Creating Cherished Family Favorites

Isabella’s culinary journey began in Cortale, a small town in the Calabria region of southern Italy.  As a little girl, prior to and during World War II, Isabella would watch and help her mother Maria (who was a formidable cook in her own right) prepare meals.  Maria would not only need to prepare meals for the family, but also to feed the hired workers who would help her to work their land.

After World War II, Isabella, her Mother and Brother left Italy to join husband and father John in Buffalo, New York.

Tips for Making Them Special

Incorporate personal touches and stories into your cooking to make these recipes truly your own, while honoring the Notaro family legacy.

In the kitchen Isabella was unflappable whether she was cooking for her immediate family of 6 or for Sunday Dinners and Holidays.

She has passed on her passion of cooking to her sons and grandchildren. Notably, Isabella’s grandson, Anthony, has embraced his passion of cooking in his career owning Mad Anthony’s Pizza, his very own restaurant. Isabella’s granddaughter, Sara, has also embraced cooking and learning about her Grandmother’s past in the making of the Notaro Family Cookbook. 

We hope the recipes within this website allow you to spread love with each dish, just as Isabella did.