I want my daughter to see a strong woman who goes after what she wants.

I think you can tell the food is close to my heart, too, because I'm doing what I do best.

It's more intimate. Food can connect people in a forever sort of way.

I was so nervous to turn 40, but the last year and a half has been the most fun I have ever had.

My mother and I, our favorite part of any baked pasta is the top, where the cheese gets crusty.

I had a very tough childhood. I came here from Italy in the '70s and didn't speak a word of English, so the kids at school tormented me. Truly, it was horrifying the names they called me, and the teachers never really did a thing to stop it.

My goal is to make Italian food clean and accessible and beautiful and tasty, with simple ingredients that people can find at a local grocery store, because people don't want to go to a gourmet shop in search of items that will sit in their pantry for years after they use just a teaspoon or pinch of them.