Meet the Nicolantis
Three generations, one big heart.
"We're a family rooted in warmth, laughter, and a shared love of long dinners. From grandparents who came to the US in the 1970s to the newest little ones just finding their footing, every branch of this family tree has a story worth telling."
Family Members
The People
Mario Nicolanti
Grandfather
Born in Naples, Italy, Mario came to the US in 1971 with a suitcase and a recipe for his mother's ragù. He built a life in New Jersey and never stopped cooking.
Fun fact: Still makes fresh pasta every Sunday morning.
Rosa Nicolanti
Grandmother
Rosa grew up in the same village as Mario and followed him to America two years later. She raised four children, ran a tailoring business, and is the undisputed family matriarch.
Fun fact: Has never once followed a recipe — it's all in her head.
Luca Nicolanti
Dad
Luca is Mario and Rosa's eldest son. He's a civil engineer based in Philadelphia, a devoted dad, and the family's unofficial trip planner.
Fun fact: Has a spreadsheet for every family vacation.
Claire Nicolanti
Mom
Claire grew up in Vermont and met Luca at college. She's a pediatric nurse, an avid gardener, and the one who started this family website.
Fun fact: Grows enough tomatoes every summer to feed the whole block.
Marco Nicolanti
Son
Marco is 14 and already taller than his dad. He loves basketball, building computers, and pretending he doesn't enjoy family game nights.
Fun fact: Can solve a Rubik's cube in under two minutes.
Sofia Nicolanti
Daughter
Sofia just turned one and has already mastered the art of charming everyone in the room. She took her first steps on her birthday.
Fun fact: Her first word was 'more' — at the dinner table, naturally.
Our History
Family Milestones
Mario arrives in the US
Mario Nicolanti lands in New York with $200 and a dream.
Rosa joins Mario
Rosa arrives and the family begins to take root in New Jersey.
Luca is born
The first American-born Nicolanti arrives.
Luca & Claire marry
A Vermont wedding in October — leaves were perfect.
Marco is born
The family grows to three.
Sofia is born
The newest Nicolanti makes her grand entrance.
This website launches
Claire builds a home online for the whole family.