What an incredible experience photographing Zucchero Fornaciari’s sold-out show at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco during his Overdose D’Amore World Tour 2025! 🎶

Shooting from the stage while singing along — it was simply amazing!
Grazie, Zucchero, for the music, the energy, and your unmistakable Italian soul. 🇮🇹❤️
Thank you to Zucchero’s incredible band and crew, and especially to Oma Jali — such a fantastic rock singer!

ZUCCHERO – OVERDOSE D’AMORE!!!

With a fusion of blues, R&B boogie, gospel flavor, soul, and a touch of good old rock ’n’ roll, Zucchero ignites the stage with timeless energy. His voice—warm, gritty, and unmistakably Italian—fills every corner of the theater, carrying the echoes of passion and authenticity that have defined his music for decades.

For me, his songs were the soundtrack of my youth, the rhythm behind memories that still move me today. Photographing his concert on the night of October 18 in San Francisco was not just a professional experience—it was deeply emotional.

A heartfelt thank you to Laura Vergani for allowing me to wander freely through the theater, capturing the magic of this unforgettable night from every angle.

Grazie Zucchero per la tua dolcezza!

Once again this year, I had the privilege of photographing the annual fundraising event for There With Care, an organization that provides essential support to families facing critical illness.

As always, the evening was beautifully hosted by Liam Mayclem, whose warmth and charisma brought both heart and lightness to this celebration of generosity and care.

During the wonderful dinner, I witnessed so many guests coming together to contribute and support the vital work of this nonprofit. It’s always deeply moving to see how much kindness and solidarity can emerge when people unite for a meaningful cause.

Every year, this event reminds me that there is a part of the world devoted to helping others — people who give their time, energy, and resources to those in need. And that, to me, is a powerful reason for hope.

On Saturday, September 13, Donato Enoteca once again hosted its most anticipated tradition — Super ENOTECA100, the Grand Italian Wine & Food Tasting.

This edition was truly special: an unforgettable afternoon filled with laughter, friendship, and joy, where guests savored the very best of Italy. From Barolo and Brunello to Amarone, sparkling wines, and many other surprises, the wine selection was nothing short of extraordinary.

Of course, no ENOTECA100 would be complete without Donato's legendary food extravaganza and the new Chef Marco Bertoldo with the invaluable help of Chef Gianluca Guglielmi and his staff. From wood-fired pizza, roasted meats, and pasta to artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and sweet treats — every bite reflected the passion and authenticity that make Donato Enoteca such a beloved gathering place.

I felt grateful to be there once again with my camera, capturing the energy of the room, the smiles of longtime friends, and the excitement of new guests discovering this unique experience for the first time.

Here are 35 of my favorite moments from this year's Super ENOTECA100. I hope these images capture the spirit of the day: the colors, the flavors, and above all, the joy of sharing an afternoon together.

On Saturday, May 31st, I had the pleasure of photographing Festa Italiana in the heart of North Beach — San Francisco’s ONLY Italian Street Fair. It was a day brimming with vibrant energy, music, tradition, and the unmistakable aroma of Italian food in the air.

From the colorful Italian vendor faire to the joyous chatter of the crowd, the entire neighborhood transformed into a lively celebration of culture and community. There were so many special moments to capture — including a thrilling pizza toss performance by 13-time World Champion and restaurateur Tony Gemignani of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana that had the crowd cheering with excitement.

Attendees had the chance to taste exquisite Italian cuisine and wine, featuring Capo Isetta and Highway 12 wines, while exploring booths from beloved local vendors such as Lianna’s Soaps, Giovanni’s Specialties, Mozzeria, Fogliani Pizzelles, Gio Gelati, Poesia Cafe, Amelia Imports, Graffeo, The Painted Lady, and many more.

For families, the Kids’ Corner offered crafts, games, and even tarantella dancing lessons — a sweet reminder that traditions are best passed on through joy and play.

Among the many booths lining the street, the Italian Community Services stand stood out as a meaningful reminder of the deep roots and enduring mission of this organization. Founded in 1916 and headquartered at Casa Fugazi — a place originally built and donated by John and Johanna Fugazi to ensure a home for “benevolent and educational work as well as music, art and culture” — ICS continues to be a pillar of support for the Italian and Italian American community in the Bay Area. Their presence at Festa Italiana underscored the importance of connection, continuity, and the power of community to preserve heritage while looking toward the future.

Wandering through the crowd with my camera, I felt immersed in a living mosaic of Italian-American pride — a day that wasn’t just about food and fun, but about belonging. Every photo I took was a small piece of that vibrant story.

Scroll down to enjoy some of the colors and smiles I captured — and if you were there, I hope you spot yourself in the crowd!

Amazing Bridget's Birthday Celebration at Club Fox in Redwood City! 🎉🎶 Fantastic music by Maico Campilongo, Stefano Santo Sabato, and Alfred Pace.

Grazie ragazzi per la vostra energia e la vostra musica. Siete splendidi!!!

BAIA Business Association Italy America once again hosted a wonderful aperitif at the Italian Consulate in San Francisco, celebrating a year of accomplishments with 13 successful events and key collaborations with international partners.

The evening, which also ushered in the holiday season, was opened by Consul General Sergio Strozzi, who praised BAIA’s important contributions to the Bay Area community.

ENOTECA100 : Festa delle Feste

An Exclusive Tasting of Italy’s Most Prestigious Wines & Food

Saturday, December 7th | 12-4pm

Between photos and videos, Saturday was a day filled with the flavors of Italy as we tasted a variety of exceptional wines! Chefs Donato and Gianluca delighted us with an array of delicious snacks that, as always, were outstanding. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere, booking their favorite wines to have them ready for the holidays.

