Vespa

This past weekend my family and I decided to check out this new restaurant, Vespa, that we have been dying to try. My sister actually hostesses there, so naturally she has been begging us to come down and give it a try! I cannot believe it took us so long to get there, but I am so happy we did because let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Everything about the experience was so good from the atmosphere, to the service, and most importantly the cuisine. We were just there on Sunday, and I already cannot wait to get back. 

Vespa opened in January of 2015 in the heart of downtown Westport and has been a success ever since. Bringing together a fresh approach to modern Italian cuisine, Vespa’s menu boasts a variety of options that everyone from seafood to pasta lovers will enjoy. Vespa’s cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere is the perfect spot to grab lunch, dinner, or brunch, and the bar is a great place to sip on one of their speciality cocktails! In the warmer months, the patio provides dining alfresco while overlooking the river. It doesn't get much better than that if you ask me - summer hurry up! 

Of course I am only one person and couldn't try everything on the menu (unfortunately), but what I did try, I loved, and I wanted to share with you. Hopefully I don't make your mouth water too much! 

We started off with drinks and appetizers - because what better way to kick off a meal? My Mom and I have similar palates, so of course we both ordered the same cocktail - the color blind. It perfectly combined gin, lemongrass basil, lemon juice, and bitters. It even had basil oil floating on the top which was such a nice touch, and let me tell you it was delicious! My sister had the jazz hound which was a vodka based cocktail and as expected was just as good as mine. For an appetizer we got fried artichoke hearts on the house, a perk of having a sister who works there (thanks Kell!), and oh my goodness were they to die for. Lightly fried and served with a perfect dipping sauce, they were a hit, and not one crumb was left!

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good salad, so I was thrilled with the selection on the menu. I had the hardest time deciding between the endive & pear, baby arugula, beet, or kale salad - all amazing choices if you ask me. After going back and forth, I decided to take the recommendation for the kale salad and I'm glad I did. Healthy and delicious. 

I cannot go without mentioning that Vespa makes all of their pasta in house - yum! It was a no brainer when it came to choosing a pasta dish as an entrée. I went with the spicy lumache, which was a combination of broccoli rabe, sausage, fennel, breadcrumbs, and perfectly al dente pasta. It had quite the kick to it, which I know is a personal preference, but I love a bite to my food so I was in heaven! The spicy lumache just might have been my favorite, and it paired perfectly with a glass of pinot noir. SO good. 

At this point in the meal, I was feeling quite full, however there is always room somewhere for dessert! Vespa was awarded best desserts in Connecticut Magazine's Best Restaurants 2016, and with an award like that you know you can't go wrong. My family and I all have quite the sweet tooth, so we had to try more than one. My dad went with the strawberry cheesecake budino, my sister had the warm ricotta doughnuts with a variety of dipping sauces, and my mom and I shared the lemon raspberry tart. I couldn't help but have a bite of everyones, and all had their own flavors & unique touches to bring to the table. It was the perfect end to a wonderful meal! 

I cannot speak highly enough of how wonderful of an experience I had the other night at Vespa. It was a lovely evening, and it was so nice to have the family together enjoying each other's company over great food. I have such a hard time picking my favorites because it was just that good! I am so looking forward to making it back for more. 

If you are ever in the Fairfield County area, I highly recommend stopping by. Even if you're not from the area, a road trip would be worth your while. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to Vespa for the experience!  

xo. G