Meet the Dynamic Duo that Unite Local Fishermen, Famers and Niche Wines

It was the summer of 2019. I had my very first Italian work-experience at my cousin’s cocktail bar and each afternoon around aperitivo time there was a warm friendly smile that would greet me before requesting an aperitivo to conclude the day. 

My friendship with Veronica truly blossomed on the closing night when my cousin’s threw a big party and between a prosecco or two, we became great friends. When I first arrived in Calabria, I spent most of my time with my many cousins but Veronica was one of the first friends I made. After the summer we caught-up for an aperitivo together and it was so beautiful to learn more about her love for travel, her sense of adventure and the beautiful stories she had to share of the unique experiences she had encountered in her travels. I truly valued her friendship. 

Many years later we reconnected after I had returned from Australia and Veronica had decided to open her own restaurant after having always worked in hospitality but for other people. This was her chance to do things her way in her hometown. To join her in this venture was the fabulous Noemi (said “No-Amy”) as she will kindly tell you.  

I remember the night we met to talk about Vera Italia, I was a little nervous to present my idea. Veronica is a bright mind and always has interesting questions to ask. Mr. Marco, Veronica’s husband was also in on the conversation and is a huge supporter of this dynamic-duo; playing a big part in the running of the restaurant. While at the beginning, it’s always a little daunting proposing the idea for the first time and asking someone to be part of it, not sure if they will embrace it or not. While I felt a little bit of three-against one initially, I took a breath, turned the key, shared the vision and immediately Veronica’s flair and creativity started churning and we began to think big! 

This certainly has to be my favourite part. Initially it takes a little warming-up to get the ball rolling when we brainstorm and elaborate the experience ideas but it seems like after the first couple, the momentum builds, the Culture Creator’s imagination gets to work and we come-up with little moments of magic, waiting to be brought to life by the travellers that visit. 

With Veronica, Noemi & Marco the most brilliantly outrageous experience was born (and I expected nothing less from this crew): “A Kitchen for a Day”. Let me explain…you show-up to their beautiful restaurant with your ingredients (perhaps freshly caught together with Daniele or Antonio or picked-fresh with Luciano or Stefania), you’re welcomed into the commercial kitchen, fully at your disposal with a professional Chef to guide you along as you create a meal together. When you’re done, you will be shown to your table, your drink orders will be taken among the carefully selected niche wines on the menu and when you’re done, they’ll clean-up! Clever, right? Would you do it? 

So while I was put to the test initially, I must say, along this journey, the incredibly warm hugs I have received from both Veronica & Noemi, seeing Marco show-up at a nightclub or randomly hanging out wearing his Vera Italia Culture Creator t-shirt…