Amici

In the United States, a lot of men become obsessed with golf. In Tuscany, many become obsessed with mushrooms. My friend Luciano is one of those mushroom fanatics.

Riccardo Azzato is a force of nature. He epitomizes the small business work ethic that drives so much of the Italian economy.

By day, Saverio is a professional waiter. He’s charismatic, passionate about life, mischievous, and just a little bit crazy in that good-crazy kinda way.

Karly moved from Washington, DC to Florence with no preconceived notion of what she’d do other than follow her passion for cooking and Italy. Ultimately, she rose through the male-dominated ranks of one of the city’s best trattorias to become its chef de cuisine. She mastered the classics, and created a few new ones of her own.

When he’s not on the basketball court, Fernando loves to cook. And like most Argentinians, he likes to cook meat—over a live fire.

On Thursdays, people come for the spaghetti alle vongole prepared with clams procured that day from the visiting fish monger.

Antonietta and her husband, Donato, both originally hail from Campania, the Southern Italian region encompassing the city of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. She’s a great cook who brings warmth and Campanian specialties to her table.

Sergio is as Roman as it gets. Born and raised in the city and a lifelong resident, he is my authority on all things Roman, be it soccer, politics, or authentic Roman cuisine.

At I’ Galletto ‘Briaco Trattoria, Jenni tends to the front of the house while Sabatino mans the kitchen with steady hands, turning out thoughtfully prepared dishes.