From Table to Table

Stories of Italian Culture, Food and Friendship

The stories in this book are centered in and around Vasto Italy where I share a second home with my wife Kersti. The town is located on the southernmost coast of the Abruzzo Region, nestled on hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea to the east, and bordered by the high peaks of the Apennine Mountains to the west. It dates back to 800 B.C. and was once a thriving Roman municipality.

“From Table to Table” is a collection of stories, musings and anecdotes, with some recipes for the common meals that you will find on the tables of my friends, along with a description and history of some of the most well known Italian foods. I’ve also included a few recipes of my own. You will find some tips on how to avoid a few of the basic mistakes that we foreigners make when navigating this remarkable country’s maze of customs, and etiquette. There is also a glimpse of Vasto’s history and its landmarks.

I found from “From Table to Table," to be a fitting title considering that the table is central in the life of Italians, and the conviviality that a good meal inspires is the cement that bonds friends and family. Socializing around the table, drinking a glass of wine, and showing appreciation for what is being served, is a way of life for people who not only love eating, but love talking about it.

Much of the advice you will find here is learned empirically, that is to say, “the hard way,” or gleaned from conversations at countless meals, at home and in restaurants, in kitchens, on outings and long walks on the beach with my friends, whom I affectionately call “Amici Dell'Ambrosia."

Writing these stories has been a cultural education, and an opportunity for me to look deeper into some of the qualities that give shape and form to this land of iconic cities, rich history, and exquisite cuisine.

Fran Mola

Nyköping Sweden and Vasto Italy, 2025