Marcella –

How we know her – Marcella was introduced to us by the real estate agent who handled our transaction on the castle. When we made our plans to come to Italy, I had always fantasized about cooking alongside a chef and learning the secrets of Italian cuisine.

What They Do – Marcella is the fish chef at the Culinary University here in Florence. She is a former restaurant owner of twelve years and was born and raised on a small island in the Mediterranean named Giglio, which is a part of Tuscany.

Our Friendship – Marcella has been our friend for many months now. Its amazing how much time you have to get to know someone when you cook and dine with them for five hours every week! She speaks perfect English and has been responsible for teaching us many things about the Italian culture and its people. There is a beautiful honesty about her view of life in Italy and how it contrasts to that of the US. She has experienced life in the US as she has been hired on several occasions to live with and cook for various families.

She has taught me the art of shopping for food, preparation and the importance of fresh ingredients. It is most fair to say that she has forever changed our palate and impacted the way we view the art of cooking. Her inclusion of Trey and Olivia in the cooking process has made it fun for them and given them a sense of contribution to the family meal. She is so loving towards them and genuinely interested in them as people. Each Thursday, when the kids arrive from school they immediately run to hug her in the kitchen.

Every Thursday night is a joy as we share our lives with each other and have many laughs. This is why she is our friend.

Interesting Quip – She has written a book about the island of Giglio and has plans to start a cooking school for tourists on the island.