Casa Me, Westport Update: Meet Chef Diego Negri
When it first opened in late 2022, Casa Me quickly became the darling of the restaurant scene with its stunning décor, lively atmosphere and delicious fare. (I wrote about it here.) There’s an welcoming energy that embraces you as soon as you walk through the front door. Whether you’re seated at the stunning bar or at a table, the ambiance immediately gives coastal Italian vacation vibes. Ever since my first visit nearly three years ago, Casa Me remains one of my favorites.
A recent change in the kitchen can often mean a certain uncertainty, however we’re thrilled to share the news that Chef Diego Negri has taken over, bringing with him his expertise that helped him garner Michelin Star Ratings for not one but four restaurants including New York City’s Marea, and Eleven Eleven which received three Michelin Stars. Also in the City, he was the Executive Chef for Vinateria, which received a Michelin Plate. Other New York Restaurants include St. Theo’s and Lupa. Prior to moving to the states, Negri enjoyed 10 successful years working and training in Italy, The United Kingdom, France, the Caribbean, and Ibiza learning about the various cultures and flavors. Additionally he’s been featured in the New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine, Appetito Magazine, Pursuitist, Broken Palate, Gotham Magazine, and Wine Spectator. We are so incredibly fortunate to have him here in Westport.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to sample some of his newest dishes which will grace the summer menu. I’ll preface it by saying you are in for a treat. Along with new, you’ll see a few tweaks to certain menu items to incorporate Chef’s personal flair. The dishes remain inspirational and flavors remain vivid and bright. Also newly updated is the spirited cocktail program.
Shopping and supporting local is important to Chef, as is getting certain items from the places of their origins. At Casa Me you’ll see both, farm grown produce from local farms sourced at the Westport Farmers Market, as well as items imported directly from Italy, in some cases, as in the new bruschetta, you’ll see both. The newest Bruschetta di Pomodori is both flavor and color-drenched. Using a combination of local tomatoes for their sweetness and Italian tomatoes for their minerality, the result is a delightful combination of the two with the smooth finish of olive oil, topped by vibrant microgreens and basil.
The Crostino di Lardo, made with homemade herbed garlic butter, Cantabria anchovies and a thin layer or melted lard (please don’t let that scare you) gives us salty and rich with many layers of flavors and textures. Quite frankly I wasn’t prepared to like this one, and I certainly wasn’t prepared to love it.
Perhaps your waistline prefers something a little bit on the lighter side. The Fluke Crudo is figure friendly, refreshing and a welcome dish on a hot summer day. Fresh fluke marinates in a light dressing of oranges, Sorrento lemons, olive oil and herbs. The flavors are as vibrant as the dish, with suggestions of sweet, salt and citrus rounded off in a smooth finish.
And so began my love affair with Swiss Chard Ravioli. I was not prepared to become so enamored with a pocket of pasta bursting at the seams with the sweetest, most tender Swiss chard filling I have possibly ever tasted. Top this (quite literally) with a decadent cacio e pepe sauce, freshly grated Parmesan and lemon zest for a depth of flavors that complement each other so beautifully.
Summer isn’t summer without lobster and the same might be said about an Italian restaurant without Risotto. Chef prepares the Lobster Risotto with a lobster stock and subtle notes of chili flake, butter, olive oil salt and pepper, topped with generous pieces of claw and tail, and dollops of Stracciatella. Come hungry to soak this one all in.
The Salmone alla Arrosto is cooked to your preference. A beautiful piece of salmon, ever so slightly crusty on the exterior, juicy and flaky on the interior, sits on a bed of bulgur, cucumber, mint and a cherry vinaigrette. This one needs to be on your radar; it really is a the perfect summer dish. Do note that this one is currently only on the lunch menu. (Can we convince them to add it to the dinner menu? Please!) This pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of rose. It would also go well with some of the new to the menu cocktails.
The Pomodoro Spritz is a playful take on the ever so popular Aperol Spritz and a tad less sweet. The muddled tomatoes offer a garden-forward twist without overwhelming.
The Bianco Spritz made with Hendricks, Luxardo bitters, Italian Bergamo, and lime can best be described as “Gin & Tonic meets Aperol Spritz,” is a hybrid of your favorite summer drinks.
Some people like to end their meal on a sweet note, I can think of no better way to do so than to indulge in some gelato imported directly from Italy. The chocolate was rich and decadent but it was the pistachio that held the dessert court and took center stage with it’s true pistachio hues and its nutty forward flavor balanced by creamy sweetness. If it’s on the menu get it. The accompanying biscotti, soft and crumbly, is exactly as you’d find it in Italy. Dip it in your espresso, your dessert wine; enjoy it with your gelato, or simply on its own.
If you’re the type of person who has your personal favorites and tend to stick to them, as I do here at Casa Me, I’m here to implore that you step out of your comfort zone and try one of the new dishes that I shared with you. Not only will you be glad, you might even have some new favorites!
Casa Me is located at 7 Sconset Square in Westport. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday. Check their website for specific hours.
