Yup – you heard that right. Two of the greatest restaurants in the area have come together to make the most epic pop-up ever.
For those who do not know what I am talking about…
Jesup Hall is a restaurant by Chef Bill Taibe located in the heart of downtown Westport at the old Town Hall. It is also the sister restaurant of Kawa Ni (one of my favorites) and The Whelk. He is a big advocate on supporting local farms and sustainability.
Fortina is the pizza empire built by Chef Christian Petroni with various locations in CT and NY. You may have recently seen him on Food Network Star and Chopped. Chef Jared Falco was also here representing the team.
Their first one was on June 26th at 5:30 pm, but I did not bother to go. Traffic is absolutely horrendous in Stamford and you’re telling me I need to go to Westport for 5:30 PM? No thank you! But then, Christian teased us Instagram followers with a picture of a pie. And then another pie. And then another pie. The FOMO* was so real at this point.
*Fear of missing out for you not-so hip people 🙂
Like, hello! Look at these glorious pies:
A few weeks later, they announced the date of their second pop-up event for July 10th. Given the traffic, I was still a little hesitant to go. I finally bit the bullet and decided to go. It also helps that I am fortunate enough to work at a company that is flexible with my schedule. I was able to come into work early that day and leave early to get there in time.
July 10th rolls around and I am ready to have a pizza food baby. The event is hosted right on the patio of Jesup Hall, facing the Post Road. The weather could not be more perfect — it was a beautiful sunny day in the mid 80s.
The meal is buffet-style and is inclusive of all you can eat pizzas and veggies. I honestly couldn’t tell you what I ate. Nothing is labeled and you just have to let your eyes speak for your stomach. I just grabbed a spoonful of each veggie and a slice of each pie that rolled out. THAT is how much I trust these chefs. Whatever they make, I eat. I am not willing to disclose how many slices of pizza I ate that night, so please don’t ask.
Looking back, it looks like there were mostly classic pies that rolled out. You got your margherita pie, you got your sausage pie, you got your burrata pie. Some of the veggie servings included this INCREDIBLE hummus and bread, a pasta salad, a napa cabbage mix with anchovies, and pecorino.
All in all, if this collab ever happens again, drop everything and make sure you attend!
Foodie with a booty 