YOUR HOSTS

UMBERTO MARINO

I was born in Bolzano, a real Italian paradise, located in the heart of the Dolomites. This is a country where Austrian and Italian cultures blend.

My family comes from Naples, a place with a strong food identity. In fact, I grew up watching my mom cooks Southern & Northern recipes for the entire family. I turned my passion and for food into a career, first working in Italy for an Italian cookie wafer manufacturer and then, with the American dream in mind, I moved permanently to the United States to be the ambassador for a few high-end Italian companies.

LAURA ORLANDO 

Originally from the city of Torino (Piedmont region), I was raised in a family of veteran restaurateurs that introduced me to buon cibo e buon vino from the Langhe area!I love eating good food and I am always curious about new ingredients and flavors. I am susceptible to becoming “hangry” (one of her favorite English words!), especially when I am disappointed with a meal. I also have a tattoo that says Mangia bene, eat well!I have been teaching cooking and language classes since I moved to the United States almost seven years ago. I am eager to share with my customers my knowledge of Italian food and wine and how these two play an important role in the Italian culture. Laura will transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany as she guides you through dishes such as Panzanella and pici toscani.