Culinary Love Story: Meet the MexItalian Mavericks of the 2024 James Beard Awards

Danielle and Alessandro Zecca: Blending Cultures and Flavors at Amiga Amore, LA's Rising Culinary Star

In the culinary world, where fusion often means confusion, the husband-and-wife team of Danielle Duran-Zecca and Alessandro Zecca at Amiga Amore in Los Angeles, CA, are stirring up a storm, quite literally. Nominated in the 'Emerging Chef' category of the 2024 James Beard Awards, this duo isn’t just cooking; they're rewriting the recipe book. Welcome to their world, where Mexican passion meets Italian precision, creating a unique MexItalian cuisine that's taking LA by storm.

A Love Story Served on a Plate

Their story reads like a script from a Hollywood rom-com: two chefs from different parts of the world meet in a bustling New York kitchen, fall in love, and unite their culinary heritages to create a gastronomic phenomenon. Danielle, with her Mexican roots, and Alessandro, hailing from Italy, first crossed paths at Vespa, NYC, in 2013. The sparks flew, not just from their pans but between them, and the rest, as they say, is culinary history.

The Birth of Amiga Amore

After years of refining their skills in some of the most prestigious kitchens, including Le Coucou and The Modern in NYC, the couple moved to LA. They brought with them a dream - a dream that took shape as Amiga Amore. This restaurant, nestled in the heart of Highland Park, is not just a dining spot; it's a celebration of their love, both for each other and their diverse culinary backgrounds.

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Danielle Duran Zecca on Instagram: “Poblano en Nogada Ravioli 😍 Love this time a year as we start to produce this dish for Mexican Independence Day . It reflects the colors of the Mexican flag 🇲🇽 and is one of my favorites to cook and eat ☺️. It will be available next week @amigaamorela 🙌🏽, who’s coming to try?? #poblano #poblanoennogada #mexico #mexitalian”

January 26, 2024

Danielle's Culinary Journey

Danielle, an alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, brings to the table her profound understanding of Mexican flavors. Having worked under renowned chefs in Los Angeles and New York, her cooking style is a vibrant tapestry of her heritage, woven with the threads of her experiences. Her appearance on Food Network's "Kitchen Casino" and "Beat Bobby Flay" is a testament to her prowess in the kitchen.

Alessandro's Italian Legacy

Alessandro grew up in a restaurant family in Italy, absorbing the rich culinary traditions of his homeland. His journey from Italy to the US, and his subsequent ascent from a server to a manager and then an owner in NYC, is nothing short of inspiring. His management skills, honed in the demanding theater district of New York, now find a home at Amiga Amore.

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Amiga Amore Mexitalian Eatery on Instagram: “Reminder to dream big, don’t let the world make you feel small. You have great ideas let them become your reality 💡”

January 26, 2024

MexItalian: A Fusion Like No Other

At Amiga Amore, MexItalian is not just a buzzword; it's a philosophy. It's about marrying the robust, earthy flavors of Mexican cuisine with the subtlety and finesse of Italian cooking. Imagine a plate where tacos meet tortellini, and salsa dances with spaghetti. This fusion, born from their pop-up events around Los Angeles, is not just about food. It's about community, love, and the magic that happens when two cultures collide in the most delicious way possible.

A Dream Realized

Their journey from pop-up events to establishing Amiga Amore is a story of perseverance, passion, and culinary excellence. With their first restaurant, they've created a space that's more than just a place to eat. It's a sanctuary of flavors, a testament to their journey, and a beacon for what's possible when two paths converge in pursuit of a shared dream.

In a world brimming with culinary experiments, Danielle and Alessandro stand out as trailblazers, not just for their innovative cuisine but for the story that simmers beneath each dish they serve. As they continue to make waves in the culinary world, it's clear that this dynamic duo from Amiga Amore is not just emerging; they're soaring. Keep an eye on them; they're cooking up something extraordinary.