It Girl Eats: Giadzy's Giada De Laurentiis

Giadzy founder Giada De Laurentiis is a multi-hyphenate culinary talent: She is a chef, cookbook author, restaurateur, entrepreneur and mother.

At the core of it all? Her love for Italian food and culture.

“I was born in Rome and moved to the U.S. at 8 years old, so both places have shaped the way I cook, entertain and think about food,” she tells Getting Dressed for Dinner.

“I’ve always wanted people to feel like Italian cooking is something they can actually bring into their own homes. It doesn’t have to be intimidating or perfect. Some of the best Italian food is very simple, seasonal and made with ingredients you really love.”

Food has always been how she’s connected with other people. Through recipe creation, hosting or sharing traditions, De Laurentiis says she’s always chasing the feeling of gathering.

“This philosophy is the driving force behind the opportunities I choose to pursue throughout my career,” she says.

That extends to her partnership with Peroni. Tomorrow, she is hosting the launch of the brand’s Peroni Portal flagship (you can read more about the limited-time experience here).

“It’s such a natural fit because it’s rooted in the authenticity and traditions of Italian culture,” she says. “Our recent Peroni Portals activation is a perfect example of that, bringing one of Italy’s most beloved traditions to people here in the U.S. and creating meaningful moments that celebrate the Italian way of life.”

Below, De Laurentiis shares more about her love for Italian cuisine, restaurant recommendations and more in the latest edition of “It Girl Eats.”

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited.

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Italian, of course!

It’s the food I grew up with, so it will always feel like home to me. What I love about Italian food is that it can be so simple and still feel special. A few really good ingredients can become something incredible if you treat them the right way. And in Italy, a meal is never just about what’s on the plate. It’s about who you’re with, how long you stay at the table, and the memories you make while you’re there.

Hard to say, but I love Lo Scoglio on the Amalfi Coast—all of their pastas are to die for.

Soo many great ones. I love Felix in LA. Evan [Funke] is a great friend and I am always impressed with the dishes they serve.

Cooking pasta with my grandfather growing up—that’s when I really fell in love with cooking.

Casual! I love to be comfortable, so a cute summer dress or jeans and a top is my go-to.

Whatever my daughter Jade is craving! She loves my bolo.

For me, cooking is meditative, so I like to be by myself. I get into a flow, and it really is how I wind down at the end of the day.

So I like to be by myself, or cooking with Jade.

Italy, of course! And I loved the food when I went to Japan last year.