Italian Roots and Genealogy - Growing Up Italian: Food, Family, and Tradition

Growing Up Italian: Food, Family, and Tradition

02/22/25 • 52 min

In this conversation, chef, author, and filmmaker Margie Raimondo shares her journey from a successful career in high tech to embracing her Italian roots through cooking. After a life-changing experience during 9/11, Margie reevaluated her life and moved to Arkansas, where she discovered a vibrant Italian community. She reflects on her childhood in an immigrant neighborhood, the importance of family traditions, and her culinary journey that took her to Italy, where she learned the art of cooking and food preservation. Margie's story is a testament to the power of food, family, and cultural heritage. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the joys of culinary exploration, particularly within the Mediterranean lifestyle. They discuss the health benefits of fresh, local food, the importance of family connections through cooking, and the techniques that make Mediterranean cuisine unique. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving culinary traditions, especially in Sicily, where farming practices are deeply rooted in history. The speakers share personal anecdotes that highlight the role of food in creating lasting memories and fostering connections among family and friends.

http://www.urbanafarmstead.net/

https://www.goinsidesicily.com/s/stories

Margie had a ticket for the plane involved in 9/11.
The experience prompted her to reevaluate her life.
She discovered a large Italian community in Arkansas.
Her family has roots in Sicily and Campania.
Growing up, her family emphasized fresh ingredients and cooking.
Margie's childhood was filled with food, laughter, and family.
She transitioned to a culinary career after living abroad.
Margie learned to break down fish while working on a fishing boat.
She emphasizes the importance of food preservation.
Her heart is full as she connects with her roots through cooking. Culinary exploration can be a joyful experience, especially for young people.
The Mediterranean lifestyle promotes health through fresh, local food and active living.
Family connections are strengthened through shared cooking experiences.
Cooking techniques, such as making stocks and pasta, are essential for Mediterranean cuisine.
Documenting culinary traditions helps preserve cultural heritage.
Eating together fosters communication and connection among family members.
The importance of using hands in cooking adds love and passion to the food.
Fresh ingredients and local sourcing enhance the quality of meals.
Food serves as an equalizer, bringing people together across cultures.
Memories associated with food can create a deep emotional connection.

Sound Bites

"This was a wake-up call for me."
"I want to connect back to my roots."
"My heart is full again."
"I learned how to break d

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

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Mangiamo
All the recipes in "Mangiamo" focus on fresh ingredients. We turned our yard into a garden
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Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

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http://www.urbanafarmstead.net/

https://www.goinsidesicily.com/s/stories

Margie had a ticket for the plane involved in 9/11.
The experience prompted her to reevaluate her life.
She discovered a large Italian community in Arkansas.
Her family has roots in Sicily and Campania.
Growing up, her family emphasized fresh ingredients and cooking.
Margie's childhood was filled with food, laughter, and family.
She transitioned to a culinary career after living abroad.
Margie learned to break down fish while working on a fishing boat.
She emphasizes the importance of food preservation.
Her heart is full as she connects with her roots through cooking. Culinary exploration can be a joyful experience, especially for young people.
The Mediterranean lifestyle promotes health through fresh, local food and active living.
Family connections are strengthened through shared cooking experiences.
Cooking techniques, such as making stocks and pasta, are essential for Mediterranean cuisine.
Documenting culinary traditions helps preserve cultural heritage.
Eating together fosters communication and connection among family members.
The importance of using hands in cooking adds love and passion to the food.
Fresh ingredients and local sourcing enhance the quality of meals.
Food serves as an equalizer, bringing people together across cultures.
Memories associated with food can create a deep emotional connection.

Sound Bites

"This was a wake-up call for me."
"I want to connect back to my roots."
"My heart is full again."
"I learned how to break d

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Support the show

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

Previous Episode

The Northern Italian Experience in America

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Ernesto Milani, who shares his family's migration story from Italy to the United States, particularly focusing on the early Italian immigrants in America. They discuss the correspondence between family members across the ocean, the establishment of Italian settlements in the Southern United States, and the significant role of mutual aid societies in supporting Italian immigrants. Ernesto also shares the poignant story of Rosa, an Italian immigrant who became a storyteller in America, highlighting the experiences of women in the immigrant narrative.
Ernesto's Website http://ernestomilani.it
Takeaways
Ernesto's family migrated from Northern Italy to America in the 1890s.
Many Northern Italians settled in various parts of the United States, not just New York.
Letters from family members provide valuable insights into immigrant life.
Emotional connections are maintained through correspondence across generations.
The Sunnyside Plantation was a unique settlement for Italian immigrants in the South.
Many Italians faced significant challenges adapting to agricultural practices in America.
The legacy of Italian families continues to thrive in the South today.
Researching family history can uncover fascinating stories and connections.
The experience of Italian immigrants varied greatly depending on their region of origin.
Maintaining family ties was crucial for many Italian immigrants, despite geographical distances. 5% of the population in Cugionno was born in the States.
Rosa's story illustrates the immigrant experience and resilience.
Women's roles in immigration are often overlooked in history.
Sports played a crucial role in Italian American identity.
Yogi Berra's legacy connects generations of Italian Americans.
Mutual aid societies were vital for immigrant support.
Cultural heritage is essential to understanding identity.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for preserving history.
Genealogy connects individuals to their ancestral roots.
Personal journeys of exploration enrich our understanding of immigration.

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

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Italians Swindled to New York
The story of the first Italians to enter New York in 1872
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Support the show

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

Next Episode

Uncovering Italian Roots in Calabria and Campania

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Lisa Gagliardo about her Italian roots and family history. Lisa shares her family's immigration story, cultural traditions, and the challenges faced by her ancestors. The discussion highlights the importance of ancestry research and the connection to Italian heritage, as well as the experiences of growing up Italian American. Lisa reflects on her discoveries and aspirations to visit her family's hometown in Italy, emphasizing the significance of maintaining cultural identity and family connections. #southhampton #brooklyn
Takeaways
Lisa's family has deep Italian roots, with ancestors from Campania and Calabria.
Her great-grandmother's immigration story showcases the determination of immigrants.
Life in New York City for her family included unique anecdotes and challenges.
Cultural traditions, such as Sunday pasta, have been preserved in her family.
Growing up Italian American has shaped Lisa's identity and connection to Italy.
Ancestry research has revealed important family history and connections.
Lisa's grandmother can understand the Napolitan dialect, showcasing cultural ties.
The conversation reflects on the impact of immigration on family dynamics.
Lisa expresses a desire to visit her family's hometown in Italy.
The importance of food and culinary traditions in maintaining cultural identity.
Sound Bites
"The culinary tradition has stayed."
"I never knew these women existed."
"I love the story about the evil eye."

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Support the show

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.