An Open Letter From Italian Chef Nick Stellino to His Supportive Fans

Chef Nick StellinoDear Friends,

It is with enormous pride that I want to share with you some very exciting news.

The Italian Trade Commission has bestowed upon me the 2010 Distinguished Service Award for all the years I have dedicated to the promotion and sale of authentic Italian Products within the United States, and for my committed work ethic which has elevated the appreciation of Italian Foods to new heights.

As I read these words over and over, I wonder “what was I thinking when at the age of 17 I left my native island of Sicily to come to America?” Did I ever imagine that my life and my career would ever provide me with such joyous moments? The answer is: “I had no idea!”

It would be easy for me to say that this is the least that I expected from myself for all I have done and achieved. The truth, however, is much more sobering, and it has nothing to do with me.

No man is an island, and no achievement is the sole product of one man’s single minded drive. It is always the result of the work and support of many people; teams of other men and women who unselfishly dedicated their own skills and artistic vision to the betterment of an ambitious enterprise. For me, it was the support of many friends and executives in some of America’s biggest companies, who believed in me, my dream, and my vision. They were most generous with their loyalty and their support; they made me who I am today.

At the age of 52, I believe that one day, I will become the man I thought I could be. I am proud to be an Italian American, and I am most humbled to be recognized in the company of many other great men and women who have been presented with this award over the years.

As I prepare to undertake the last few steps, in the making of my New TV series which will air nationally on PBS, next year, I remind myself that when it is all said and done, I am the son of Vincenzo and Massimiliana, who many years ago granted me permission to come to America. It was for them, a difficult and arduous task, something that changed their lives forever. But at the end, their selfless sacrifice gave me the opportunity to make something of myself in this beautiful country we call the United States of America.

In Sicily we have a saying: “Between saying it, and doing it… there is an ocean”. I always found this proverb to be a warning - more than an encouragement. Through my own American experience, I have coined a proverb of my own, which drives me through the undertaking of all my enterprises: “Between Saying it and Doing it there is an ocean… however, I have started to swim already. Life is all about passion!”

Thank you all for your friendship and support for all these years, I look forward to another lifetime together, full of great new adventures.

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Keep Current with Chef Nick Stellino:
On Facebook
On His Official Website

Editor’s Note:Television Host/Chef Nick Stellino offers easy to follow instructions to preparing dishes from Italy and the Mediterranean region. The chef makes sizzling vegetables fall in love in the pan and tells stories on how the dishes serve as a bookmark for memorable moments. Turning a chore into a ritualistic feast for the senses, Cucina Amore makes Italian cooking entertaining and accessible. See you local TV or cable guide for episode listings and times.

Later this year, Chef Nick Stellino will be filming a new cooking series that will be aired exclusively on PBS.