What is Food-Telling ?

Food Telling is a unique live storytelling experience where food, history, and performance come together. People don’t just taste—they experience the story behind what they’re eating.

Think: a glass of prosecco, a bite of something delicious… and a story that makes people laugh, connect, and remember the moment.

Who is Food-Telling ?

Food Telling is created by a small team of creatives who believe that the best stories are the ones you can taste.

STEFANO IABONI-the storyteller

Stefano is a professional Keynote speaker. With over 20 years of international experience in comedy and facilitation, he brings a unique blend of performance and comedy to every stage.

Stefano was a finalist in the National Speakers Association’s 2025 “Last Story Standing” storytelling competition.

RENATO DE LUCA-the wine guy

Renato is a sensory architect—a seasoned sommelier with over 15 years in global fine dining. Originally from central Italy, Abruzzo. He curated wine programs from NYC to Miami and Southern Germany, his art-forms transcends the wine by creating soundscapes and brutalist cement sculptures, including wine Amphorae.

LORENZO FRESH FRANCHINI-pr

Lorenzo Fresh is a globally experienced photographer and researcher with a deep curiosity for human behavior and culture. His photography is an extension of his fieldwork—capturing authentic moments with a sharp eye for context and storytelling.

Lorenzo’s work has been featured in international publications, and he collaborates with organizations worldwide using ethnography and creative research methods.

AUGUSTO FERRARESE -the chef

Born in Verona, Italy, Augusto spent his summers making wine on his family’s farm and his weekends honing classic cooking preparations at a neighborhood pizzeria. He became a restaurateur at age 22 and opened Masenini, one of Verona’s famed restaurants. Augusto has been the Corporate Wine Director for Urban Kitchen Group in San Diego for the last 8 years.

Why Food-Telling ?

Because food is never just food.

Behind every dish, there’s a story—
of survival, creativity, love, or pure accident.

And somewhere along the way…
we stopped telling those stories.

Food Telling brings them back.

We do this because:

People are craving real connection, not just another event

Stories help us slow down and feel something

Laughter turns strangers into a community

At the end of the night, it’s not just about what people ate—
it’s about what they shared.

Sample Menu

Our menu changes every month, guided by the seasons and the freshest ingredients available.

Rather than serving the same dishes year-round, Chef Augusto creates each menu around what is at its best—combining Italian traditions with the beautiful produce of the Pacific Northwest.

That means every Foodtelling dinner is a little different, with new flavors, new discoveries, and new stories to taste.

You’ve just stepped into a small-town osteria in central Italy. It’s a classic Friday night—warm lights, loud voices, and a table full of friends deep into dinner.

A few glasses of wine in, plates of pasta wiped clean, they’re lingering… waiting for dessert.

Then suddenly—one of them stands up. He taps his knife against his glass. Clink, clink.

“Listen, listen… it’s story time!”

And in that moment, you just know—whatever comes next, just like the food… is going to be very, very good.

Guests feel like they’ve stumbled into a whimsical little corner of Italy—where a group of friends are gathered around the table, sharing laughter, wine, and captivating stories about the history of Italian cuisine.

Along the way, we let our non-Italian friends in on the secrets—the little details, traditions, and quirks that have shaped our food over time. And with every bite and every story, something magical happens… strangers become part of the table.

We work with both small and large groups.
We can bring the experience to you and add warmth (and a little mischief) to your next gathering—or you can join us at one of our event series hosted in venues around town.

For private bookings or to stay updated on upcoming events—reach out here.