Photos: A flash from the past, the photo on the left taken in 1989 shows Andrea Di Carlo (pictured above in the foreground on the right), when he became head chef of the restaurant at age 13, working alongside his mother, father, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A family tradition continues through chef-owner Andrea, pictured today on right, combining the warmth of traditional Italian dining experience with signature family recipes from Italia. Fresh ingredients and careful preparations aren’t surprising, given that Andrea learned from his mother, Anna Alaimo, making fresh pasta with her since he was a young boy.

Chef Andrea was born in the Little Italian section of Chicago. His father, Bernardo Di Carlo (center of left photo in blue shirt and glasses), was also a chef and migrated to Chicago from Palermo, Sicily. His mother Anna (partially hidden behind Andrea in foreground) migrated from Villabate, Sicily to Chicago. Her family were all pastry chefs and bakers. After marrying in Chicago they opened Pasta Amore, making pasta and pastries in traditional Sicilian style.

Chef Andrea’s Mother was very instrumental in teaching him to run a business and develop his philosophy on authentic Sicilian food. He remembers her saying frequently that “the ingredients you start with are gonna determine the finished recipe. So always use the best quality food and never sacrifice for cost.”

Welcome to our big Italian family! We are so happy you could join us.