Tricia Duffy Vitrano and Robbie Vitrano
Recorded
November 30, 2024
32:24 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mbb000268
Description
Tricia Duffy Vitrano [no age given] sits down with her husband, Robbie Vitrano (61), to discuss his rooted connection to food — both as a rite of passage and a community-building ritual — his Sicilian heritage, and his upbringing in New Orleans.Subject Log / Time Code
Tricia Vitrano (TV) jokes about being "food bombed" by Robbie Vitrano (RV) on their first date and asks RV about the influences that shaped his passion for food and cooking.
TV compliments RV on learning to cook by osmosis. RV reflects on how his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking was a way of expressing their love.
RV recalls his grandmother, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the few grocery stores she owned around New Orleans.
RV shares his experience growing up in the suburbs of New Orleans with TV.
RV discusses his dad’s friendships with all sorts of eccentric characters in New Orleans and the social tension between the suburbs and the city.
TV talks about RV’s decision to move to California via Colorado. TV and RV discuss how they met in 1986 in Santa Barbara, and TV asks RV about his feelings when he decided to leave New Orleans.
TV and RV reflect on moving back to New Orleans. TV recalls her first impressions of the city and the shock of learning there was no beach in New Orleans.
RV talks about how New Orleans is his touchstone, a place that grounds him, and the deep sense of community he finds there.
RV shares his journey as a social entrepreneur in New Orleans and how his love for food has brought him full circle.
TV compliments RV on his culinary skills and says she’s glad he “food bombed” her on their first date.
Participants
- Tricia Duffy Vitrano
- Robbie Vitrano