Welcome to Olives Bay! I’m Vanessa, and I created this space from a deep passion for food, people, and the desire to inspire and share special moments in life.

Growing up in a multicultural environment, with a German mother and a Sicilian father, cooking and enjoying high-quality, fresh food has always been a significant part of my life. My dad, a chef and restaurant owner for as long as I can remember, and my Nonna, my Italian grandmother, taught me the joy of mindful cooking and the magic of how it brings people together.

My summers spent with Nonna in Italy are among my most precious childhood memories. Mornings began with a pot of warm milk infused with aromatic coffee—perfect for dipping biscotti, a tradition Nonna introduced me to when I was still a toddler. Olive oil and caffeine practically ran through my veins!

I’d set up my little kitchen on my granny’s terrace, trying to mimic her methods, like soaking pasta in cold water until it was perfectly soft (a process that took hours). She always involved me in every kitchen task, from watering the garden and picking fresh herbs to making pasta and baking bread. One of my favourite memories was making bread with her—she taught me to plait, braid, and shape the dough into charming forms like animals and figures. The best part was always the visitors who dropped by to share in the feast—a neighbourhood full of good cooking Nonnas! 

My love for detail and hospitality, and my ability to make others feel at home, come from my mum. She had an incredible gift for filling any room with positive energy and making everyone feel welcome. I owe much of who I am today to the warmth and kindness she embodied.

Olives Bay is my way of sharing my love for delicious food, inspiring stories, and the wonderful people and places I've encountered. Friends and family often ask for my recipes and culinary tips from my travels across Europe and South Africa, and this platform allows me to share those experiences with everyone.

I also wanted to build something meaningful and watch it grow. Instead of spending my free time scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching Netflix, I wanted to create something of value. Olives Bay has become that space—a creative outlet where I can share my journey.

At Olives Bay, I keep it real. The content is authentic, the connections are genuine, and the community thrives on sharing, caring, and growing together. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Yours,
Vanessa