By ASHLEY RYAN
Local chef Alessandro Pirozzi ’ s farfallina rosa ( front ) and branzino
WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY TRADITIONS , ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IS THROUGH FOOD . WHETHER IT ’ S A LONG-ESTABLISHED RECIPE FOLLOWED DOWN TO A T , A CLASSIC DISH THAT HAS BEEN JAZZED UP OR A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT CREATED BY FAMILY MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT GENERATIONS , ONE WAY TO SHOW LOVE FOR YOUR ANCESTORS IS BY KEEPING YOUR CULTURE AND CUSTOMS AT THE FOREFRONT .
“ Family is everything — it ’ s the foundation of life , the anchor that keeps you grounded and safe ,” says Alessandro Pirozzi , executive chef and owner of both Alessa by Chef Pirozzi and Salerno by Chef Pirozzi . “ It makes you who you are .”
Family recipes passed down through generations provide a glimpse into the personal histories and cultural backgrounds of Laguna Beach ’ s chefs and restaurateurs . They are more than simple ingredients and instructions — they tell stories of love and offer a sense of belonging and togetherness that transcends place and time .
By exploring our culinary heritage through the groundwork that our ancestors have laid out , we ’ re better able to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary flavors and techniques . Our roots are important in shaping our future : Every dish we re-create tells a story of familial bond , touches upon special moments from our past or allows us to connect with who we are , and every tweak to a family recipe allows our roots to dig in a little bit deeper as we keep our loved ones ’ memories alive .
THIS SPREAD : COURTESY OF ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI
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