"To start, from the day I was born I was raised off a glass of wine."
I’m Italian, what can I say?
My parents, huge foodies in their own right, wanted me to have the same love for food as they did. They took my brother and I around the world exploring different cultures and cuisines. I've eaten at the best street food in Thailand and some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France and Italy.
Don’t get me wrong, as a kid I still loved the quintessential chicken fingers, burgers, and mac and cheese. However, all my life I’ve always wanted to try new things, the next adventure… Fine Dining can be multiple hour long courses, 20 course meals over 6 hours for example. Not an event you’d usually bring a child to; my parents thought differently.
Staying quiet for that long? Good Luck!
Everywhere we went (except for Italy) we were looked down upon and met with judging eyes. No matter how we dressed or acted, as soon as we walked into a fine dining restaurant, we were scoffed at. It was the first time I’d ever experienced that, you could feel the judgment in the air. It made my brother and I that much more motivated to prove all of them wrong. Just because we were kids didn’t mean we couldn’t have a seat at the table.
I remember we were at Le Jules Verne in Paris, when the waiter came to the table he talked nicely to my Mom and Dad writing down their orders, but when it was our turn he huffed before asking what we’d like. My brother ( a 5yr old at the time) proceeded to order the foie gras and escargot while I chose the frog's legs. Instantly shocking this guy, as soon as those words came out of our mouths his attitude did a 180°.
As with most outings, waiters, patrons and even chefs would come to our table and want to meet my brother and I and our family. Hate stares, disapproving looks and head shakes always turned into smiles, greetings, and praises for us. I guess it was impressive that kids could sit through such a long experience and were cultured in the way of food.
That’s the beauty in food, no matter what age or ethnicity you are you can relate with one another over food. You can learn to understand one another's cultures. Experience new flavors and share the passion and love for food. I owe it to my parents that kick started me on this journey and to the chefs that inspired me.
As an adult after many years of feasting I’m very glad to be here with Sweet & Savory, sharing my experiences with all of you. Speaking of that, my food posts will only be of places that I highly recommend. I won’t write a review unless it’s worth it for you to get in your car and drive there! The best taco truck in town? The finest lobster rolls around?
I will be writing about everything I find delicious, whether it comes off a food truck or out of a fine dining kitchen. Like the great Jonathan Gold, I don’t discriminate.
My Three Favorite cuisines are Italian, Japanese, and that Thai Spice!
Fun Facts:
A couple food idols of mine are Jonathan Gold, Grant Achatz, and Roy Choi.
Food Critic Jonathan Gold tremendously influenced the food industry breaking down the rigidness of the community and its rules. Chef Grant Achatz is a true artist changing the way people view food by adapting its presentation. For example one of his famous appetizers is an edible balloon, you heard right, flying food! Chef Roy Choi first achieved the American dream, finding success with his food truck the “Kogi BBQ Truck” winning “The Great Foodtruck Race”. Now he has opened three successful restaurants in Los Angeles. All of these legends/chefs are awe inspiring and represent what food is all about.
Let's Dine!
Enzo