Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonella Faraone.
Hi Antonella , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Palermo, Sicily, where food is at the core of all things family and has therefore influenced me since my early childhood. For us, food is not simply nourishment or something to be done quickly, it is essential family time to tell stories, pass down recipes, or simply to share daily news. As my childhood progressed into my early teens I began to see my mother’s kitchen differently: oils, spices, herbs, cheeses, cured meats, and citrus fruits all with which I could experiment. This piqued my curiosity and gave me a sense of excitement. The abundance and diversity of ingredients with which my native soil provided me with, allowed me to explore endless possibilities in textures and flavors. However, I wanted to further my talents and share my passion with those unfamiliar to my culture, and so, at the age of 21 I packed my things and headed for the United States. I began as a waitress, as, despite my passion for cooking, I had yet to make a name for myself. After two years of hard work I officially began working as the head chef of Bel Paese Italian Restaurant, which I continued to do until the age of 45, gaining 23 years of experience. After taking a four year hiatus to live in Sicily, I returned once more to the U.S. to continue my passion of sharing my culture through food, by opening my very own catering business: Antonella Modern Italian Fare.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The life of a chef seldom provides a smooth road and mine was certainly no exception. Leaving my family at such a young age was very difficult and it was not for many years until I was able to see my parents again. My trade also requires long hours in hot kitchens and, although it is not always the case, I have been undermined and patronized numerous times simply due to my gender, even after many years of experience. One of my greatest challenges, however, was coming back to the U.S. and starting completely from scratch, reinventing myself as a caterer. Although I had the cooking experience, I had to learn a completely new sector of my trade which I am still learning to this day. While my challenges have been numerous I am always determined to overcome them and use them as a learning experience as I believe there’s always more room for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a chef specializing in Italian/Sicilian food, but with a more modern twist. While I love my traditional Sicilian plates, I also love to be creative and offer new tastes, hence the “modern” component of my business name. I am most known for my authentic quality, as, I buy locally as well as shipping products directly from Sicily such as Olive oil, Parmiggiano Reggiano, Balsamic vinegar, etc. I’m most proud of my Sicilian heritage and the values I’ve been able to instill in my children as well as being able to overcome challenges such as starting an entirely new business at almost 50. What sets me apart from others is the authenticity and transparency I share with my customers, many of whom I know personally and who know exactly what they’re buying.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
When my customers take time from their day to text or email me simply to say just how much they enjoyed my food, I feel a deep sense of happiness. Being able to share a piece of my identity with my customers and knowing that they thoroughly enjoy and appreciate what I do makes me feel a personal sense of accomplishment. As an immigrant, it allows me to feel close to a place thousands of miles away and makes me deeply grateful for my roots, as well as the opportunities with which the United States has provided me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://antonellamodernitalianfare.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonellamodernitalianfare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antonellamodernitalianfare/
