Here is where we begin…
Ciao amici, I’m Aaron...
…and this is my mom, Maria Grazia, the namesake for Mariella & Grace. In 1948, Maria was born in Vieste, Italy, a small fishing village in northern Puglia overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Maria and her younger brothers, Saverio and Tony, eventually moved with their parents to the USA, and with them they brought the history and traditions of southern Italy. My brother and I grew up to the sounds of Pugliese dialect, and the smells of traditional Italian cooking. I’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen learning from both my grandmother and mom the recipes that I now prepare for my extended family and friends. As we keep Maria in our memory, we hope to carry on these traditions and share with you the true essence of Italy and its food.
Pure
Gargano
Most will compare a map of Italy to the shape of a boot. Just above the ‘heel’ stretching into the Adriatic Sea is the Gargano Promontory (the spur), a sub-region within the province of Foggia in northern Puglia. It is an area with rocky shorelines birthing natural stone arches, beaches and grottos. A 30,000 acre national park consumes most of the region which also includes parts of the Umbrian forest. Because of its ideal climate and careful preservation, Gargano produces some of the highest quality produce in the world, including the olives for Mariella & Grace extra virgin olive oil. On the very tip of the spur, Vieste (seen off in the distance above) rests on the edge of whitewashed limestone offering majestic sea views…
Authentic
Vieste
This is where the heart of our story lies. One has only to stroll the old city center to feel the history of over 3,000 years. Combine this with some of the world’s best seafood and Italian cuisine, and you truly have a feast for all senses. Due to its secluded location (no train stops or airports), it has only recently started to make itself known to the world. For that same reason, the gifts Vieste has to offer have remained wonderfully preserved throughout time.
Italian
Famiglia
Tourists have come to know Vieste as a hidden culinary jewel, steeped in history and beauty. I completely agree, but I would add that the most amazing aspect of this paradise are the people who live here. Over the years I’ve visited my family for holidays, weddings…etc. Each time I am reminded that it truly is the people of Vieste that make everything here so special. Sometimes I had trouble deciphering who is a blood relative and who is not. It’s ingrained into the culture. It’s a way of life. And, it comes through in everything we make and do at Mariella & Grace.
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