COLUMBUS, Ohio — In Columbus' Short North, there's a little taste of Italy.

What You Need To Know

  • Deborah Quinci came to the U.S. from Sicily 33 years ago

  • Quinci Emporium opened in 2016, where Deborah teaches 3-4 classes each week

  • Her shop also features imported wines and other products for purchase 

"I think what I really tried to do, teaching the classes, is bring a little bit of Italy. Obviously I can't take it away from me because it's part of me," said Deborah Quinci, who immigrated to the U.S. from Sicily 33 years ago. 

In 2016, Quinci opened Quinci Emporium as a way to bring the flavors of her home country to Ohio.

"In Italy, we have a word that I really love. It's called condividere, which means to live and to gather, and to share. And so I always tried to bring that feeling, sharing food, an experience in the class," Quinci said. 

She teaches three to four classes each week featuring dishes like soups, risottos, and of course, pasta. Quinci thinks Italian food should be made simply.

"I feel that Italian food is two, three ingredients at the most — not adding olive oil or butter, and it's delicious but also it's because the ingredients are so fresh, that we feel you don't need much," Quinci said.

As her classes grow in popularity, Quinci has placed an emphasis on importing wines and other products into the emporium. 

You can find more information here.