CIAO! I’m Lisa and I am the writer, cook, photographer behind Very EATalian.
I was born and raised in the countryside of Northeastern Italy and I (usually) live in Northern Virginia, together with my husband Tom, and our daughter Olivia. Here you will find recipes inspired by my love for my country (and especially for my region, Friuli Venezia Giulia), stories about Italian traditions and how we celebrate them back home, and a behind-the-scenes section to find out how certain foods are made (the artisan way). You’ll also find random artsy things I like to draw/paint/make!
WHY A FOOD BLOG?
After college, I traveled abroad to study, work and ultimately to follow my husband, Tom. Being together in Florida was like a dream, after a seemingly never-ending visa-related red tape. Florida was beautiful, too. Surprisingly enough, though, I was homesick. I missed “home” and my big Italian family! To fight this unsettling feeling, I started spending more time in the kitchen, cooking my mom’s recipes and writing about our family traditions; it was like therapy. This is how I started Very EATalian.
I grew up right next to my grandparents, aunts, and uncles; we were a big ol’ family, sharing most meals in my grandma’s kitchen. Most of the food that made it to our table came from our farm animals (chickens, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, and pigeons!), our big vegetable garden, and our fruit trees. We drank the wine and grappa we made from the grapes we harvested each September (it was a huge event!). Homemade jams and honey from our bees were part of our breakfast table. Around the end of summer, I’d watch my mom and aunt pickle giardiniera and churn out dozens of jars of fresh tomato sauce. In November, or just when the weather started to get a bit cold, my nonno and his brothers would get together in our garage to make salami from scratch. The smell wasn’t pretty, but the atmosphere was exhilarating (probably also because of the wine!). Every Sunday after Mass, I’d hurry into my nonna’s kitchen to smell the delicious broth simmering over her stove. Each meal was a LONG and crowded affair.
That’s what food is for me — family, togetherness, celebration, and hard work. Our rituals, traditions, and family’s recipes are a very precious part of me. This blog is also meant to document and celebrate that part — I definitely don’t want it to be forgotten or lost!
We’ve moved around a little bit these past few years and we’re now taking a very long vacation in Italy!
I’m glad you found me and I hope you get inspired by my photos & recipes. Have a look around and feel free to drop me a note!
Bravissima Lisa,che bell’idea..qua in Italia sono le 6:00am ma gli gnocchi li mangerei immediatamente! Condivido subito su fb. Continua così..in bocca al lupo per tutto! davide
Ciao Davide! Sono felice che ti piaccia. 🙂 Grazie per i complimenti e per avere condiviso il blog su FB!
Brava Lisa! So happy to see your creativity made public! I will live, and cook, vicariously through you and keep my own small tie to bella Italia.
My dear Populous Due,
Thank you!! Your encouragement has always been very precious to me. I miss you!
-Populous Uno
Lisa,
Great job on this blog! Every day I am amazed by your skills and knowledge and I wish you the best of luck with this new adventure! … MI manchi pero’! Un abbraccio
Grazie Francy for being such a good friend and supporter. I miss you, too! <3
Dear Lisa,
with your blog it was love at first sight!!!! Everything is perfect!!! Its design and graphic are marvelous, the photos that you have taken are spectacular and the recipes selection and their description are wonderful.
I am always waiting for a new recipe/story and hoping that one day I will manage to follow your teaching in the kitchen!!!!
I wish you all the best!!!!
Un abbraccio, Martina
Martina, you are too sweet!! 🙂 Grazieeee! <3
I’ve just read through your blog and recipes and I absolutely love it! Your photos are stunning, Lisa! Since visiting Tuscany last summer, I’ve been wanting to make mini crostata for so long now – will definitely be giving your recipe a go!
Lovely blog!
Jess
Hey Jess! Grazie mille for stopping by and for all your nice words 🙂 <3
Ricette intriganti e fotografie super! Complimenti
Grazie!! 🙂
Since I am originally from Trieste, I was thrilled to find your authentic recipe for apple strudel! Happy to make your acquaintance, Lisa, and thank you for sharing our beloved recipes. Ciao! Cindy (Cinzia)
Hi Cindy! Welcome to my blog. Thank you for dropping a note!! Our regional recipes are my favorite thing to share…stay tuned for more!
Lisa, this 88-year old Southern Italian (Calabrese), who came to this country 80-years ago, won’t hold it against you that your from the North. Your recipes are original, unique,d and definitely Italian accented. You know the real think and create dishes that you would find in Italy, not in Italian-American homes. I especially admire your respect for natural ingredients and your insistent that your efforts are seen in the best light photographically. This is not mere hyperbole, though a Southerner, I first worked in a Brooklyn restaurant owned by a Northerners, husband and wife, from Tuscany. I did not continue in the restaurant business, but after College and Art school, I became and Art Director and created all the Betty Crocker books from 1970 to 1986. I was responsible not only for their design but for the photography. I think I am qualified to judge your photographic excellence. As for the cooking side, I have cooked every mail in my 56 years of married life for a non-Italian who is very picky about her food. For the most part it is Italian hybrid. Thank you for the many wonderful recipes. PS: your work would make a lovely Italian Cookbook. Might have to play with the title. Auguri e saluti. Romolo Cosentino
Love love love your blog and recipes! Really reminds me of when I took a trip to Italy.. the pasta and the pizza is so authentic and very different from the way most of the US makes pizza and pasta. Never take down your website! I look forward to making some delicious recipes from your site. I’m hungry now! 😀
HI LISA
I misplaced my Pinza recipe and was searching online for a recipe similar to mine when I stumbled upon your website.
My father is from the same area of Italy as you.
While I was on your website I read your comment about pickling and went onto Domenica’s site.
I was so surprised to read that she is from the same area as my mom.
What are the chances that this would happen.
You are both an inspiration to me, as I am a big foodie!!!!!
Your website is amazing
Just returned from Friuli region Saturday ( Talmassons) and had my best pasta dish outside Mortegliano, Tagliatelli San Danielle!!
So I searched the dish and found your wonderful website. Awesome Lisa !!
Hi Lisa
My name is Elisa. I live in Adelaide South Australia. I am a Chef and artist among many other things that I have done. My parents were both from Putignano, Bari. I watched my mother make orecchietti, but never learnt to make them myself. I am now 70 and made my first batch the other day. I made 100% wholemeal ones, some with semolina and some with normal flour. They all turned out great. My son, who is in the airforce, his wife and my grandchildren all love pasta so I will be making up batches for them. All of my relatives live in Italy and our family here is small. Ciao and yes family comes first and Italians do this so well by sharing and eating food together.
Hi Elisa, thanks for dropping by and sharing your story and your love for Italy!