An Italian Chef in Peterborough, Ontario at Your Service
ABOUT ME
I'm a transplant from the Niagara region! My great grandparents immigrated there from Southern Italy and began making the area their new home. I have the privilege to call family, the men and women who operated the first Italian bakery, the first pizza shop, and two of the most popular restaurants in the area. Times and families change but my Zizi Gina and Zizi Dom still have their bakery in Welland and I can't begin to count the times people have said, "Oh I know Four Seasons Bakery!" Embracing change, I moved to Kawartha to begin making Peterborough my new home. I'm building this new life for myself and my new love who walked into my life and is standing beside me as I make my dreams come true. Since beginning this new journey together, we have had two growing and rambunctious boys, renovated a century home together and are looking to open a professional kitchen.
My culinary training began at a young age when I would (lovingly) use my red Doberman, Eric, as a step to see onto the kitchen counter. I needed to see what was going on up there! I spent a lot of time with my Zizi Gina in the bakery and she always allowed me my own ball of dough to make masterpieces with. My Nanny and Nannu were huge influences on my views on food because everything revolved around the family table on Sunday afternoons.
My formal training was done
At the Niagara Culinary Institute under the direction of chefs that had more knowledge than I thought I could ever possess. I trained at high-end restaurants, perfecting my skill sets, and learning from more amazing chefs. I made lifelong friends in the heat of those kitchens.
In opening a food business of my own, I wanted to be sure that I stayed true to myself. The name Farina é Pomodori is Italian and translates into English as Flour and Tomatoes. This name perfectly symbolizes that I am a pastry chef and I cook Italian food.
Farina é Pomodori is my version of an Italian food catering business
I offer an array of services, including being a vendor at farmers’ markets, refrigerated and frozen take-home meals, and personal chef responsibilities. I make as much as I can from scratch, such as pasta and ricotta cheese, and use these items in my recipes. The recipes that I develop focus on authentic Italian ingredients and cooking styles. I source ingredients locally, such as dairy and produce and try to use only what is in season. In addition to a savoury menu, I am proficient in desserts and wedding cakes. Customers are very happy to know that I only use real butter in all of my baking and will not use artificial ingredients.
I enjoy feeding people food that warms their souls and brings their families running to the dinner table.
Thanks for popping into my little nook of the internet. I hope to hear from you soon!
Real Butter, Real Eggs, Real Love -
Dréa