travel in your own home
Our enjoyment of journeys may hinge more on our mindset while traveling than on the destination itself. If we could apply a traveling mindset in our own surroundings, we might discover these places to be as captivating as exotic locales.
What, then, is a traveling mindset? Receptivity could be considered its defining trait. We approach new places with humility, devoid of preconceived notions of what is interesting.
It means pausing in unexpected spots, like traffic islands or narrow streets, to appreciate seemingly insignificant details that locals might overlook. It entails risking distraction, even danger, to marvel at the architecture of a government building or the script on a wall. It's finding fascination in everyday places like supermarkets or hair salons. It's examining the nuances of a menu or the attire of passersby. It's being attuned to the layers of history beneath the present, capturing them in photographs and notes.
In contrast, home finds us more complacent and settled in our expectations. We assume we've discovered all its wonders primarily by virtue of having lived there a long time. It seems inconceivable that there could be anything new; we've grown accustomed and, consequently, oblivious.
We can be traveler’s in our own home. Notice what you have already seen. Notice what you have not already seen. Beauty is everywhere. Look.

fresh pumpkin pasta, sage, parmesan, butter #keepitsimple

nanny's seafood salad baccalà, octopus, squid, shrimp, clams, mussels. paired with olive/anchovy pate



mama's linguine with clams

cranberry sauce

mama's shrimp scampi


black bean spread, oaxaca, sautéed eggplant, guacamole, corn, tri color long grain rice, cilantro

pork chop, string beans

grilled chicken breast, black beans, white rice, spanish rice

grilled chicken, feta, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomato, farro

schiacciata bread, porchetta, roasted peppers, arugula

ahi tuna, farro, carrot, cucumber, broccoli, scallions, avocado, cilantro

fresh pasta and truffle butter


fried cauliflower rice with kimchi, scallions, and an egg

shrimp salad

salami, mozzarella, arugula, schiacciata bread

fresh beet pasta, spinach, pinnoli nuts, goat cheese


pickling carrots and cucumbers

fired in the pizza oven for 90 seconds: tomato, ricotta, fried eggplant, basil