To me “Living Italian” is a great way to live. I think it is one of the greatest ways to live. But I think that living French and living Spanish and Greek also are incredible. For me, it’s almost about “living Mediterranean,” that-it-as-it comes lifestyle that appreciates the fine things in life, whether it’s food, wine, sensuality, or the scent of the sea.

It is one of the greatest ways to live because no matter where you physically call home-or where you are-it enhances the everyday quality of your life. And that’s a gift we all can give to ourselves.

When did I discover my inner Italian? Well I didn’t discover it til really later really after I got married. Then in life when I started to appreciate tradition and family more. And when I took my first trip to Europe with my husband’s uncle & my mom. That was really when I truly found my heart and myself. I spent time with our family in the hills of Tuscany and we bottled wine, had dinner, went to the local markets, made food. I knew then I was home. Then later I have met a wonderful friend years later here at home from Napoli and we have become good friends for the past 5 years. She is like a sister to me.
What does “living Italian” mean to me?

It means wholeheartedly embracing the simple goodness and sensuality in life.. Taking the extra time, for example, to stop at a specialty market or gourmet grocery store for fine imported cheese or meats rather than dashing into a regular supermarket makes a huge difference. Thinks how special it feels opening these hand-wrapped treasures as opposed to ripping open an industrial-strength package. It’s worth every extra dime I pay. And even when it comes to things that DON’T cost money-valuing quality time spent with family and friends; enjoying the arts and culture just because and not only when out-of-town guests come to visit-this to me also embraces this wonderful way of living and being.

What nurtures my Inner Italian?

Being in Italy of course! But since I am in the United States instead, remembering what made my visiting Italy so pleasurable: good, un-hurried meals with simple yet exquisite ingredients; good wine and conversation; and time spent dining with those I love spending time with. And since I can’t be in Italy I read books, cuisine/wine, magazines that celebrate this wonderful country. I seek out markets, watch cooking shows, read books, friends, cook meals, and more. I also find it by seeking out authentic restaurants.

I hope to pass on the passion of the food, the conversation, the passion of live, the passion to enjoy life, to enjoy the simple things in life. I hope I can show them how simple it is to cook and be passionate about the things you love. I hope that I can show them to enjoy the things around them and to stop and smell, taste, and see everything.