da Marco Gourmet Meats and Specialty Foods, is a blog that pays homage to Mark’s grandparents, Antonio Danese and Faustina Bonvicini Danese, are the inspiration from where Mark drew personal knowledge of food and food preparation. Mark is an enthusiastic cook, that has never attended a cooking class, but loves the art of entertaining.
This site is dedicated to those professional-esc, not so professionals, and others like Mark, that love all things food, and on his way to becoming a Foodie.
Growing up in Barletta, Mark’s grandfather’s family was known for their culinary creations. His grandparents developed a secret recipe for potato bread, spiced meats, Italian sausage, mozzarella, sauces and other delectable home cooked meals using local, fresh, high quality meats and other ingredients. Faustina (Mark’s grandmother) grew up in Northern Italy, in city of Bologna, in the province of Emilia-Romagna. It was here that she learned during World War I and World War II, how to pinch a lira, and create a feast, from whatever she could find. Every time Faustina came out of the kitchen, the entire community was ready to eat.
After a long career in the Italian Military, Antonio came to the United States. Antonio always had a love for food and it found the way to his heart. Shortly after settling in New York, Antonio accepted a position to manage a New York restaurant icon, La Trattoria Gatti. Antonio’s restaurant catered and hosted private events for Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Chuck Connors of the Rifle Man 60’s TV show. It was here, as a child that Mark appreciated that great ingredients make a great recipe, not only for meals, but for life.
At a Marco Gourmet Meats and Specialty Foods, we stay true to our core belief- great ingredients make a great meal; and when it tastes good; you feel good.
We hope will not only enjoy the traditional Italian ingredients we will display in our post, but also the spirit of Italy that shall be incorporated into this blogosphere generating a feeling of “Spirito Italiano”.
