This lovely story was in the Columbus Dispatch recently, and the mention of the Bellisari’s living next door refers to my grandparents! Please read and enjoy; then come back and finish the blog!

Reading this reminds me of how much we must be grateful for those that came before us, bringing the traditions and recipes that we value so much today. If you read about who we are at Bellisari’s, you’ll soon realize that while food is our business, family is our bond.

We are aunts, uncles, mothers, brothers, and friends gathered around the kitchen island, sharing life and love. We are listening to Grandpa tell the same stories he’s told for years. We are laughing at Dad’s famed secret ingredient (the secret is sage, but no one has the heart to tell him we all know). We are laughter and good food.

We are passion -- passion for simple, bold ingredients that let the flavors shine, passion for creativity in the kitchen, and passion for culinary combinations that make it all too easy to celebrate any occasion. Maybe that passion is learned from years of observing generation after generation lovingly prepare food to nourish and nurture our family, or maybe it’s genetic and like it or not we are born with the need to express ourselves through food and drink. From wherever or from whomever we get our motivation, it’s a Bellisari’s tradition to bring a family meal together with comforting yet sophisticated flavors.

We created Bellisari’s with a distinct vision of togetherness. We wanted to create high-quality products our whole family can be proud of and that your family can easily enjoy as well. We have a few secret ingredients for a unique taste, but we endeavor to instill a familiar feeling that takes you back to that kitchen island or family table of your own. Our food wants you to feel surrounded by warmth, stories, delicious smells, memories, and family and friends.

Eat and enjoy! Mangia e divertiti!