Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari & Ellen Negrin - The Food & Wines of Calabria
WHO: Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari is co-owner of the legendary D. Coluccio & Sons in Brooklyn, New York. Founded by her late father in the mid-1960s, D. Coluccio & Sons is one of the oldest importers of Italian specialty foods in the United States, with a retail store adjacent to the wholesale location.
Ellen Negrin is the wine director at Il Giglio and the founder of Mediterranean Soul Consulting LLC. With a focus on Italian wines, she collaborates with restaurants and private clubs to curate wine lists, organize events, and coordinate on immersive food, wine, and culture trips to Italy.
ABOUT: Cathy grew up in the business. She is fluent in Italian and has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Today, she runs the day-to-day operations of the company, travels to Italy, and attends trade shows to source artisanal food products. She has a passion for food and learned to cook from her mother, who was a native of Calabria, Italy. Cathy has served on the board of Les Dames d’Escoffier New York as treasurer and is a member of the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW).
Born and raised in New York City, Ellen discovered her passion for wine while working in the textile industry. She pursued her wine education at the International Wine Center in New York and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London. Returning to NYC, she built her career in wine distribution management, specializing in fine wines and exploring global wine regions to deepen her expertise. Ellen has also served as a sommelier and beverage manager before launching Mediterranean Soul Consulting, where she brings her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for wine to every project.
WHAT: We’re exploring the bold, rustic dishes of Calabria brought to life in Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari's brand-new cookbook, The Italian Daughter’s Cookbook. She’s the co-owner of D. Coluccio & Sons, one of America's oldest Italian specialty importers, and will be joined by wine expert Ellen Negrin, who will guide us through a selection of impeccable Calabrian pairings.
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 1 PM - 3 PM EST
WHERE: De Gustibus Cooking School