One day an opportunity arose by way of a very good friend who lived in Toronto. I was guaranteed a place to live and a job. All I had to do was buy a ticket and get on a plane. That is exactly what I did. I was ready to leave Rome and start a new life in Toronto, Canada.

With my limited English and few skills, the only job available to me was that of dishwasher at a popular downtown restaurant. It wasn't glamorous, but, it was a job and I was happy to get it.

I worked hard and took pride in my work.

Over time, as my English improved, I quickly moved on from dishwashing into the kitchen, cooking, onto the floor as a busser, server and eventually manager.

I absorbed all the knowledge I gained from my various positions and this knowledge served me well when I moved on to my next chapter of life.

As the nights became busier, Sotto Sotto was developing a wonderful reputation, again, through word of mouth from its growing clientele. As such, many of the hotels within the downtown core felt confident in recommending Sotto Sotto to their guests. Whether the guests asked for us specifically or they were new to the city and looking for a great Italian restaurant, the concierges trusted me and my staff to take excellent care of them. Reservations from the hotels for their guests became a nightly occurrence. This combination greatly contributed to Sotto Sotto becoming THE place to go, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival. During this time, we welcomed a full array of customers: regulars, first timers, celebrities and many others involved in the film industry.

Looking back, it's hard to imagine how I managed to start a family during these whirl wind and hectic times. But, I did manage it.

I welcomed a son, and less than two years after his birth, I had a daughter. These two blessings are my world, but I will always consider Sotto Sotto as my first born child. My kids would argue that Sotto Sotto is, indeed, their other sibling, the one who is most demanding and constantly vying for my attention.

2014 was another major year for me. However, it was not one highlighted by excitement and hope, but rather one shrouded in devastation and uncertainty. On December 25th, while I was away with my family for the Christmas Holidays, I received a phone call informing me that Sotto Sotto was on fire.

The time between that moment when I heard the news and my arrival at the scene is a blur, and as I stood and watched while everything I had worked so hard to achieve go up in flames, I was paralyzed by grief. But, suddenly, I was jolted into survival mode. I had my staff to consider and a business to rebuild.