Nonna's House: Cooking and Reminiscing with the Italian Grandmothers of Enoteca Maria

Now a Netflix film!

Discover the heart and soul of Italian tradition with this exquisite collection filled with mouthwatering recipes and vibrant tales from the iconic grandmothers of Enoteca Maria—a one-of-a-kind Italian restaurant where a rotating roster of nonnas take center stage as master chefs.

“If you have a choice between a three-star Michelin chef’s and Grandma’s, where are you going to eat?” asks Jody Scaravella, owner of Enoteca Maria on Staten Island. “Well, I’m going to Grandma’s. I’m going to the source.”

At Enoteca Maria, the chefs are nonne, or Italian grandmothers, whose culinary expertise comes from years of cooking for their families. Now, they invoke the food wisdom, artisanal methods, and recipes—handed down for generations—that are indigenous to their regions of Italy. Each nonna/chef creates her menu from whatever looks inspiring in her pantry—spontaneously, the way family meals evolve. Here are the recipes and stories from the kitchen at Enoteca Maria, a beautiful compendium of food and nostalgia, capturing flavors from the heart of Italy.

Nonna’s House is much more than just a cookbook; it’s a journey into the kitchens of eight Italian grandmothers who bring their regional specialties to life. From the savory to the sweet, the recipes include unique dishes like cod with cauliflower, fig and nut crostata, eggplant with chocolate, and fried chickpea flour with fennel. Classic favorites such as gnocchi, pasta, risotto, and polenta are also featured, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

The story behind Enoteca Maria is as heartwarming as the dishes themselves. Jody Scaravella’s vision of a restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers began with a simple ad in a Staten Island newspaper. The result is a beloved dining spot that is becoming a cultural phenomenon. The book’s beautiful, four-color design, complete with full-color photographs, makes it a perfect gift for anyone who cherishes authentic Italian cuisine and the stories that come with it.