How the Italian-Canadian Society of the Fraser Valley Was Born Every great community begins with a single conversation. For the Italian immigrants settling in the lush landscapes of British Columbia, that conversation started with a simple question: Where is our home away from home? When Gino Russo arrived in the Fraser Valley, he noticed a […]
#StoriesOfBelonging
Stories of Belonging: Enzina
From Mergellina to Vancouver: Enzina’s Story Enzina was just eleven years old when she left Mergellina, Naples. She arrived in Canada with her parents and brother, leaving behind everything she knew for a life that, at first, felt completely foreign. She’ll tell you herself—she didn’t like it in the beginning. It was too cold, […]
Stories of Belonging: Rossana
Celebrating Friendship and Heritage: Rossana I met Rossana four years ago through my cookbook, and from that very moment, we became instant friends. Rossana is from Bergamo and I am from Valtellina; right away, we discovered how much we share—our roots, our love for Italian traditions, and our joy in creating memories together. Since then, […]
Stories of Belonging: Nonna Maura
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 […]
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!