Ciao, I'm Daniela ...

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Yup, that’s me—three years old, beneath the grapevines at my childhood home in Toronto. Most likely where my love of vino was birthed.

If I wasn’t here, you’d find me perched on a chair beside Mamma in the kitchen, watching and learning everything I could.

Our backyard was a world of its own—chickens, rabbits, fruit trees, grapevines, and an endless garden of vegetables. And then there was Italy—my second home, less than 25 meters from the sea in Marina Di Gioiosa Ionica, Reggio Calabria, where the pace of life moved on its own clock. In Italy, food was appreciated in its purest form. Warm ricotta arrived at our doorstep, fresh fish was delivered daily, and an old Piaggio Ape would roll in at dawn, overflowing with just-harvested produce. Even bread and pasta began with a walk to the mill, where flour was freshly ground for mamma and I. 

I grew up with real food and real ingredients. And as the youngest of five—six years behind the next in line—I spent much of my time with those who had stories to tell and skills to pass down. I watched, learned, and absorbed. Nonna weaving linens on her loom. Mamma kneading dough. Lena crocheting intricate lace. Gigi crafting fishing nets. Vincenzo scrubbing down the boat after the morning’s haul of seafood. Every gesture had meaning. Every tradition was a thread in a much larger tapestry.

Let’s fast forward to 2020. 

After more than two decades as a jewellery designer, it wasn’t difficult to trade in my loupe for a rolling pin. The same passion, the same precision, the same reverence for craftsmanship—it was all there. But more than anything, I knew this: the traditions that shaped my childhood deserved and needed to be preserved. The soul of Italian food isn’t just in the recipes—it’s in the stories, the rituals, the earth, and the generations of hands that have kept them alive.

Through my work, I’m proud to preserve and share the heritage culture and traditions that shaped me—through food, story, and lived experience.

Today, I’m recognized as a leading voice on all things authentic Italy—specifically the South—where much of my heart lives. As the Ambassador of Italian Culture, Cucina, and Diaspora, I advocate for an Italy that’s often overlooked, and unknown to many.

I’m the Founder of Italus, a cultural and culinary experience rooted in the lesser-known South, and President of ELITE Canada, representing Italy’s hospitality excellence abroad. My collaborations span from Made in Italy consortia and regional institutions, to culinary academies and heritage organizations across Italy, Canada, and Dubai.

In 2024, I was honoured to deliver the keynote speech at the inaugural Italian Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony in Aurora, Ontario—a moment that speaks to the growing recognition of this work and its cultural importance.

This is about more than food or nostalgia. It’s about connection, memory, and keeping traditions alive.

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 to invite yourself over for an espresso. It would be my pleasure to meet and share some nostalgic stories. 

ciao ciao, 

Daniela