Episode 109: Daniel Paterna

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brooklyn-born photographer, graphic designer, and author Daniel Paterna to discuss his beautiful book, Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Brooklyn Italian’s Recipes Celebrating Food and Family.

Daniel shares the story of growing up in the Bensonhurst home his grandfather built and the powerful influence of his grandmother Luigia, who connected him to her Italian culture through food, stories, music, and memories of Vico Equense.

We also explore how Daniel turned family recipe cards, photographs, and generations of memories into a visual archive of Italian American life. He recalls documenting the neighborhood bakeries, fish markets, record stores, and other family-run shops that helped preserve a connection to the Old World—and what it means when those places disappear.

From making struffoli before Christmas to offering stuffed calamari as an expression of gratitude, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that food is never simply food. It can be a language of love, an emotional connection, and a way of preserving the people and places that shaped us.

Learn more about Daniel and his work: ⁠https://danielpaterna.com/⁠

Follow Daniel on Instagram: @danielpaternaauthor

Explore GenealogyBank and support Italian American Stories: ⁠https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/all?utm_source=1032377&utm_medium=gbhp_text&utm_campaign=affil&kbid=1032377&m=3