it in SoHo and Greenwich Village, eating and exploring. Late breakfast at Felix Café set the tone, but the real highlight was dinner at Carbone. Simply put, it lived up to every ounce of hype. We started with burrata topped with caviar — decadent and incredible — followed by linguine alle vongole for me, a New York strip for my son, and the spicy rigatoni vodka for the girls. The desserts were unforgettable, and discovering they serve Volpaia wines — one of my favorites from Chianti — made it even better. A night that reminded me why I love Italian food, whether in Italy or right here in New York.
Carbone New York ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️