Grazie & Gratitude: Louise Fili

Bellissima! 

Louise Fili is an iconic legend in the world of type, design and all things Italianissimo.  We've worked with her since almost the beginning of Bella Cucina's birth.  Her refined taste and classic style has been a big influence on Bella's branding and beauty. 

Louise is known as a goddess of type in design circles and she's celebrated all over the world.   She's created identities for most of the best restaurants in New York City, that alone should be her claim to fame, but her beauty and brilliance goes just beyond design for others. She and her talented husband, Stephan Heller, could open a library 

with all of the books they've penned and published between the two of them.  

Check out Louise Fili's site HERE. 

1. Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best {Image via Louise Fili}

Buon appetito! © 2012 Bella Cucina

Putting on a Party in NYC

I have a great excuse to visit NYC more often.
Our new space in Henri Bendel's "street of shops" is open and catering to a crowd of curious onlookers, die hard foodie fans and fabulous fashionistas who love to eat deliciously well, but don't cook {.they have been known to keep a spare pair of Manolo Blaniks in the oven!} .


At our recent cookbook signing and artful food & wine tasting, we put on a party to show just how easy it is to pretend you can cook! A few fresh things from the farmer's market paired with a few pantry staple condiments and finito- You are done!


We made tea sandwiches with cucumbers with Mint & Pistachio Pesto yogurt dip, crostini with dolci di latte gorgonzola and Caramelized Onions and Golden Raisins, our signature warm Artichoke Lemon Pesto dip,Creamy baked local feta with Italian Farmhouse Citrus Fennel Olives, and Bella's Dipping Crackers with fresh ricotta, Sweet Pepper Pesto, fresh corn and corn shoots from the local farmer's market. For dessert, we acted like we slaved all day, but really just put together Meyer Lemon spread with Crostata butter pastry tartlets with fresh blueberries.

The evening was made festive with a generous pouring of Prosecco from our new favorite Prosecco, Terrazzo. The gorgeous label was creator by our own label designer, the elegant and iconic Louise Fili.

A fine party, indeed.






Buon appetito!
copyright 2009 Alisa Barry