Q: What is your fondest memory from your family kitchen?
A: Because our kitchen was always full of women, my fondest memory is of hanging out with my grandma, my mother and aunties. As a child it gave me a great sense of security.
Q: What kitchen aromas bring back fond memories?
A: To this day, I love the smell of extra virgin olive oil.
Q: Who is your favourite cook?
A: Italian grandmothers are my favourite cooks. Not only do they cook well with passion, but they can create a five-course dinner at the drop of a hat!
Q: What is your favourite food to cook?
A: I’m sorry to say I don’t cook. And I have an honours degree in food science.
Q: Do you use cookbooks?
A: I don’t use cookbooks, but I do have several. They just make visitors think I can cook. I use cookbooks to give me great ideas for making different juice concoctions.
Q: How did the first meal you prepared turn out?
A: It was just like the wreck of a car.
Q: What kitchen appliance can you not live without?
A: I can’t live without my juicer. I often go on juice fasts.
Q: What traditions from your background involving food do you partake in?
A: I don’t really partake in many. I eat out at least five times a week. This is totally against the Italian way of life.
Q: Is there a cultural dish that you have at gatherings that ties into a holiday?
A: Yes there is. It’s what I call the Italian Donut — Zeppoli. We have them around Christmas time and St. Joseph’s Day.
