I’m Bob Bellini, a 52-year-old chef from Bologna, Italy, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the heart of any good meal is the story it tells. I grew up in a noisy, love-filled home with the scent of simmering ragù always in the air. My nonna, Maria, ruled the kitchen with a wooden spoon in one hand and fresh herbs in the other. She taught me that food isn’t just sustenance, it’s affection, heritage, and sometimes even a bit of drama!

When I was twelve, I made my first tortellini by hand, and though they looked more like little hats than pasta, my family devoured them with such joy that I knew I had found my calling. After studying at a culinary institute in Florence and working in small trattorias and Michelin-starred kitchens, I found my true passion wasn’t just cooking, it was sharing the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine with others.

Now, I spend my days in a sun-drenched kitchen just outside Modena, creating recipes that celebrate tradition with a modern twist. I love teaching home cooks, especially women across the ocean in the USA, how to bring a slice of Italy into their homes. There’s a certain magic in watching someone master their first risotto or realize that making fresh gnocchi isn’t as intimidating as it seems.

My philosophy is simple: cooking should be joyful, messy, and full of little victories. Don’t worry if your polenta gets lumpy or your panna cotta doesn’t set the first time; those moments make for the best stories. I believe that great food is like a great romance: a bit unpredictable, deeply satisfying, and best when shared.

So whether you’re making Sunday sauce for your family or whipping up a quick dinner after a long day, I’m here to be your guide and your cheerleader. Pour yourself a glass of wine, turn up the music, and let’s cook something beautiful together.