DALLA VALIGIA ALLA TAVOLA:

Cassandra Marsillo is an oral historian, artist, and history teacher based in Tiohtiá:ke (Montréal), telling and listening to stories about immigration, identity, collective memory, food, and folklore, particularly in relation to the Italian-Canadian experience and traditions from her family's region, Molise. She graduated twice from Concordia University with a BFA in Studio Arts and an Italian minor, and a BA in Honours Public History. In 2019, she completed her masters in Public History at Carleton University. Her research project, The Yellow Line: Italo-Canadian Oral Histories from Montreal's Backyards and Schoolyards, was an archival photo, installation, and oral history pop-up exhibit, presented at the Casa d’Italia in March 2019. Currently, she is a teacher in the department of History and Classics at Dawson College.

Vee Di Gregorio is a nonbinary multimedia artist and writer based on the unceded territory of Tiohtià:ke. Their work focuses on diasporic histories, the conflicts of personal identities, and the inconsistencies of memory. They hold a degree in photography as well as a BFA in Film Production from Concordia University and work in documentary filmmaking. They are second-generation Italian-Canadian, with their family originating in Montelongo (CB) and Rocca Pia and Rivisondoli (AQ). With deep ancestral roots in agriculture, they connect to this through their continued practice of foraging, herbalism, and home cooking.

Joseph Dalleva is the proud owner of Rita, an acclaimed restaurant situated in the charming city of Verdun. With a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Concordia University and formal culinary training from the prestigious Pearson School of Culinary Arts, his journey has been a harmonious blend of culinary mastery and educational expertise. Passionate about Italian heritage and culture, Joseph’s culinary artistry pays homage to his grandparents, who bravely immigrated to Canada from Molise, Italy. Instilling in him a deep appreciation for the traditions and flavors of Italian cuisine. At Rita, Joseph artfully combines his culinary vision with the essence of Italian tradition, crafting dishes that evoke heartwarming nostalgia and delight discerning palates. Beyond the kitchen, Joseph finds fulfillment in his role as an educator, sharing his culinary knowledge and expertise with aspiring chefs, nurturing the next generation of culinary talent. When not orchestrating gastronomic experiences, Joseph immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Italian culture, continually seeking inspiration to infuse into his culinary creations. Rita stands not only as a restaurant but as a celebration of family, heritage, and culinary artistry. Each plate served at Rita is a testament to Joseph’s passion and dedication, a culinary journey that captivates diners with every bite. Grateful for the support of patrons who have embraced the flavors of Rita, Joseph looks forward to welcoming guests on a culinary voyage that honors the heart and soul of Italy.

Inspired by the mountains of cookies, tiramisu and Barbie birthday cakes baked by her Nonnas during her childhood, Erica decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pastry chef. In 2016, she graduated from Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Quebec and started her career working as a cake decorator. As much as she enjoyed creating custom cakes and being a part of client’s special moments and celebrations, Erica felt like there was something missing. She decided to shift gears and became the pastry chef at Rita restaurant, where she has the freedom to create and share her Italian heritage. Whether Erica is recreating a classic recipe or using familiar flavors to create a dessert, what she enjoys most is how a simple baked good can bring up so many memories and emotion to anyone who has taken just one bite.

Barbara Colacci, co-founder of Montreal-based Grid Media Inc., is a marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience. She holds a BA from John Cabot University in Rome, along with a range of traditional and digital marketing experiences she has obtained over the years. Having lived and worked in Italy and Canada, Barbara gained an appreciation for diverse business methodologies, enhancing her multifaceted approach to marketing. Her array of services extends from social media strategy and management to proficient copywriting and editing, creating engaging narratives that elevate brand identities. Fluent in English, Italian, and French, Barbara can navigate various cultural contexts with ease, making her an invaluable asset in today's global market. Barbara's forte lies in social media strategy and management, where she excels in harnessing digital platforms to amplify a brand's voice. Her contribution as editor for the FAMQ cookbook project underscores her versatility and commitment to her roots. Barbara makes it her personal mission to consistently hone her skills, always delivering the highest level of service to her clients.