Ciao, I’m Tina! A former NYC fashion executive that lived a life full of adventure before deciding to relocate to Massa Lubrense, Italy in 2007 to follow my bliss and pursue my passionate curiosity for the Italian culture, the cuisine, and cooking. Little did I know at the time, I was about to embark on a mouthwatering journey of the gastronomic wonders of the territory—Naples and the Campania region, that would still leave me intrigued and insatiably hungry, even after almost 20 years.
Shortly after I arrived, I was warmly welcomed into the community and seemingly effortlessly found myself invited into aroma-filled kitchens and workshops to learn the regional specialties by the people that know how to prepare them best — the local folks —my neighbors and friends; the farmers, fishermen, butchers, bakers, pizza makers, cheese and salumi artisans, as well as the seasoned chefs, with whom I have worked in restaurants all over the region.
Along the way I met a charismatic Neapolitan man, Claudio, who lives for his “orto” (home garden) and cultivates it following the cycles of the moon, had a baby, Leonardo, and have been delving deeply into the compilation of a very special cookbook, which shares the local food ways; the authentic recipes and traditions from our unique corner of Italy’s south—the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, and Naples too.
As a passionate foodie, cook, and nature lover it has been equally as rewarding for me to learn to cook like a local as it has been to be in flow with the cycles of nature and celebrate the peak season ingredients as I prepare our meals. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are what every Italian cook would say are essential in their kitchen and the reason why the food on the their table always tastes so good. At home, I usually prepare our meals with the freshly picked edibles that we grow in our garden or that were gifted to us by our neighbors and friends. Otherwise, I head to the weekend farmers’
market where stalls brim with fresh fruits and vegetables of all sorts that were grown on the nearby farms. I like to buy locally grown because the food grown in our area is usually picked within the past day or two, so naturally, it tastes better and is still packed with beneficial nutrients. Plus, I like to support the local farmers and have the intimate experience of buying food directly from the hands of the person who grew it. And all else I need to keep my kitchen stocked with the essentials for cooking the delicious local specialties, which comes from the skilled food artisans and producers in our community, and all over the region—from the bread and cheese makers to the olive oil producers. In short, I like to eat and cook seasonally, and buy locally. Supporting my community and establishing close relationships that matter are very important to me.
Living in Campania and learning to cook like a local has enriched my soul and delighted my heart. It’s been a meaningful life experience to have learned to embrace the moment and celebrate the simple joys of every given day, the local food, and community. I feel that wonderful kind of “full.”
Nowadays, I am covering food and drink, and all the delicious else in Campania—and Naples too. I am a member in the slow food movement of the Sorrento Coast and Capri. And I am also involved in a wonderful collaborative work project with my local food community, which came to be during the difficult time of COVID-19; self-isolation and social distancing. We had decided to share some of our community spirit and bring awareness to the local food, drink, and territory through stories, photos, and videos, with hopes it will provide an inspirational, uplifting experience and, naturally, stimulate the palate during the difficult time. Select work projects I have been and will be sharing on the site.
In sum, my decision to follow my bliss and passionate curiosities has led to a life full of adventure once again. Yet this time I am so eager to share it all with my friends and those who love the Italian culture, the cuisine, and cooking, and are interested in exploring and learning with me as a local.
My blog is about my culinary adventures in Naples and the Campania region, local life, which includes my work with slow food and the local artisans and producers, and sharing the destinations that I love— one beautiful season at a time.
I hope you enjoy the recipes, photos, and stories of my adventures while nestled at home with your favorite glass of wine or craft beer. Or else, come join in the fun on one of our cultural and culinary tours, or summer workshops, where you can immerse yourself in local Italian living as we learn about the area’s unique food ways and explore the picturesque villages and must-see attractions, from an insiders perspective.
A presto!