» david rocco
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It was a beautiful fall day in Toronto, leaves were still flirting with the wind, and the sun
shining through branches of half barren trees as I made my way downtown to my
next interview. Once parked, I walked across to the Four Seasons Hotel. Travellers were
going in and out of taxis and as I approached the entrance, the valet attendant opened
the door for me. I made my way to D-Bar and waited for my guest of honour; David
Rocco. He arrived with bags in hand stuffed with his new cookbook; Dolce Famiglia.
FILOMENA ROSATI
INTERVIEWED DAVID
ROCCO ON HIS
TRAVELS TO INDIA &
HIS BELOVED ITALY
While he’s been chasing the Dolce Vita for years now, David Rocco seems more
grounded than ever before. As envious as some of us are of his travels to Italy, people
can’t seem to resist his culinary charm and follow him on his next adventure. David
Rocco has really come a long way since his first TV show, Avventura. As Executive
Producer, best-selling author, celebrity chef and host of two internationally syndicated
television series, Rocco is busier now than when we interviewed him way back in
2007. His series, Dolce Vita airs in multiple languages in over 150 countries worldwide on the National Geographic Channel International as well as Television’s Food
Network, the Cooking Channel and TLN to mention a few. People around the world
share his passion for his beloved Italy, and all things Italian. As a self-made celebrity
chef and foodie, the sweet life seems to follow him in return. The Dolce Vita is not
about material wealth but rather he says, “For me it’s enjoying the moment, whether
it’s with my children, my wife or eating raw octopus with a fisherman in a tiny village
in Italy.” Those “sweet” moments are ones he wouldn’t trade in for the world. The
Dolce Vita is a way of life for Rocco, to enjoy a moment with a loved one or a kindred
spirit he might meet along his many travels.
Since our 2007 interview, Rocco’s life has changed, and for the better. His life has
been enriched by his three children, twin daughters, Giorgia and Emma and a son,
Dante. Most recently, Rocco’s travels took him to Mother India. After shooting two
seasons of Dolce India, David Rocco, without hesitation says, “India was amazing,
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• fredi winter 2016
FOOD&DRINK //