Memorial Day Reflection + Returning Home With Cucina Migrante
This upcoming Memorial Day is a bit more sentimental and tender-hearted for me, as I’m reflecting on the recent passing of my Grandfather Caliguri. He was a virtuous man of true nobility, honor and integrity - a veteran who proudly served in the US military. He was our proclaimed patriarch with a rich Italian lineage that bonded our family together like glue. His distinct, bright presence would stop you in your tracks. My “nonno” was the first one to make a toast with a glass of crisp Chianti before we would dive into an overflowing bowl of penne marinating in homemade sauce, infused with copious amounts of garlic. This vibrant depiction of family coming together over an abundance of colorful cuisine, with my grandfather front and center will forever be ingrained in my memory. This type of inviting, authentic dining experience can’t be forced or manufactured.
It just is.
Before my grandpa passed away, I told him about an incredible farm-to-fork dining experience my fiancé Taylor and I embarked upon, right here in San Diego, called Cucina Migrante. I remember specifically telling him, “Nonno, I’d love to take you and the family to Cucina Migrante - this dining experience will transport you right back to home. Best part? It’s right in our backyard.” His eyes lit up, as he never said “no” to a homemade Italian meal.
I really wanted to coordinate a celebratory private dinner with Cucina Migrante for my family, but then 2020 happened and Covid cast its dreary shadow. In-person celebrations came to a halt and a year later my beloved grandpa passed. He was never able to experience the flavor of Cucina Migrante. So I’m writing this now in hopes you can indulge in this magical culinary adventure that will imprint unforgettable memories on your heart like it did for me.
Let me tell you more.
Cucina Migrante was founded by chefs, Francesco and Adisa in San Diego-- their mission is to deliver interactive culinary experiences that bolster human connection in the most bona fide way possible. They host every type of “experience” you can imagine, from private dinner parties to pop up dinners and cooking classes. All dishes are customized to fit your exact diet preferences too. Cucina Migrante only uses local, organic ingredients, always supporting nearby farmers. Anything you consume is guaranteed to not only be divinely flavorful, but as natural as possible. So yes, this type of food will catapult you to another palatable planet, but the entire experience is utterly indelible -- rich with luscious Italian culture. The moment you arrive and step foot into Francesco’s eclectic abode situated in Golden Hill, you’re transported to the bright Mediterranean Sea, absorbing the sweet Sicilian flair, making you feel right at home.
My fiancé and I participated in one of the cooking classes prior to Covid. Francesco and Adisa immediately greeted us with warm smiles and a table filled with decadent Italian wine and aperitivos. Magnifico. We were accompanied by a small group of strangers as we bought this through AirBnb Experiences, but we all became friends very quickly after a glass or two. Before heading into the kitchen, we sat together around a large wooden communal table, while Francesco encouraged us to play. We needed to become intimate with the ingredients before cooking with them. That involved tapping into ALL of our five senses. I vividly remember taking a nibble of the aromatic green garlic and feeling the mild spice zip past the tip of my tongue. The green garlic would give the fluffy Emu Egg Frittata that well-rounded bite. We assembled this dish as a group and everyone had a role in the Cucina casa. Everything we whipped up was made with REAL whole foods - no artificial ingredients. It shocked me how simple these dishes were, but so robust and effervescent in flavor. One of the best parts (in my opinion) was of course, devouring the food and enjoying it with great company, conversation and laughter. As I alluded to earlier, Francesco and Adisa’s motto is “mi casa es tu casa.”
Needless to say, Cucina Migrante has truly mastered the art of creating a culturally infused dining experience that embodies the essence of a warm, familial Italian kitchen. It’s not only educational, but fortifies human connection -- whether you’re in the presence of family, friends, co-workers or complete strangers. This type of farm-to-fork adventure is a “hidden” gem that holds a sacred place in my heart. It’ll always remind me of my nonno’s deep-seated love for authentic Italian cuisine and unwavering devotion to family.
Contact Cucina Migrante TODAY to book your custom culinary experience:
Email: info@cucinamigrante.com
Phone: (619) 414-0691
IG: instagram.com/cucina_migrante/
*Don’t forget to tell them Noelle sent you. ;)
