A Journey with Dena Fenza & her Tuscan Home Makeover
In this week's episode of my Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted with Dena Fenza, a prominent figure on Instagram known for her recipes, style tips, and lifestyle content. With nearly 150,000 followers, Dena has captivated audiences with her unique blend of Italian-American heritage and New York living.
During the interview, she shared her fascinating journey, from her roots in Brooklyn to her decision to build a life in Italy.
Dena's search for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy was methodical and effective and lead to her purchase of a Tuscan farmhouse near Montalcino, in need of restoration. Have a listen to find out all the details:
Roots and Heritage
Dena's story begins in a vibrant Italian-American community in Brooklyn, where she was raised in a large, tradition-rich family. Despite being third-generation Italian-American, her ties to Italy remained strong, with cherished customs and weekly gatherings centered around food. Her first trip to Italy in high school ignited a profound sense of belonging, which only deepened over the years.
A Dream of Italy
After marriage, children, and divorce, Dena found herself longing to reconnect with Italy. It was during a visit to Montalcino in Tuscany for her second wedding that she and her husband fell in love with the Tuscany region, began their search for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy, and vowed to one day make it their home.
Challenges and Triumphs
Obtaining Italian citizenship proved more complex than anticipated for Dena. Despite initial hopes of leveraging her great grandmother's citizenship, she discovered that her great-grandma's naturalization to the United States broke the bloodline connection. Undeterred, Dena is navigating the process through her other great grandparents, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to embracing her Italian heritage.
Dena's family has deep roots in the restaurant world, with both grandparents involved in the industry. While she for awhile followed in their footsteps by opening her own restaurant, she eventually closed it to focus on her children during a crucial time in their lives.
Living the Italian Dream
Dena and her family eagerly anticipate their upcoming trip to Italy for Easter. While her husband lacks Italian ancestry, he has wholeheartedly embraced their Italian lifestyle. From exploring wineries to relaxing in thermal baths, their life in Tuscany is a testament to the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people.
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Leave a CommentNavigating the Journey: from Homes for sale in Tuscany Italy and beyond
Despite the distance between Brooklyn and Italy, Dena and her family have seamlessly integrated into the Italian lifestyle. Flying into Rome and renting a car for the 2+ hour drive to their home in San Giovanni d'Asso has become routine, thanks to reliable services at the Rome airport where they leave their car in between visits.
Culinary Exploration
Dena's Instagram platform is a celebration of Italian-American recipes and insights into Italian culture. Her audience resonates deeply with the nostalgic recipes of their heritage, and through these recipes, Dena aims to evoke memories of cherished family moments spent in the kitchen.
Dena's favorite Italian restaurant in NY is Autentico in Oyster Bay. The Sicilian chef, Francesco Pecoraro, has promised to teach Dena how to make his mini Saint Josephs breads that taste just like what Dena's grandma used to make when she was a little girl.
Her Cookbook & Easter Recipe E-book
You can purchase Dena's cookbook, My Italian American Table, through her website.
Dena's Easter recipe e-book is complimentary and a great chance to dig into some of her Italian American Easter recipes.
From Restaurateur to Content Creator
Transitioning from the restaurant business to curating a lifestyle brand has been a difficult but rewarding journey for Dena. As her children have grown, this venture has allowed her to pursue her passions while balancing her family responsibilities and commitments. Sharing her love for Italian cuisine and culture has become a dream come true.
Embracing Change
Despite her initial search for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy, and challenges and obstacles along the way, Dena's dedication and perseverance have paid off. From unexpected restoration issues to language barriers, the transformation of their Tuscan home has been incredibly rewarding.
Looking Ahead
As Dena continues to explore Italian cuisine and culture, she looks forward to sharing her experiences in her next book, My Italian Table, that will feature recipes Dena has learned in her life in Italy.
Her journey from Brooklyn to Italy is a testament to the enduring connection between family, heritage, and the pursuit of dreams.
Dena's story is one of inspiration and resilience, a reminder that with determination and passion, anything is possible—even building a new life in the heart of Tuscany.
Dena shared these important tips for anyone looking for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy, considering building a life in Italy, and restoring/renovating a home:
- Work out of budget
- Decide exactly where it is you want to live.
- Begin your search online before coming to Italy, using virtual home tours.
- Once you begin restoration, be hands-on: if you're still based in the U.S. travel to Italy every 6 weeks to follow the restoration process.
- Embrace the architects, restorers & workers as friends!
You may decide you'd like to use an expert to walk you through the process of finding homes for sale in Tuscany Italy - or elsewhere in Italy, for moving to Italy, buying or renting a home and setting up your life. Listen to my Want to Move to Italy? podcast episode for all you need to know.
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