The Confused Italian Story
Ciao! I’m Ana, the half-Italian, half-Venezuelan foodie behind The Confused Italian. My story starts in Caracas, Venezuela, where I was born, and then winds its way to sunny South Florida, where I grew up surrounded by a delicious mix of cultures—and more importantly, flavors.
A Childhood of Flavors
Both sides of my family are a perfect blend of Italian and Venezuelan heritage. My grandparents made their way from Italy to Venezuela during World War II, which means my childhood household was a unique mash-up of pasta and arepas, lasagna and parilladas, Sunday feasts and family gatherings that could feed an army.
“Food isn’t just fuel—it’s community.”
My mom was my first culinary teacher, letting me experiment in the kitchen, guiding me through her recipes, and showing me how food brings people together.
College & The Italian Awakening
Even though cooking had my heart from the start, I took what I thought was the “practical” route and studied marketing at the University of Miami. It was there that I started feeling a pull toward my Italian side—a part of me that hadn’t had as much spotlight growing up. That curiosity led me to study abroad in Rome and minor in Italian, though the pandemic cut my time there short.
Still, Italy had left its mark: the slower pace of life, the joy of long meals, and a deeper appreciation for cooking with fresh, organic ingredients.
Life in Rome: A Transformative Experience
After college, I went back to Rome for a marketing program—but this time, I soaked in every bit of Italian culture I could. Meeting people from all over the world, savoring every aperitivo, and understanding how Italian life celebrates food, family, and connection in every little moment—this experience was transformative.
The Big Apple & the Missing Piece
Eventually, life brought me back to the U.S., landing me in the whirlwind energy of New York City, where I worked in advertising. The fast pace was a complete 180 from Italy, but it was thrilling: creativity everywhere, flavors from every corner of the globe, and exposure to global cuisines I hadn’t experienced before.
Still, something felt missing. My heart wasn’t all in it, even with the exciting projects and inspiring people around me.
Finding My Calling
That’s when private chef vlogging found me—or maybe I found it. Watching chefs carve out lives fueled by their love of cooking was like a lightbulb moment.
“If they could do it, why couldn’t I?”
I enrolled in the night program at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. From week one, I knew I was home. The techniques, the energy, the connections—I loved every second of learning and refining my craft.
Challenging Myself: Beyond Comfort Zones
I did an externship at Atoboy, a Korean fine-dining restaurant. Why Korean food if I specialize in Italian? Simple: I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to explore techniques and flavors outside my comfort zone, because great cooking is about curiosity, versatility, and growth. Those months were some of the toughest of my life, but the lessons were invaluable.
From Private Cheffing to Tuscany
After immersing myself in the culinary world, I started working part-time as a private chef while transitioning out of advertising. Eventually, I moved back to Miami to be closer to family—and that’s when fate stepped in.
Late one night, scrolling through my culinary school’s alumni newsletter, I stumbled upon an apprenticeship opportunity in Tuscany. Within months, I was living my dream at Toscana Saporita, a recreational cooking school, learning the secrets of Tuscan cuisine, teaching pasta classes, and fully immersing myself in the magic of cooking from scratch with the freshest ingredients.
A huge shoutout to Chef Sandra Lotti, Chef Alessio Da Prato, and the amazing team who made that experience unforgettable.
It was in Tuscany that The Confused Italian was born: a way to bring a taste of Italy back home, make cooking approachable, and share the joy, creativity, and love that food has always brought me.
Bringing Italy Home
Now, I’m here in Miami, blending my Venezuelan roots, Italian heritage, and everything I’ve learned along the way to make cooking accessible, fun, and, most importantly, delicious.
Whether it’s teaching, creating, or sharing a meal, I want you to feel that same joy at the heart of every dish.
Benvenuti! Let’s get cooking.
- By theconfuseditalian