hi, we’re matt and melissa.

We’re Matthew Scialabba and Melissa Pellegrino, a husband-and-wife team that share a deep love for all things Italian. Having lived in Italy for over five years, we’ve traveled, cooked, and eaten our way through all twenty-one regions of the country. Along the way, we’ve discovered the lesser-known corners of Italian life, from mountain villages to seaside towns, and the rich culinary traditions that make each one unique.

Our journey began with our first two cookbooks, The Italian Farmers’ Table and The Southern Italian Farmers’ Table. Long before “farm-to-table” became a buzzword in American food culture, we were exploring Italy’s working farms, or agriturismi, and bringing their stories and recipes home. Both books were celebrated for their fresh perspective on rural Italian life and their collection of authentic, regional recipes rarely seen outside Italy.

After publishing our second book, we followed another dream: opening a restaurant in our hometown of Guilford, Connecticut. Inspired by our time in Italy and our love of wood-fired baking, we opened Bufalina in 2011. Over the years, Bufalina has earned numerous awards and accolades, including an “Excellent” review from The New York Times and recognition as “Best Pizza in Connecticut” by Connecticut Magazine. In a state famous for pizza, we’re proud to have carved out our own little slice of Italy.

Now, we’re thrilled to share our next chapter. Our third book, Lido, will be published in March 2026. Equal parts lifestyle book and cookbook, Lido explores the vibrant world of the Italian beach club.  For research, we traveled across Italy with our daughter, experiencing firsthand the wonders of a day spent relaxing at an Italian beach club, and the splendor of the Italian seaside table.  From frothy morning cappuccinos to heaping platters of freshly fried local fish, and twilight aperitivi with feet in the sand, they are a remarkable way to experience Italian beach culture.

Through every project, whether a book, a restaurant, or a family trip, our goal remains the same: to celebrate the beauty, simplicity, and generosity of Italian life.