As a first-generation Italian, born in Connecticut and raised in a European household where old traditional values and customs prevailed, making fresh pasta was a daily activity. With an extended family of relatives from Italy, traditional food habits prevailed in our household. Fruits and vegetables grown in the family garden were canned every summer, and wine made every fall.

My upbringing and passion for convivio (table life) led me to a vocation of over 35 years as a restauranteur in Southern California, and administrator of my own combination B&B and cooking school in Tuscany, Italy. Living in Italy with my husband I have returned to my family roots where, as a child, my passion for genuine food and convivio commenced.

I wish by blogging to share my experiences with genuine foods and convivio, as an Italian-American living in both countries.