Our History

Ciao, amici! My name is Isabella Romano,

and I’m so delighted to welcome you into my kitchen a place where stories are told through flavors, aromas carry memories, and every dish has a soul. At 45 years young, I’ve had the joy of spending more than two decades immersed in the art of cooking, first as a little girl watching my nonna roll out pasta by hand in our tiny Italian village, and now as a chef sharing recipes with home cooks like you from my cozy home in Portland, Oregon. If you’re looking for delicious, approachable recipes that bring a taste of Italy to your table, then you’re in the right place—everything I share can be found on my website, catsoxe.com .

Growing up in Tuscany, food wasn’t just something we ate—it was how we lived. Our days revolved around meals: picking sun-ripened tomatoes from the garden for lunch, stirring polenta over an open flame on chilly evenings, or baking biscotti that filled the house with its sweet, nutty scent. Nonna always said, “Il cibo è amore”—food is love—and she taught me to pour my heart into every dish. That lesson stayed with me even when life took me far from those rolling hills.

When I moved to the United States twenty years ago, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. The diversity here amazed me—so many cultures, ingredients, and ways of cooking! But no matter where I went or what I tried, there was one constant: the universal language of good food. Whether it’s kneading dough for fresh focaccia or experimenting with unexpected pairings like sage-infused panna cotta (yes, it works!), I’ve learned that cooking is about connection. It connects us to our roots, to each other, and to ourselves.

That’s why I created catsoxe.com —to share not just recipes but the warmth and passion behind them. You won’t find perfection here because, let’s be honest, who has time for that? Instead, you’ll find real dishes made with real ingredients, alongside tips, tricks, and maybe a funny story or two about the time I burned an entire batch of lasagna during a dinner party. Spoiler alert: We ordered pizza, laughed until we cried, and still called it a success. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what matters most?

I believe cooking should be approachable, joyful, and forgiving. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step, just like Nonna did for me. And if you’re already confident in the kitchen, I hope to inspire you to try something new, whether it’s mastering handmade ravioli or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to your next dessert. Food is meant to be explored, after all! On catsoxe.com , you’ll find everything from quick weeknight meals to show-stopping dishes perfect for special occasions.

Now, living in the U.S., I often blend traditions from both sides of the ocean. One of my favorite things to do is take classic Italian recipes and give them a modern twist—or adapt them to use local seasonal produce. Have you ever tried substituting pumpkin for butternut squash in a risotto? Trust me, it’s magical. These little experiments remind me that cooking is never static; it evolves, grows, and adapts, much like we do. And all of these creations, along with detailed instructions and pairing suggestions, are waiting for you on catsoxe.com .

To all of you visiting today, thank you for stopping by. Whether you’re here to learn, to reminisce about your own culinary adventures, or simply to enjoy some delicious inspiration, know that you have a friend in me. So grab your apron, heat up your skillet, and let’s create something beautiful together. After all, every great meal starts with a single step—and I can’t wait to take that journey with you. Head over to catsoxe.com anytime you need a dose of comfort, creativity, or just a reminder that cooking is meant to be fun.

Buon appetito e abbracci calorosi,

Isabella