Valentina Solfrini is an entrepreneur, blogger, graphic designer and the creator of the popular blog Hortus Cuisine. She has been a devoted lover of Italian cuisine since she was a little girl growing up in Piedmont, Italy. As a teenager, she attended La Corticella Ladies College in Turin where she pursued a degree in journalism. While in college, she also began a relationship with fellow graphic designer, Lucio Fontana.
In 2006, Solfrino moved to Milan, Italy where she took a position as an assistant to Fontana while working from home. Though not originally aiming to become a professional chef, solfrino’s passion for Italian food and her familiarity with Italian culture made her a natural fit to work for Fontana. Over the years, solfrino has honed her skills and expanded her career. Her talents have led her to many other culinary positions, such as a pastry chef at L’Orient in Paris, a sous vide instructor at Le Cordon Bleu in London, and a catering supervisor for representatives of Mediterraneo, a Mediterraneo Tirreno d’Italia restaurant.
In this book, Solfrino delves into the often unseen yet very important factors that influence the way we choose our partners and why we end up settling for less than perfect partners. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Solfrino shows the importance of choosing the right partner and the right way to choose one, even if that requires breaking with long-standing nationalities or cultures. Though her focus is on the need to align her personal identity with that of her new Italian partner, the book is also illuminating about the often invisible and conflicting influences that can impact the lives of those we love. By opening up the minds that govern our relationships, Valentina Solfrino helps us see how simple, honest communication can go a long way.