Cook Eat Live Happy didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a way to stay connected. Like many people, the early days of Covid felt disorienting. The rhythms of everyday life stopped almost overnight. Restaurants closed, travel paused, gatherings disappeared. But one thing remained constant: people still needed to eat. And more than that, they needed to feel connected. Cooking became that bridge.

Three years ago, I came to Sicily on vacation. I thought I was just here for a little reset. A break from the noise, the heartache, the always-on North American pace. I had no idea that a few days in Palermo would crack my heart wide open. This month marks two full years of actually living here. And while I’m still learning every single day, Sicily has already taught me so much, about food, life, and myself. Here’s just a taste of what Sicily taught me.

Three years ago, I came to Sicily on vacation. I thought I was just here for a little reset. A break from the noise, the heartache, the always-on North American pace. I had no idea that a few days in Palermo would crack my heart wide open. This month marks two full years of actually living here. And while I’m still learning every single day, Sicily has already taught me so much, about food, life, and myself. Here’s just a taste of what Sicily taught me.