Meet the Team 2023
I realized that I had not formally written about our La Fortezza team lately. I like to introduce everyone before they visit us at La Fortezza to the people that make it all happen, they make it nice. Irelva is a new addition to the team. She was introduced to me last year by our grounds keeper extraordinaire Gian Luca. (he’s in my cookbook At the Table of La Fortezza you can meet him there if you have not already) Gian Luca had hired Irelva to help him. He described her as energetic and friendly and she spoke English. Gian Luca being a smart cookie, knew that I needed someone to help us with retreats and generally around the place. Irelva began by watering the garden and taking care of the plants for Gian Luca. Soon I would find myself in deep conversation with her, and I realized this person was a perfect fit for La Fortezza and for me. I asked if she’d like to come help with an upcoming retreat. “See if you like it.’ I said. Of course she would have to pass the Chef Leo test. Chef Leo runs the kitchen and he is very picky about who he lets in. I informed Irelva of this. She didn’t seem to concerned that Chef Leo would not like her. She’d worked in Ibiza for 15 years, recently moved back to Italy and was sure she would make a great impression on him. I loved her confidence. So she showed up on the first day of the retreat, and never looked back. Leo and Irelva are like brother and sister. She’s a perfect addition to the team. Everybody loves Irelva. With Irelva came her family , a horse named Sharon and a donkey named Ivo, both rescues and both adorable. Very quickly I suggested they move in with us. We have 27 acres after all so why not? We built them a proper home and soon Apricot joined us. Since Sharon is older and has a bum knee, Irelva needed a horse to ride and we bought her Apricot. She’s a beautiful 4 year old Sicilian horse. We needless to say love her. Soon after they moved in. I had the idea that Irelva should move in as well. Hence the cantina renovation. It’s a massive gorgeous space, so we decided it needed to be an apartment for Irelva and her dog Laika. If you follow me on instagram you’ve seen the renovation progress pictures. Irelva is an amazing addition to the family. We are so happy and feel blessed to have her as our House Manager.
Fun Fact: Irelva is a fine artist and felt hat maker. Her artistic side is something that surprised and delighted me. Some of our retreat guests have left with some of her paintings as a memento. If you are here and interested she is happy to show you her work.
Chef Leo, He will be back with us this season. Some of you ask me what he does when he’s not cheffing for us, or appearing on my YouTube channel with me. Chef Leo this winter is working in Parma at a Country Club. Leo is classically trained. He worked in Florence for most of his twenties in kitchens all over Florence. His food is incredible and he is funny and friendly. Our guests adore him. Most of the time he teaches our onsite cooking classes. He’s a great teacher. Many people ask if he lives with us. The answer is sometimes. But his family lives up the road from us, so most of the time he’s there. We love Leo needless to say he is like our family. We feel blessed to have him cooking for us. The food is amazing at La Fortezza.
Fun Fact: Leo loves cats and is a big fan of our roaming cat friend Luigi. Leo’s truly a softy and loves all animals. Also it’s his hands that you see all over my cookbook, At the Table of La Fortezza.
I hope you get to spend time with all of us in my happy place in Italy Ax
