I am the owner of an Italian café and market in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb on the north side of Chicago. The original Convito Italiano was opened in 1980. It included a deli, bakery, prepared foods, groceries and wine. Today it is renamed Convito Café & Market and has expanded to include an 80 seat restaurant.
In preparation for launching my business I wanted to learn as much as possible about the food, the wine and the culture of this country I so came to love. I had the good fortune to have extraordinary teachers, Milanese residents and future partners Paolo Volpara and his mother Wanda Bottino. During my frequent travels from 1979 to 1986 I was able to cook with Wanda in her small Milanese kitchen during the week then travel to different regions with Paolo on the weekends. I continue visiting Italy to this day but this was my time of total Italian immersion.
It was the beginning of an adventure that carried me to the four corners of Italy and every region in-between. It was also the beginning of another kind of journey – a personal one that opened up possibilities I never considered or knew existed. It was a heady time for a girl brought up in the fifties.
Hi Nancy!
So enjoyed your story. I look forward to more. . .
Dorene
Nancy,
Heady times are the most interesting and rewarding! Congratulations on your successes and attractive web site. We look forward to reminiscing about our Italian travels, and exploring the great food and travel experiences you have gained. Jane and I started a Spanish organization, and I would like to share this web link on our website. May I do so?
While not a food site per se, food posts seem to be very popular.
Terry Hull
Of course Terry, please do share it! Thanks for your kind words and good luck with the organization.
Oh Nancy, what a treat to read this. It really takes me back and I love every minute of it. Thanks so very much. I will look forward to each issue with great anticipation,
xxoo,
Reed Hagee
Nancy, you are awesome! So glad to be able to read all about your adventures! xo Jen
In the 80′s Convito Italiano was selling cheeses. They were also giving out a half sheet of white paper with a Mac and Cheese recipe. One of the cheeses was Asiago and I can’t remember what other cheeses were listed or the details of the recipe.
Unfortunately I did not take the recipe. BIG REGRET!
It was the BEST MAC and CHEESE I’ve ever had! To this day I’ve been dreaming about it.
Nothing else I’ve tasted comes remotely close.
Would anyone know were I can get a copy of this recipe?
Thanks,
Megumi
My favorite, Italy, the people, the country and the food! Love Convito, been shopping there for ever…also catered my son’s wedding !
Sue Durburg