Imagine sitting, overlooking the most spectacular view of the coastline as you're nestled up in the mountains. As you sip a glass of wine, you're presented with a plate of assorted local goodies all for you to try.
The bread is crusty and soft, the salami full of flavour, the olives fresh and the cheese is delectable! As you feast on this assortment, all of a sudden more little plates arrive, filling the table with an impressive variety of local delicacies.
You take a moment to look up and enjoy the view and you can't help but think…is this heaven?
Welcome to the Pietra D'oro in Grisolia, Calabria!
Ciao Amici! How's your dream coming along?
As we continue along the travel escapades and all the roads and meetings that lead to Vera Italia, I hope you're inspired to take that trip, immerse yourself in this incredible culture and really make a difference with your travel.
Vera Italia is all about encouraging locals to continue their traditions. It's about connecting you with these locals and offering an exchange that enriches, delights and sustains this amazing culture. This is why I'm so excited to share these stories of how each Culture Creator came to be!
Don't be fooled by the picturesque introduction, this was a tough one to get across the line but I just knew they had to be part of this, what they have to offer was too good not to share!
Meet Daniele (Rocco) and Filippo, two brothers who have created a restaurant that is well renowned along the coast, not only by visitors but locals. It's a restaurant of choice for celebrations, its spectacular view and if you want to eat well.
That's not all! The more I spoke with them, the more I realised what a beautiful story they had behind them. Their father, Antonio, is the most kind and gentle soul you will meet and thanks to his hard work and sacrifices, his boys were inspired to create something that would continue his legacy and give them a reason to stay in their hometown. Today, this is a beautiful reality for them.
My fondest memory of the Pietra D’oro (and the reason why I approached them to be a part of the website) was the compleanno (birthday) of my Zia Mimma.
Around Christmas time, the tradition is to make fried strips of dough - I assure you this description does not give it justice - and upon trying this delicacy, I must say it was love at first ‘crispelle’.
When I returned the next time, I soon realised that they do stay true to tradition and this recipe is only made around Christmas time.
Nevertheless, the delicious homemade bread, plentiful tastes of local products, olives, salami and other typical dishes like ‘pipi e patate’ (capsicum and potatoes) - these definitely fill the ‘void’ when it’s not crispelle season.
After enjoying a long lunch, accompanied by the spectacular view, I began speaking with one of the brothers, Daniele. I told him about the project I was working on and asked if he would be interested to be involved. We arranged an appointment and I went to share my little-big dream for the third time.
I’ll be honest, Daniele put me to the test. He asked me lots of questions and he didn’t seem too convinced. I thought, maybe this will be my first no. However, as they say in Italian a volte, basta credere! (sometimes, you just have to believe!).
As I sat in his office, smiling and answering his questions, I kept believing in my dream, my vision. After about an hour Daniele said: "Okay, I like that you’re very ‘solare’ (sunny) so I’d like to be part of the project. But I’m not doing the video.”
I’ll admit, I’m the first to shy away from the camera but for me, it is so important to share the stories of real people, real experiences, the true Italy and introduce them to you, to begin your journey and spark those moments of wonder and connection, even before you arrive.
My favourite part about this story is that when we launched the website, someone specifically mentioned how much they loved Daniele’s video and that’s what made them decide to book an experience with him. I shared that with him and he smiled a big smile, it was all worth it!
You see, when we go to film, I swear there’s a sort of magic. A way to shine a light on someone who just carries on about their day, does their work and doesn’t realise how much they’re contributing to something much bigger.
They’re creating a culture that is so loved and appreciated; one that oozes beauty in the simplest ways. This is why it is my honour and privilege to share their stories with you. This is why I insisted that every single person who is featured on the website must share their story because what you see in their videos is a beautiful illustration of them, a splendid introduction into their humble beginnings and an invitation to experience their reality, immersing yourself in the ‘true’ Italy.
When we filmed with Daniele, what I saw was a family who work hard, who take pride in serving delicious food and creating a nice ambience for their visitors. Filippo, the Chef and brother, has sparkles in his eyes when his cooking is recognised, when after he’s been working away in the kitchen, pouring love into the dishes he creates, not even searching for a compliment or a thank you, he just simply plays his part in applying his expertise and lovingly creating each dish to ensure the family restaurant leaves their customers satisfied.
Then there’s Antonio, the father. I was heartbroken to learn that he had lost his wife three months prior to filming and naturally, it wasn’t an easy time for him. When we asked him to be part of this video, to wave and welcome the visitors to their restaurant, he opened up his world to us and despite his pain and struggle, you could see there was nothing that filled him with more joy than to see his two boys continue the legacy of his wife and himself.
Amici, these are the people who make Italy unique.
It’s my firm belief that when you’re on to something, it doesn’t matter what challenges arise because if it’s meant to happen, it will.
As you follow that little inkling, that big dream you hold in your heart, you will be amazed at every step of the way by the strength and courage that bubbles up, even when you think things might not work out how you had hoped.
Until next time, keep chasing that glimmer of hope, that oomph of inspiration and be courageous in taking-on that little dream you’ve been carrying around in your pocket. Let’s do this!
