Love, Annamaria, is an homage to Gemma’s nonna, who was born and raised in Genova, Italy. 

 

“I spent a lot of time with my nonna. I was an only child and her only grandchild for my first 10 years. I was very shy, rarely did I stray away from her side, she was my shepherd.

 

For many mornings, I would hop into her fiat punto convertible to buy groceries at the mercato. I followed her to the parrucchiere when she got her hair colored. I would sit in the kitchen eating nesquik and focaccia while she cooked for all her adult sons who still lived at home. I would go around the yard with her as she trimmed the rose bushes or picked sage, bay leaves, lemons, figs for later...oh how I attended so many bridge tournaments at the Park Tennis Club! This is what my summers looked like: a day in the life with Annamaria a Genova.

 

My nonna passed away in late 2009, but she wasn’t ready to go. She had so much life and love left in her. I have so much life and love left for her.

 

Love, Annamaria was founded as an homage to my muse whose spirit I carry with me everyday. This genoese food brand not only allows me to put forth my expertise in hospitality which I have cultivated for over a decade, but also serves as a reminder to celebrate our shepherds in this precious life.”