A History of the Tavola Tradition

We are a family owned Bistro style restaurant with a warm intimate Tuscan Style. A refreshing change from the “Chain” restaurants that so dominate the market today. We chose the name Tavola, Italian meaning “Table” with the intention of offering some of our beloved family recipes that have been handed down for generations.

Our parent Company, Special Occasions Catering, was started by my Mom and myself in 1985. I come from a long line of good cooks and started learning my craft from my Mother around the time I was old enough to reach the stove.

I fell in love with Italian food as a child, sitting around the table at my Aunt Bea & Uncle Joe Galiano’s house with a slew of other aunts, uncles, and cousins enjoying all the laughter and fun and stuffing myself with most delicious meatballs ever made. Uncle Joe was a second generation Italian American. His grandfather came over from Sicily when his Dad was only 3 years old. His grandparents never learned to speak English. And my cousins spent every Sunday at their dinner table after church. A baker by trade, he was an excellent cook.

Due to my love of cooking I was fortunate enough to be taught the traditional Galiano Family recipes. And the Spaghetti and Meatballs became a Christmas Eve tradition within my own Family. That dinner was greatly anticipated since it was the only day of the year I would make them. They are hand rolled with a mixture of herbs and spices and simmered in their traditional sauce for over 5 hours. When I traveled to Italy I fell in love with regions from the North to the South and have incorporated dishes from several regions here at Tavola. We will always remain true to our Neapolitan family recipes but our customers will also be able to enjoy delicious recipes from many of the regions of Italy. One thing is certain, all of our dishes are prepared with the best ingredients and truly loving care. And we will never waiver from our family Galiano recipes. So come and enjoy a delicious meal from our “table” and we hope that you will enjoy the celebration of good food with your family and friends.

Lee Ann Dansby, Master Chef/Owner