Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolo’ Di Spes
Hi Nicolo’ , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Nicolò Di Spes, a 36-year-old Italian from Rome, and I’ve spent my entire career immersed in the world of hospitality. For as long as I can remember, food has been my passion. Growing up in a family that cherished traditional Italian cooking, I learned the importance of quality ingredients and craftsmanship early on. This love for food led me to Los Angeles, where I met my partner, Wilmer Jeobany Garcia.
Wilmer is a 40-year-old master pasta maker from El Salvador. With over 15 years of experience working in the best restaurants in LA, he has perfected the art of handmade pasta. When we first met, I was instantly impressed by his dedication and skill. We shared a vision: to bring the authentic taste of fresh Italian pasta to hotels and restaurants across the United States.
That’s how Mani In Pasta was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: we want to introduce everyone to the true quality of fresh Italian pasta. We believe that every bite should tell a story, a connection to our roots, and a celebration of culinary traditions.
From the very beginning, we focused on sourcing the finest ingredients. We partnered with local farmers to get the freshest produce and imported specialty flours from Italy. I can still remember the first time we served our tagliatelle to a local restaurant. The joy on the chef’s face when he took that first bite was a moment I’ll never forget. It was confirmation that we were on the right path.
Our pasta recipes are deeply rooted in tradition, passed down through generations from the heart of Italy. Each recipe reflects the rich heritage and craftsmanship of our ancestors, embodying the flavors and techniques that have stood the test of time. By honoring these authentic methods, we not only preserve the true essence of Italian cuisine but also ensure that every bite of our pasta tells a story—one of passion, history, and a commitment to quality that connects us to our roots.
As we began supplying our pasta to more and more establishments, word quickly spread. Chefs praised our products for their freshness and flavor, and soon we were supplying several upscale hotels and restaurants in the city. Each success fueled our ambition to expand our reach across the entire country. We wanted Mani In Pasta to be synonymous with authentic Italian dining.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There were times when we struggled to keep up with demand, and moments when self-doubt crept in. But with Wilmer’s unwavering expertise and my determination, we pushed through. We attended food festivals, held tastings, and built relationships with restaurant owners. Every connection was a step toward realizing our dream.
Our Super Premium line is curated for the discerning gourmet, offering the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Each bite of our handmade pasta speaks of a careful selection of the finest 100% Italian ingredients. We honor the culinary heritage of our ancestors, ensuring that every dish tells a story of elegance, craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality. This is pasta elevated for those who savor life’s finest pleasures.
I’ll never forget the day we secured a contract with a well-known hotel chain. It felt like a significant milestone. We celebrated by making a batch of our signature ravioli and sharing it with the team. Seeing others enjoy our pasta filled my heart with pride.
We’re excited to embark on a new journey: creating a series of pasta bars that celebrate the art of fresh Italian pasta. Each location will be a vibrant space where customers can enjoy our handcrafted dishes made from traditional recipes passed down through generations. Picture a cozy atmosphere filled with the aroma of boiling water and freshly made sauces, where patrons can watch our chefs at work. Our vision is to offer an interactive dining experience, allowing guests to customize their pasta dishes while learning about the rich history behind each recipe. With every bite, we aim to bring the warmth and authenticity of Italy to every corner of the community.
In this vibrant city of Los Angeles, Mani In Pasta is more than just a business; it’s a testament to passion, tradition, and the incredible journey of two people from different backgrounds united by a love for food. With every dish we create, we invite everyone to savor the true essence of fresh Italian pasta—one plate at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One notable company that produces Italian fresh pasta in Los Angeles is Mani In Pasta. The journey for Mani In Pasta hasn’t been entirely smooth, reflecting the challenges many small businesses face in a competitive food landscape.
There have been some really tough moments, but seeing the enthusiasm in our customers’ eyes about our product has given us the strength to keep going.
Initial Struggles
Sourcing Ingredients: One of the biggest hurdles was finding high-quality, authentic Italian ingredients. Mamma’s Fresh Pasta wanted to stay true to traditional recipes, but sourcing durum wheat semolina and other key ingredients locally proved difficult and often expensive.
Market Competition: Entering the crowded LA food market was another challenge. With numerous Italian restaurants and pasta producers in the area, Mani In Pasta had to differentiate itself. They focused on unique flavors and artisanal production methods, but establishing a loyal customer base took time.
Labor Intensive Process: Making fresh pasta is a labor-intensive process. The company faced challenges in hiring skilled workers who understood the intricacies of pasta-making. Training staff to meet the company’s high standards was essential but time-consuming.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these struggles, Mani In Pasta found ways to thrive:
Community Engagement: They engaged with the local community through farmers’ markets and pop-up events, allowing customers to sample their products and learn about the pasta-making process. This helped build a strong local following.
Adaptation and Innovation: The company also adapted to market demands by introducing plant-based options, catering to the diverse dietary preferences of LA residents.
Collaborations: Partnering with local chefs and restaurants allowed Mamma’s Fresh Pasta to showcase their products in established dining venues, gaining credibility and exposure.
Conclusion
Overall, while Mani In Pasta faced significant challenges in sourcing, competition, and labor, their commitment to quality and community engagement helped them carve out a successful niche in the vibrant LA food scene. Today, they are known for their fresh, handmade pasta, a testament to their resilience and dedication.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mani In Pasta LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mani In Pasta is a premier producer of Italian fresh pasta based in Los Angeles, dedicated to serving restaurants and hotels throughout the city. Here’s what you should know about us:
What We Do
We specialize in crafting high-quality, artisanal fresh pasta tailored for the culinary needs of local restaurants and hotels. Our product line includes a wide variety of pasta shapes and sizes, such as pappardelle, tortellini, and fusilli, as well as a selection of freshly made sauces that complement our pasta perfectly.
Specialization and Reputation
We are known for our unwavering commitment to authenticity and flavor. Each batch of pasta is handmade using traditional Italian techniques, ensuring the highest quality and a perfect texture that elevates any dish. Our focus on using premium, locally sourced ingredients allows us to create pasta that not only tastes amazing but also supports the local economy.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets Mani In Pasta apart is our personalized service and deep understanding of the hospitality industry. We work closely with chefs and culinary teams to customize our offerings to fit their specific menu needs, seasonal ingredients, and unique dining concepts. Our flexibility and responsiveness make us a trusted partner for restaurants and hotels looking to create memorable dining experiences.
Brand Pride
We take great pride in the relationships we’ve built with our clients. Many chefs and restaurateurs rely on us not just for our pasta but for our expertise in menu development and culinary trends. Seeing our pasta featured in their dishes and receiving positive feedback from their guests is incredibly rewarding.
Message to Readers
We want our readers to know that Mani In Pasta is dedicated to quality, tradition, and innovation. Whether you are a restaurant looking to enhance your menu or a hotel aiming to impress guests with authentic Italian cuisine, our fresh pasta is made with passion and precision. We invite you to experience the difference our artisanal pasta can make in your culinary creations!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We would like to add that our goal is to bring authentic Italian fresh pasta to Los Angeles, allowing everyone who can’t visit Italy to experience a taste of our amazing country.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maniinpasta.us/
- Instagram: mani_in_pasta_california
