Daily Inspiration: Meet Elisabetta Crivellaro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabetta Crivellaro.

Elisabetta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Elisabetta Crivellaro. I was born and raised in Vicenza, in the beautiful Veneto region of Italy. Thirty-three years ago, I moved to Atlanta with my husband, who is now my ex-husband, and our son.
I fell in love with Georgia and everything it had to offer, but I also deeply missed my country—and, perhaps most of all, the food. At that time, finding authentic Italian ingredients and products was not easy. I missed the flavors, aromas, and traditions I had grown up with.
So I began immersing myself in cooking. Preparing the dishes I knew from home became a way of bringing a little piece of Italy into my new life. My kitchen became my connection to my roots and, in many ways, made me feel as though I were back in Italy.
Over the years, I made many wonderful friends from different countries, and they began enjoying the Italian dinners I prepared. Eventually, they started asking me, “Elisabetta, will you teach me how to make this?” They wanted to learn how to prepare authentic Italian food—not simply follow a recipe, but understand the traditions and techniques behind it.
And so, almost naturally, I began teaching.
For me, cooking has always been about much more than preparing a meal. It is about tradition, family, hospitality, and the joy of bringing people together around a table. I believe cooking should be a fun, joyful experience—and that is exactly what it became for me and for the people who gathered in my kitchen.
I never advertised myself as a cooking teacher because, for many years, I wanted to keep this part of my life private. I was also raising my son and taking care of my family without having relatives nearby to help me. My family came first, and cooking was something that grew naturally alongside my life.
A few years ago, just months before the pandemic began, my son, his wife, and I moved to Cumming, Georgia. We were looking for a healthier, more peaceful way of life—away from the traffic and bright city lights. Together, we purchased a piece of land with a small farm.
I built my home there, and today, my farm kitchen has become the heart of what I do. On weekends, I open my kitchen to small groups of students and teach them how to make fresh pasta and authentic Italian dishes from scratch.
What started many years ago simply as a way to stay connected to my Italian roots has now become something I can share with an entire community. I am part of a community of more than 153,000 people, and I am incredibly grateful for the love and enthusiasm they have shown for my food and my cooking.
For me, this journey has come full circle. What began as a longing for the flavors of home has evolved into a way of bringing a taste of Italy into the homes and lives of people here in Georgia

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy moving from Italy to Atlanta. I had to adapt to a new language, completely different foods, and a different lifestyle and culture. There were many moments when I felt like a stranger in a place that was supposed to become my new home. It took me years to truly settle in and find my place.

But if you ask me today whether I would ever want to move back to Italy, my answer is no.

I love Italy. I love going back to visit my family and friends, walking through the places where I grew up, and enjoying the food and traditions that will always be part of who I am. Italy is my roots, and it will always have a very special place in my heart.

But America—and especially Atlanta—has given me opportunities that changed my life. It has allowed me to grow, to reinvent myself, and to discover possibilities I might never have had if I had stayed in Italy. For that, I am deeply grateful.

I have learned that you can leave your country without ever leaving your roots behind. You can build a new life while carrying your old one in your heart—and perhaps even turn the things you miss most into something beautiful that you can share with others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I teach people how to prepare authentic Italian food, but lately I have decided to focus especially on something very close to my heart: teaching people how to make fresh, homemade pasta from scratch and pair it with the right sauce.
Making fresh pasta is an art, and sadly, I feel that this beautiful tradition is slowly disappearing. So much of Italian cooking is rooted in techniques that were passed down from generation to generation, often from mothers and grandmothers to their children. I want to make sure those traditions continue.
My hope is that the people who come into my kitchen will not only learn how to make pasta, but will also understand the passion, patience, and traditions behind it. If I can pass what I learned growing up in Italy to someone here in Georgia, and they carry that knowledge forward, then a little piece of my Italian heritage will continue to live on

What are your plans for the future?
I have learned to live one day at a time, always choosing to do the things that bring me happiness. I look forward to a life filled with joy, new experiences, and many opportunities.
Life is a journey, and I want to enjoy it slowly, savoring every moment—just as you should savor a good Tiramisù!
I will continue teaching because I want people to discover that good food is about much more than healthy eating habits. It is also about coming together, sharing a meal, creating memories, and enjoying precious time with family and friends around the table.
And if you want to learn how to cook truly authentic Italian food, come join me in my kitchen. Learn, cook, laugh, and experience the traditions I grew up with. A wonderful culinary adventure is waiting for you!
To reserve your class, call or text Elisabetta at 404-906-1538.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Elisabetta Crivellaro