Hi! I'm so glad you're here

I'm Rena, a home cook with a lifelong love for Italian flavors . Here, I share my favorite recipes—made with simple ingredients, and plenty of soul. Easy to follow, always full of flavor...

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Ciao! I'm Rena Romano, and I'm thrilled to share a slice of my story with you. I'm 43 years old, living just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains meet the sky and the kitchens are always warm with laughter and love.

From Sanremo to the States

I was born in Sanremo, Italy, a seaside town that smells of saltwater and basil, where my nonna made the kind of food that could silence a room.

When I was six, my parents packed up our lives and moved us to the U.S., chasing dreams and opportunity. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I carried the soul of Italian cooking with me, tucked somewhere between my heart and my tastebuds.

Early Lessons in Flavor and Flexibility

Growing up, I watched my mother adapt our traditional recipes with whatever ingredients she could find here.

It taught me early on that great food isn’t about strict rules—it’s about spirit, resourcefulness, and heart.

My first solo attempt at lasagna was a bit of a disaster (I forgot to cook the noodles!), but my dad smiled through every bite.

That moment stuck with me: food is about joy, not perfection.

My Heart: Family and Food

These days, I balance my time between cooking and my wonderful little family.

My husband, Marco, is my biggest supporter and most honest taste tester.

We have two beautiful children—Luca, who is six and already obsessed with stirring every pot, and Sofia, who is ten and has the most discerning palate I know.

They're both a huge part of why I do what I do.

Cooking for them, with them, and sometimes even because of them, keeps my passion alive every single day.

How "Rena is Cooking" Was Born"

Rena is Cooking" started very simply—as a way to remember what worked and what didn’t in my kitchen.

I never dreamed it would grow into such a beautiful community. At first, it was just a digital notebook, a few pictures, a few notes.

But slowly, it evolved. Friends started asking for recipes, and then strangers did, too. People shared their own versions of my dishes, sent me photos of their families gathered around something they made from my blog, and suddenly, this little project had heart.

My Culinary Roots and Creative Twists

Over the years, I've worked in a handful of kitchens, from bustling trattorias to cozy Southern bistros. But my real education has been in the homes of friends, at community potlucks, and right here in my own kitchen.

I love blending old-world techniques with modern twists. One of my favorites? Pesto with pecans instead of pine nuts—a little nod to my North Carolina roots.

Simple, Soulful Recipes for Everyone

The recipes I share are made for real life—simple ingredients, clear steps, and flavors that bring people together.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just beginning your journey, you’re welcome here.

I want my kitchen to feel like your kitchen: a place of warmth, comfort, and discovery.

Let’s Cook and Connect

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you stay a while, grab a recipe or two, and maybe even share your own stories with me.

Because in my world, the best meals are made with a little curiosity, a dash of courage, and a whole lot of love.

For business inquiries, collaborations, or sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to reach out to me here or at [email protected]