Bella ‘Mbriana

Washington

Feb 28

From Napoli, With Love

The phrase, "Born in Italy, made in Seattle,” is emblazoned across the Bella M’Briana food truck. Chef Gabriele Russo was born and raised in Naples, or Napoli, he southern Italian city famous for its coffee culture and being the home of Mozzarella cheese. Russo, who comes from a family of chefs, insists that in Napoli they, “take food very seriously.” Before emigrating to the United States, he became a pizza master – a very serious title! He began his ascent in Seattle restaurants as a dishwasher, a line cook, a sous chef, and eventually, became head chef responsible for training people on how to make the best pasta and pizza dough. After cutting his teeth in some of Seattle’s busiest kitchens, Chef Russo achieved the ultimate dream of opening his food truck. He says, “I am very proud to represent my nation when I go out there.” Bella M’Briana serves authentic Italian street food such as chicken parmigiana, melt in your mouth meatballs, pork ragu Napoletano, and cannoli. Gabriele says that even after a long day, he goes home to cook a meal for him and his wife, no matter the hour, he says “it is in our culture.” Che bello!