The Origin of gfGiacomo

Early in the 1900's, four Italian Immigrants arrived at Ellis Island seeking a new life for their families. Originating in Ancona and Palermo, my four grandparents Giacomo (my namesake) & Marianna and Philipe & Giovanna settled in New Jersey in predominately Italian and German neighborhoods. Some 50 years later, I found myself, at age five, rolling out pasta and simmering Sunday Gravy (yeah, we called it GRAVY!) with 2 generations to guide me. 

Needless to say, it's since been a wonderful journey of culinary exploration. Sharing authentic homeade Italian meals with friends and family was rewarding beyond compare. I say "was" since 4 years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. 

It was a complete reversal going from 'Living to Eat' to 'Eating to Live'. My sister, having been diagnosed 10 years prior, provided a living example of how to navigate many of the pitfalls. That along with having the most supportive wife on the planet (I love you Anita!!), gave me all the support I needed to adjust to an entirely new way of life, as well as some needed direction to help recapture the joy of homeade cooking that was so rudely interrupted. 

gfGiacomo was created to share my passion, pay forward the assistance I received, and continue Giacomo and Marianna's passion for Italian Food. My wish is to honor my grandparents, parents and all those who have helped me through it all.

Thanks in part to having a Gluten Free Lifestyle become a popular trend, there are an ever increasing number of flour substitutes, store bought products and restaurant items available every day. That's a good thing. However, the flip side of 'gluten free' becoming household words, is having to identify food that's Celiac safe as opposed to "Gluten Friendly." The former implies a serious autoimmune disorder. The latter simply a lifestyle choice. 

Whenever dining out, shopping or maintaining your own kitchen, diligence in avoiding cross contamination needs to be front and center.