MY JOURNEY……
Into the world of culinary passions began in 2000, the turn of a new millennium and a time of prophetic personal growth. It was 6 months after my mother passed away, I was 32 and I realized I had NO IDEA WHO I WAS, WHAT I WANTED, OR WHERE I WANTED TO BE.
My mother, was a strong matriarchal Italian woman and we experienced so much life together! Travel, culture, history, art, food, and all the beautiful things we are here to divulge in this journey. Through this time, I floated along, drinking it all in but never felt deep down that I knew my own personal “calling”, so to speak.
After she passed, I reflected on all of my experiences, all the things we had done together, all the laughs, the cry’s, the “bumps”, and the wonders. She was my best friend and I was lost. I knew of nothing more than wanting her back…… She was such an important part of my life, I realized that without her, I didn’t have much of an identity….Who was I? What now? Where is my life headed? What is this all about?
After a few months of grieving, I decided I needed to begin somewhere…..I started to read and watch new kinds of TV shows and movies. I ventured out and made new friends with diverse backgrounds and beliefs. I felt like an open vessel, ready to drink in a whole new perspective on life and myself. So many of my social engagements were around food where we shared, life, passion, and lots of laughter. I was intrigued….
So, I began to collect cookbooks and read them front to back, everyday. I frequented great restaurants to taste, learn, and talk to the grand masters of cuisine. I read and studied wine, the different varietals, what enhanced certain foods, what didn’t, what to pair, what to avoid, and how to taste. I studied with various chefs and teachers around the US and Europe. I went to all the local growers markets and met the farmers and purveyors to learn the incredible nuances of growing food, cultivating it, and preparing it with intention and love and then share with family and friends. The internal change that ensued was AMAZING! I was completely flooded with the passion, with the fire. I was changed forever. I felt alive again, I was addicted!
Everything I experienced was with wonder and awe. Food, wine, art, travel, history, and culture wove themselves through the canvas of my life and I KNEW in my heart that I needed to have all of it with me on a daily basis, especially the creation and expression of FOOD! This daily ritual allowed such a feeling of oneness inside and I flowed effortlessly with the rhythm and beauty of the experience. I had NEVER felt so free and ALIVE, ever!
Therefore, it is my wish for each of you to have the same feeling when you are experiencing your passion(s). This is why we are here, to share our gifts and make the world a bit better than what we found.
Peace~~~~~
