Maura’s Journey from Salerno to Vancouver. I first met Maura through Instagram, where she had been following my page and engaging with my posts. One day, she messaged me to say she had purchased my cookbook — a moment that truly warmed my heart. When we finally met in person, I was immediately struck by […]
Italian cultural heritage
STORIES OF BELONGING: NONNA LUCIA
Nonna Lucia’s Journey from Calabria to Canada Nonna Lucia arrived in Canada on December 17, 1958. She came from Vibo Valentia, a small town in Calabria, and spent nine long days on a ship crossing the Atlantic to Halifax. From there, she took a train all the way to Vancouver. She was only 17 years […]
Stories of Belonging: Nonna Angelina
From Alife to Vancouver, with Love. I met Nonna Angelina at one of the monthly gatherings at the Italian Cultural Centre, and we connected instantly. She began telling me about her deep love for food and how much joy she finds in cooking for her family. I felt an immediate bond, and we quickly made […]
Stories Of Belonging: Nonna Elena
Nonna Elena: An Italian Immigrant’s Story of Courage, Tradition, and Community in Vancouver. Italian immigration to Canada is filled with stories of courage, tradition, and resilience—and Nonna Elena’s journey is one of them. From the hills of Avellino to the heart of Vancouver, she carried her Italian roots across continents, building a life rich in […]
Ciao! I'm Mamma Marzia
Born in Naples and raised in northern Italy, I brought my passion for authentic Italian cooking to Vancouver in 2003. What began as a single lasagna class has grown into Bella Cibo ("Beautiful Food"), where I share my family's treasured recipes and traditions. Here you'll find recipes and tips for bringing Italian flavors to your home. Join me in the kitchen where we learn, laugh, and create beautiful meals with heart!