Having been back in the States for about 2 months now(I recently lived in Italy for 1 year) I have finally tasted some food that reminded me of my time in Florence. Since my return, the style, preparation and quality of food in America has somewhat disappointed me…
There is good news though. I landed a job at Italian Wine Merchants, where my passion for wine, food and culture can now be put to good use. Based out of NY, this is truly a one of a kind place. We are in the service of building lasting relationships with our clients by providing them with exceptional wines, food and most of all friendship. Anyway, that is another story that deserves to be in a book and it actually is. The owner, Sergio Esposito, wrote a book called “Passion on the Vine” which details his journey from childhood times in Naples to how he made the relationships with producers that drive his business today.
Back to the food. Here at IWM, we have a chef that prepares the staff a wide array of delicious authentic Italian foods on a daily basis. Kevin is the man. He is an extremely talented chef who does wonders with Italian ingredients. I mean who else can eat braised veal cheeks, risotto, caponata, sautéed fish with chili peppers and olive oil, fresh breads and other Italian delicacies at their work place, for lunch none the less!
I’m basically saying that it is awesome here at IWM. My passion for wine and food finally has a practical outlet. For anyone that reads this and for anyone that loves wine, it would be totally worth your while to at least check out the site .
Valerie Said:
on March 19, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Congrats on the job, Francesco. I actually have that book at home, “Passion on the Vine” – it was a gift someone sent to me in Iraq, and I just unpacked before heading to Italy. I’ll be sure to read it when I get back. (BTW – You know we finally met Angelo Gaja, right?!) Enjoy! Val
fvig Said:
on March 19, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Wow!! Thats awesome Val, he must have been awesome. Come sta andando la scuola? Come stanno Massimo, Caterina, Lapo? Salute tutti per mi, grazie. Ciaooo.
(Btw I got to me roberto conterno :P) haha.
LivefromTuscany Said:
on March 20, 2010 at 2:41 am
Wow, congrats on the job! I am very jealous! Maybe you can put in a good word for me when I go back to the States ;). Looks like an amazing company. I guess Italian wine skills count for something!
fvig Said:
on March 22, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Hey Michelle, how have you been? When do you return to the US? IWM is an awesome company and I am extremely excited to work for them. Let me know when you get back and Ill see what I can do. Ciaoo!
LivefromTuscany Said:
on March 23, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Everything is good here, just started the first level of the AIS course today and the weather is finally starting to get spring-like. I take my final exam in June and hope to pass, if not take it again in January 2011. I will probably come back to the states in 2011, will let you know when I do!
Melissa Said:
on March 24, 2010 at 10:51 am
Hey Francesco! Welcome to the team. It’s going to be a thrilling ride, indeed.
Didier G. - Vimpressionniste Said:
on March 24, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Ahh.. I miss Kevin’s great lunches! I learned a lot about Italian wine in the short time I spent at IWM over the holidays. Congratulations on the job, you’ll absolutely love it!