Clara's parents, Celeste and Toto
Our story begins with Anthony and Celeste Lizio, who came to the United States in the early 1930’s from Sant’Angelo all’Esca – a small town an hour outside of Naples, Italy. Celeste (Luise) grew up in her mother’s café learning the recipes she would eventually hand down to her children and grandchildren. Once in the United States, Anthony and Celeste opened a small grocery store for Celeste to tend to while Anthony worked in a factory. While Celeste made dinner in the stores back kitchen, the delicious smells drew the WPA workers. The store became known for Celeste’s food rather than the groceries.