Manhattan Roots, Grand Rapids Heart: Chef Jenna’s Story of Family, Food and Love!

Join host Eldon Palmer as he sits down with the inspiring Chef Jenna Arcidiacono to discuss her incredible journey from Manhattan to San Francisco and eventually Grand Rapids, MI with a few lessons and adventures on the journey! Chef Jenna shares her passion for food, love, and kindness through her restaurant Amore Trattoria Italiana and her heartwarming initiative, Food Hugs. This episode is filled with touching stories of compassion, adventure, and the power of community. Listen in to hear how Chef Jenna’s experiences and family heritage shaped her into the culinary force she is today.
Five Takeaways from this episode:
The Power of Food Hugs: Chef Jenna’s initiative, Food Hugs, started during the pandemic to support frontline workers and has grown into a movement of kindness, providing meals, groceries, and even vehicles to those in need.
Community and Connection: Jenna emphasizes the importance of connecting with others, whether through shared meals, support during tough times, or simply offering a smile and a kind word.
A Culinary Journey: From working at a small drive-in in Kentwood to managing a renowned restaurant in San Francisco, and finally opening Amore Trattoria Italiana in Grand Rapids, Jenna’s journey showcases her dedication to the culinary arts and her entrepreneurial spirit.
Family and Heritage: Jenna’s story is deeply intertwined with her family history, from her parents' meeting in New York to her Italian husband’s large family and their rich culinary traditions. These influences play a significant role in her approach to cooking and hospitality.
The Impact of Kindness: Throughout the episode, Jenna shares numerous stories of how small acts of kindness have a profound impact on people’s lives. She encourages listeners to think of others and take action, no matter how small, to make a positive difference in the world.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team. The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [e-mail], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast. You can also learn more at thepalmer.group/ Whether moving to Michigan or another state,, we can help and we would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage on us!
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*WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5 STAR REVIEW*

[@JohnHuffman-rr5hq]

Wonderful interview! If anyone wants to start a business, they should listen to this. You guys did a great job of highlighting the highs, lows, challenges, and lifetime commitment of self employment.

[@TheRealWestMichigan]

Thanks John! Jenna has so many great insights!

[@johnhuffman3835]

"Some people can't stand positivity." 🤣 Truer words have never been spoken. You hit the nail on the head. Keep doing good work! Wave to the negative people as you pass them by on life.

[@TheRealWestMichigan]

Exactly!!

[@chriscurtis3118]

Great interview. New found addl respect for Chef Jenna! Keep up the great work! Both of ya. 🙂

[@TheRealWestMichigan]

Thanks Chris! I appreciate the kind words. I did not know how deep her story went!