Adesina Media

Website for La Fontanella

Amidst the clamor and chaos that was 2009, I was fortunate enough to make some fabulous new friends and share memories with the usual suspects.  I became an aunt once over and a bride for the second time (to the same guy, of course).  I watched my sister address hundreds of people on the lawn of the Capitol about her fight with multiple sclerosis.  I celebrated the life of my mother-in-law, who left us entirely too soon, but not without leaving us with such incredible memories.  2009 was marked with so many moments that will permanently become points of reflection and joy for the rest of my life.

One such memory was that of my wedding celebration in Phoenix, which would not have been the same had it not been for my new friend, Isabella Mannone.  The owner (read: heart and soul) of La Fontanella, we first met over phone as I searched for the perfect place to bring family and friends together for a post-nuptial feast.  We became fast-friends, sharing details of our love for the kitchen and the food memories that bring us back to certain dishes.  I laughed at the fact that she was of the same old-school mentality as me in terms of saving every last ingredient for something – a spoonful of sauce could carry the promise of an entire meal.  Nothing should ever be wasted, and this coming from the girl who was raised to think that throwing out bread was a sin.  I felt a little less crazy saving bones for homemade stock, and bits of meat and veggies for a second meal of croquettes.  It was a breath of fresh air knowing that there was someone else out there with such a passion for food as love, and cooking as a gift to those close to you.

I was happy to help Isabella with a new look for her website – not nearly a large enough gift to show her my appreciation for all that she’s done.  I’m thankful to call her a friend.