Ciao, I'm Daniela ...

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Yup, that's me.  I was 3 years old there. 

In Toronto at the house this very photo was taken, and in Southern Italy where I was quite literally just steps from the Ionian Sea. 

In Toronto, mamma had chickens and rabbits in the backyard with what seemed to be an endless garden of fruit trees, grape vines and vegetable patches. 

In Italy, we were graced with daily deliveries of warm ricotta, freshly caught fish, and the most adorable Piaggo Ape filled with aromic early morning harvested produce. Even bread and pasta making started with a trip to the Mill for on the spot milled flour. 

I grew up with fresh food and real ingredients. And growing up the youngest of 5 children with a gaping 6 years between myself and the next in line, alot of my time was spent with the young at heart. I was a curious child and vastly enjoyed observing and learning from everyone who diligently crafted their art - be it admiring nonna create linens on her loom, mamma's kneading of dough, Lena's crochet stitching, Gigi's making of the fishing nets, or Vincenzo's cleaning of the fishing boat after the daily haul. I enjoyed all of it - every day!

It may very well be, that it was easy for me to trade in my loupe after more than a two decade career as a jewellery designer, to share the very culinary culture and traditions I learned so young, because it was important for me to preserve so much of the reason Italian food is the most coveted around the globe.

And so, today I spend alot of time cooking, teaching and writing about the things I love - the timeless recipes created by those who for generations, have gifted the world with an unparalleled culinary culture, and deep rooted values of community, tradition, and the joy of savoring every moment.

Take a trip to Italy with me through the pages of my site, on my social media, at my table or yours where you'll enjoy an authentically traditional Italian experience, and let's enjoy all things Italian food wine and culture. 

thanks for visiting, and don't be shy to reach out with a hello or invite yourself for an espresso.

it would be my pleasure to meet and share some nostalgic stories. 

Want to know just how I started this new career? 

Read the article HERE 

ciao ciao

Daniela