the feminine adjective meaning unknown; little known; stranger
Roma, the eternal city still stands as a reminder and reference for Italy's greatness. At the center of the Mediterranean sea, the peninsula was also the epicenter of the Mediterranean world with Rome at its core. But what if we were to tell you that Rome and the Romano culture extends far beyond the small, but great city? That Emperors built their villas atop the surrounding hills in different towns, many of which still stand as ancient gateways to unimaginable wealth and gluttony? If we reach further, there are even still the traces of what Italy was before Rome was established. Etruscan necropolis dot the northern Lazio landscape with still legible inscriptions of the names of the deceased carved into them. Look out the window as you drive in the hills up to the town of Palestrina, where a massive, pre-Greek temple hovers over you, pulling you in to its mystery, just as it did almost three millennia ago to pilgrims from northern Africa and all over the Mediterranean that came to gather and worship their communal gods.
All these mysteries and portals to an Italia Sconosciuta within the greater region of Lazio tell of a vast history, already rich and multicultural before Rome became Rome. The culinary traditions of these areas persist as well. The coriander spice was once widely used in these parts of Italy- was it a gift from Palestrina's Egyptian pilgrims, embarking on a spiritual journey to the temple? Join us for a magical and truly unique evening where we explore Lazio's larger and ancient culinary traditions, from a pasta all'Amatriciana hailing from the town of Amatrice, to a coriander spiced dish from Zagarolo. We will pair each course with wines from the region, made with grapes you've likely never heard of (Rosciola, anyone?) two of which are not even imported in the United States that we packed away in our suitcases just for this event.
Olivia Cappelletti is a professional chef and dinner party enthusiast. An East coast native, she's most recently landed at LA-based Gjusta Grocer where she manages the kitchen and seeks to showcase the diversity of hyper-seasonal California produce as well as the farms themselves. Olivia has previously worked in kitchens in New York and Italy, and is endlessly inspired by the storytelling behind recipes and culinary traditions—a breadcrumb that’s followed her since her first life as podcast producer for digital fashion publication Who What Wear. Her dedication to culinary discovery and translating those experiences to those around her table has driven her passion for food, even before her path within it was clear. She cooks bright, herby dishes, eats dinner at an hour most are in bed, and always has room for dessert (and amaro!). Beware not to tell her you don’t like an ingredient, as she’ll see it only as a personal challenge to use it to create something you find downright craveable.
Olivia and Emilia (Cittavino & Co.) met in Italy on a harvest adventure in Ciro', Calabria. Olivia was on her path of discovery as she was gearing up for a career transition, staging in kitchens in Italy, visiting wineries, and found the last piece to her puzzle was working a harvest with Francesco de Franco of 'A Vita. Emilia was there for her second harvest with Francesco, as the call to Italy is an ever-present buzz in her research on the lesser known regions of Italy. Both gals bonded over their love for simple, fresh foods, excellent wine made by small farmers, and nostalgic photography. It was an instant connection and they vowed to keep in touch once stateside. And here they are, keeping true to their word and bringing their explosive creative minds together for their first pop up event.
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