This image is the cover for the book Taste of Italy

Taste of Italy

The Italian celebrity chef brings his passion for Tuscan food to the American table in this “well-balanced, deliciously presented cookbook” (Shelf Awareness).

Growing up in Lucca, Italy, chef Damiano Carrara learned how to cook from his mother, his grandmother, and especially from his father. Here, he brings those beloved dishes from his family’s table to yours—including his father’s recipe for homemade gnocci with pesto.

Carrara’s comforting, delicious recipes range from Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Bean Soup) and Insalata di Farro con Gamberi (Farro Salad with Shrimp) to Finocchi Gratinati (Fennel au Gratin), Lasagne Vegetariana ai Carciofini (Vegetarian Baby Artichoke Lasagna), and Panna Cotta scattered with fresh berries or shaved dark chocolate. This is authentic Italian home-style cooking at its best.

Damiano Carrara

Growing up in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy, chef Damiano Carrara developed an interest in hospitality and the culinary arts. He entered the industry as a bartender and trained professionally for bartending competitions around the world, winning multiple awards, prizes, and accolades for his skills. Carrara moved to the US in 2008, where he continued working in restaurants as a bartender, and then as a manager. After five years of hard work, Carrara and his brother decided to open a café of their own in the Los Angeles area: Carrara Pastries (there are now several locations). After gaining popularity and wide recognition in the kitchen, he shared his talents with a national audience as a finalist on Food Network Star, a winner on Cutthroat Kitchen, and a judge on Halloween Baking Championship 2016. Chef Carrara lives in the Los Angeles area.