The Italian Dream and I
My name is Lee DeMilo. I was born and raised in San Lorenzello, a Southern Italian rural town in the Province of Benevento, in the Region Campania. This small “paese”, little town, laying over the hills of vineyards and olive trees of the Mount Erbano and the banks of the River Titerno, is also home to poets, artists and craftsmen. Although I have lived in my new home—the United States—for half of my life, I have shared my love between the two cultures for as my soul has never left my roots and my heart has never forgotten the memories of my childhood. As I look back in time, it feels as if I can still smell the aroma of cooked meals flowing from the kitchens’ balconies into the old, narrow, stone-paved streets at lunch time, or espresso in the afternoon. I can still hear the vendors at the corner of my street shouting to attract crowds around their trucks filled with fresh produce and the fish caught that day.
The nostalgia of the simple life that I used to live in Italy has now become a dream—the “Italian Dream”, a step back into the past where traditions, folklore and a healthy lifestyle have remained still in their pure simplicity—a lifestyle that in my new home I have replaced with that of pressure and stress until not long ago. As I imagine walking by the secular churches, the ancient palaces and fountains leading to the “Avenue of the Remembrance” (Memory Lane), I long for the tranquility of the peaceful sunset as the villagers gather for a paced walk and the reminiscence of their daily lives. Lucky me to have known and lived such moments now so dear to me!
LINGUA E CUCINA, LLC ™ is an exiting concept! It’s a fun system to learn the Italian language and culture while enjoying, upon request, organic culinary dishes in a relaxing, entertaining atmosphere! The setting is my 1826 historic home—Cynthia and Steven Gregory—in the heart of Silvermine, the quaint historic section of Norwalk, CT. The passion for cooking is proudly passed on to me by my dear mother Maria and by her mother Lucia on to her. My education and my professional background have roots in both the Italian and the American academic systems. I create and present personalized material for each student or group of students based on their language skills and requirements. Thanks to LINGUA E CUCINA, LLC™, today I re-live my Italian dream and I proudly promote my romantic language—so, I am told—and heritage.