Di ritorno dal Ferragosto! Back from Ferragosto!

Ciao Famiglia Gusto!

This week feels a little more complete around here because Elena and Lorenzo are finally back from their trip to Italy! If you see them around the café, be sure to say hello and welcome them home. We missed them, and we're happy to have the family back together at Gusto!

One of the most special parts of their trip was spending time in Elena's hometown near Chiusi della Verna. It's the kind of place where time seems to move differently. The streets, the traditions, and the rhythms of daily life feel much the same as they did generations ago. Elena shared how meaningful it was to watch Lorenzo run, play, and explore the very same places where she spent her own childhood. There is something beautiful about seeing family traditions passed from one generation to the next in the place where they began.

Many of you may remember Elena teaching some of the traditions behind making panzanella during our cooking classes. The stories she shared weren't just charming memories—they are living traditions that are still practiced in her hometown today. During the trip, Elena had the chance to teach Lorenzo the same lessons she learned as a child, showing him how simple ingredients, resourcefulness, and family come together to create something delicious. It's a reminder that food is so much more than a recipe; it's a way of preserving memories, culture, and connection.

A few announcements before we go: we're currently looking for both a baker and a bartender to join our growing team. If you or someone you know might be interested, we'd love to hear from you! Also, our September cooking class is officially full and the waitlist has grown much longer than we expected! Thank you all for your incredible enthusiasm! If you didn't make it into this class, don't worry. Keep an eye out for an announcement about our next cooking class in the coming weeks!

As always, thank you for being part of la Famiglia Gusto. We love sharing these stories, traditions, and meals with all of you, and we're grateful for every visit, conversation, and friendly face that comes through our doors!

Buon Appetito

Elena & Nick