Behind the Menu
Kristina’s been a longtime client, so when she called about her birthday, I knew she wanted something bold. “Joey,” she said, “think Caviar Kaspia meets French Laundry—but make it yours.” It would be an intimate dinner for ten: elegance and opulence. A cocktail hour with charcuterie and canapés would lead into a seated, multi-course meal where caviar played a starring role—not just a garnish.
We talked through her favorite past dinners and moments she wanted to recreate. I designed a menu that wove caviar into traditional service, warm dishes, and unexpected pairings.
We arrived early to set the tone—white linens, soft lighting, and a chilled Black Pearl Martini on slate with a spoonful of caviar to start. Each course was introduced with a touch of storytelling and poured wine to match.
By the end of the evening, Kristina was glowing. “It felt like Paris and Napa—but I got to stay home.” That’s always the goal: to turn a vision into something unforgettable.
Behind the Menu
For a recent charity fundraiser benefiting Camp Light Bulb, I was tasked with crafting a menu that would cater to a wide range of dietary needs—dairy-free, gluten-free, plant-based, and pescatarian—while also keeping costs low to ensure more funds could go directly to the cause.
To meet this challenge, I designed a grazing table that was both diverse and inclusive, offering a variety of dishes that would satisfy every guest. From Flank Steak Crostini and Tarragon Chicken Skewers to Dijon Glazed Salmon Skewers, the menu provided satisfying options for all tastes. For plant-based eaters, Spicy Eggplant Skewers and Edamame Hummus Crostini were included, alongside lighter options like Watermelon and Feta and Stuffed Baby Bellas.
Comforting classics like Margherita Flatbreads, Meatballs, and Arancini rounded out the selection, ensuring guests could find something familiar and satisfying. To further enhance the grazing experience, I added Parmesan Caesar Salad Crisp Bites and Cheese Panini, keeping the offering balanced while remaining mindful of dietary preferences.
The grazing table was designed to offer something for everyone while keeping the focus on making the event both enjoyable and accessible, all in support of a meaningful cause like Camp Light Bulb. The menu was a true reflection of the spirit of inclusion and community that the camp embodies.
GRAZING TABLE
Cocktail Party
Flank Steak Crostini
Tarragon Chicken Skewers
Dijon Glazed Salmon Skewers
Margherita Flatbreads
Meatballs
Arancini
Watermelon and Feta
Stuffed Baby Bellas
Parmesan Caesar Salad Crisp Bites
Cheese Panini
Edamame Hummus Crostini
Spicy Eggplant Skewers
From Heritage to Plate
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition and Creativity
I learned L'Arte D'Arrangiarsi—the art of creating something from nothing—while living with relatives in Italy. It perfectly expresses what cooking means to me: relying on instinct, feel, and momentary inspiration. My style is rooted in this spirit of inventiveness and creativity, combined with a deep passion for traditional Italian cooking. I’m known for taking simple ingredients and transforming them in unexpected yet refined ways, leaving my clients feeling well cared for, pleasantly surprised, and excited.
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region with strong cultural ties to Italy. My hometown, San Jose, was shaped by Italian immigrants in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As a second-generation American with Italian heritage from both sides of my family, I have always felt deeply connected to the culinary traditions of my ancestors. Over the course of many travels to Italy, I’ve made friends across the country—from Messina to Rome—learning authentic, time-honored techniques that I bring to every meal I create.
Cooking has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve “helping” my mother make chocolate chip cookies. As a child, I quickly became eager to experiment in the kitchen. One morning when I was seven, my parents came downstairs to the scent of Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix and found that I had made the muffins entirely on my own. Since then, my cooking has evolved considerably. Through extensive travel, culinary studies in Italy, and graduating with honors from Le Cordon Bleu, I’ve honed the craft of creating dishes that are as comforting and humble as they are elegant and full of depth. I approach cooking with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that I bring to the rest of my life. I’m passionate about nature, the outdoors, animals, and art, and I’m constantly reading and learning about something new. This endless curiosity drives me to continually evolve in my culinary practice. Each year, I return to Italy to visit family and friends, refining my skills, discovering new techniques, and gathering fresh inspiration—insights that I bring home and share with my clients. Hosting is second nature to me, both personally and professionally. The joy I find in creating warm, unforgettable experiences is contagious. Everything I’ve learned over the years comes through in the meals I prepare, elevating each gathering into something truly special.