Ten years have passed and I am still excited to open the door of the pizzeria each day. Though my routine has changed little–making pizza dough, thinking about wine, good things to eat and better ways to put food on the table–my appreciation and gratitude for all who support Spacca Napoli continues to grow in leaps and bounds. I could go to the moon and back with the joy I feel. We are truly blessed. So many have contributed and in so many ways; the staff, our vendors, our diners, our producers both here in America and Italia, and most important, those who come to the rescue when we run into obstacles. I cannot say thank you enough.
My work does not feel like work. I am fueled by the incredible satisfaction I experience sharing what we do, and when thinking of the artisans–whether it be wine, cheese, prosciutto, beans, balsamic vinegar or fine art–of their stories and the most lovely settings where they live and work. Though Italy is my second home, and has been for close to thirty years, my heart belongs right here in Chicago at Spacca Napoli.
I have two “clips” I would like to share. Though they may seem very different, the spirit of the poetry underlying each reflects a sense of the passion that motivates us. Please enjoy our oven builders (la famiglia Agliarulo) in motion with our second oven and Michele Simonelli with Paolo Raffone, sharing the music of Pino Daniele–considered by many as the artist who best represents Napulé. See you in the coming year.
- JG