Westport Life

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Patchen, owner of Paci Restaurant.  I have been a guest at Paci many times over the past 10 years.  I love the ambiance, exposed brick walls, and vaulted ceilings.  It feels more like TriBeCa in downtown NYC, than the quaint New England town of Southport in which it is located.  Bob and his wife Donna worked with architect Roger Ferris & Partners to renovate a former Rail Freight Depot, and preserve the authenticity of the existing structure to create a mixed rustic and modern space.  The upscale cuisine and award-winning wine list keep patrons coming back for more.  My personal favorite is the meatballs, which are Donna’s grandmother’s family recipe which has been passed down for generations.  In fact, they are affectionately referred to as ”Rosies’ Meatballs”.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!!!  Moreover, you can’t go wrong with the Veal Milanese or the Steak Salad.  Oh, and my latest personal favorite is Alfonso’s tuna tartar.  Delicious!  The menu changes daily, based on availability and season.  Chef Alphonso D’Oronofior never disappoints, as taste and presentation are consistently outstanding…..


As far as the wine is concerned, listen to Jeff Hemming (the resident Sommelier).  He is really knowledgeable, while at the same time sensitive to budget.  Paci has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 10 consecutive years.

Urban Knitta, in suburban Westport. Knitta Please is a form of graffiti art “It’s like graffiti with grandma sweaters.”

http://55winebar.com

55 DEGREES
55 Miller St. Fairfield CT 06824

I thought it might be time to branch out a bit and preview some Fairfield hot spots, such as 55 Degrees a Wine Bar & Restaurant with Italian Cuisine on Miller Street in Fairfield. (the street right before Archie Moore’s)  55 has been open for 4 years. I actually remember going to Mullino’s 55 predecessor which was also Italian cuisine.  Of course, the owners Vicente Siquenza and Mario Lopez (two handsome men from Ecuador w/ Italian running thru their blood) completely renovated the restaurant with 2 Separate dinning rooms, a spacious inviting bar and lounge area….. Oh and my favorite and outside patio that seats 60 opening in April!   As you can image the place rocks in the Spring & Summer months.  Also Friday nites after 10pm a local band will play till practically close.  The entire bar and lounge area becomes a dance floor!   As for the food Yum!  A little something for everyone, Pasta (which is homemade and really makes a difference) to pizzas, the Chicken stuffed with fennel sausage, fish, Crispy artichoke salad…..I could keep going. Great wine list! overall: fun, delicious, affordable, cool and great people watching!
Vincente & Mario have two other wine bar restaurants a real tribute to their successful formula.
Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant in New Cannaan and Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant in Darien
Maybe Westport is next????

From My family to yours we like to wish you all Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year!

http://www.tuttisonline.com
Tutti’s is an Italian restaurant located in the Saugatuck area of Westport. Its is close to the train station and several other new Westport additions, ie, Tarry Lodge, butcher shop, Bill Taibe of “Le Farm” new fish/wine restaurant due to open after January, not to mention more Gault condos an organic market and the Sono Bakery due next year!
What makes Tutti’s so unique is the open kitchen. Its a relaxed casual atmosphere. You truly feel you are in the Funicello Family’s kitchen. * think Moon Struck* Pasquale behind the stove, Uncle Tony twirling the pizza dough, Maria taking you order, and Elvie at the cash register and Joe the star soccer player filling in wherever, You get the picture! Tutti’s is a family run business and the Funicello family makes you feel like your “La Famiglia”
It’s a BYOB restaurant which is amazing since the dishes are so well priced. Tutti’s offers generous Italian dishes from your basic Italian pastas and pizza to amazing fish dishes. Check it out open for lunch and dinner! My son is a huge chicken Parm fan!

Please check out my other blog Living Westport.

Two Westport gorgeous Moms, Jessica Ryan & Maria Casa Bianca have expanded their already successful talents in hair, makeup, clothing & accessories at Jessica Ryan Salon and Soma boutique adding Furniture and accessories for the home, aka, Casa Ryan creating a chic department store feel with personalized attention…… Can someone say Barney’s NYC? Yes right here in Westport.
CASA RYAN * SOMA * JESSICA RYAN SALON
Located at 24 Railroad Place, across from the Westport train station.
Follow Casa Ryan and SOMA-Boutique on Facebook

A look around Casa Ryan.

This year was my ( not to date myself) but I actually think it was my 24 or 25th turkey trot!!!! This year as per normal, I ran with my bff! We were reminiscing about Turkey Trots in the past, coming in under 36 minutes. This year we came in at 48 minutes, not bad for two old ladies! Actually the Turkey Trot has gotten so popular there are thousands of people young and old. Its almost impossible to run the first mile under 10 minutes unless you are way up front. (which we weren’t) our first mile was 13:40 something pleezzz!!!! Its pretty humbling to have a nine year old fly by you as well ugh! My daughter and her bff ran as well and I must say they both did fantastic!! I was really impressed. My daughter’s friend told me “I pushed Katie the first three miles and she got me through the last two!!” I loved the teamwork! Let me tell u after participating in this race for many years I still love running through Southport and Westport, Beachside Ave and Greens Farm Road were fans cheer you on wishing u Happy Thanksgiving and blaring music such as “Rocky” or “We are the Champions”. It makes me happy every year! Not to mention guilt free when chowing down on always a wonderful meal! My advice is try it! You will like it! Run, walk, support friends just be a part of a great community event its fun!!!!

Video of last years 32nd Turkey Trot, and. Photos from this years 33rd