The sunny weather added to the charm, allowing everyone to relax outdoors, sharing laughs and stories with friends and new acquaintances. Wine experts were on hand to guide us through the tastings, making the experience even more enjoyable and enriching.

In short, it was a true PARTY—the first of many to come!

A night to remember, with everyone looking up in awe! The theater was filled with wonderful people who came together to cheer, donate generously, and support Italian Community Services at the annual fundraiser. This nonprofit brings daily assistance to Italians in countless ways, and the support we felt was truly heartwarming.

The performance of Dear San Francisco was simply spectacular, moving me as it always does!

We also shared a video—filmed and edited in just a few days—that beautifully captures how this organization serves the Italian and Italian-American communities in the Bay Area.

Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable event. I'm happy to be part of it!

#italiancommunityservices #clubfugazi #casafugazi

Cru Wine Bar—one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area—is in need of fresh photos to showcase their mouthwatering menu! From their amazing pizzas and pastrami sandwiches to the incredible variety of tapas, each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with an exceptional selection of European wines, especially Italian ones. If you haven't visited CRU yet, I highly recommend stopping by for a light dinner with friends. Check them out: www.cruredwoodcity.com

#donatorestaurantgroup

We were thrilled to be invited by Italian Community Services to join the parade and capture moments from inside the float! The ICS float was a stunning sight, filled with people of all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart. To top it off, there was a juggler entertaining the crowd! These photos were taken by my son and me on this wonderful Sunday.

Furthermore, to make the day even more exciting was the roar of the US Navy Blue Angels flying overhead for hours! Absolutely incredible!!!

This bakery my husband discovered in San Mateo is a true gem! In this photo session, you're seeing just a glimpse of their incredible range of products—it’s only the beginning! Stay tuned for more!

bonjourbakehouse.com

The future is bright with the new generation of Italian language students here in the Bay Area, who are already bringing so much joy and hope to our community! These students are intelligent, curious, and thoughtful—truly exceptional in every way.

During their visit to Casa Fugazi, they had the opportunity to hear from Vydia, the Executive Director of Italian Community Services, who shared the rich history of this iconic building and its significance for Italians and Italian-Americans alike. Afterward, they joined us in the ICS dining hall, where they participated in the weekly Wednesday lunch offered to our members—a time of sharing, laughter, and connection.

After enjoying a meal together, the students embarked on an inspiring project: interviewing our seniors to uncover the incredible stories these wonderful individuals carry with them. What a beautiful exchange of generations!

Thanks to Gerardo Antelmo's request, I had the pleasure of photographing Andrea Giuliani, the talented owner and chef of Pausa Bar & Cookery—San Mateo's most intriguing Italian restaurant. Spending time with Andrea was both fun and educational, and tasting a tigella filled with delicacies made it even better! 🍽️ Check them out at www.pausasanmateo.com

#pausa #sanmateo #italianrestaurant #eccellenzeitaliane

A tasting of Italy's Super varietals, like Brunello, Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone & much more.

We turned out in droves to celebrate the Bay Area’s hottest new food and wine tasting at Donato Enoteca!

See the photo gallery

Italian Festival, a fabulous occasion to celebrate all things Italian: food, music, traditions, culture, and organizations. The Festa Italiana is a street festival in North Beach organized by the SFIAC Foundation.

My son accompanied me and brought along his professional camera with a 70-200 lens; he captured some amazing photos! Thank you, Noah, for these wonderful shots.

Thank you:

San Francisco Italian Athletic Club - San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation - Italian Community Services Le Donne d'Italia - Istituto Italiano Scuola - Baldocchi & Daughters Floral Design & Special Events - Vanessa Racci - Sonamó - Tony Gemignani - Nick Figone and all the organizations that participated and helped make this party a great event!

It was a great surprise for me to meet other two true Florentines during the beautiful Grand Gala of the Leonardo Da Vinci Society on December 7th at The St. Francis Yacht Club! The Leonardo da Vinci Society, in collaboration with the Bay Area chapter of the Italian Scientists and Scholars of North America Foundation (ISSNAF), has once again awarded three Italian or Italian-American early-career researchers working in the San Francisco Bay Area. The winners received certificates of recognition and a $1,000 prize. You can view various moments of the evening at this link too: www.davincisanfrancisco.com/photogalleryawards2023

Delighted to capture and celebrate the remarkable 107-year legacy of Italian Community Services! An extraordinary evening spent amidst the warmth of an incredible community, coupled with the captivating performance of "Dear San Francisco” - Club Fugazi Experience.

Grateful for the privilege of documenting this memorable celebration!

Monday, November 13th Warriors star Zaza Pachulia and Terun showcase his Lo Siento tequila with some special cocktails while Mike Annuzzi & friends play amazing music!!! DILUNA Photography could not be missed and these are some of the images of the evening!

It was their first time in the United States, and we hope they return soon because the evening was a great success! Chef Pietro Menegante collaborated with Chefs Donato and Gianluca to craft a special menu splendidly accompanied by the wines of Franca Miotti, owner, and winemaker of Firmino Miotti Winery. They specialize in natural winemaking, producing an exquisite array of interesting and delicious wines. Franca spoke about Breganze Cabernet and Merlot, a very rare red made from the Graujo grape, and one of the most delicious dessert wines Italy has to offer, Torcolato, among others. It was a wonderful evening!