Skappo Italian Restaurant Says Farewell After 21 Years

21 years ago, my husband and his family had a dream, and they opened Skappo Italian restaurant. They believed in their dream with all their hearts and left their previous lives to create an extension of their Umbrian Italian family dining table. They brought an authentic trattoria experience to New Haven Connecticut where you entered as strangers and left as friends and family!

My father-in-law Tom, was an architect; my mother-in-law Anna, wore many hats from teacher to artist; Michael was in finance in New York City; Yvette was starting her marketing career; and Marc was a fresh college graduate.

Nonna: Anna, Chef, and fashion designer

Yvette, ready and serious

Michael, front of the house, finance, and co-chef

Tom, the architect dishwasher

Yesterday, Skappo permanently closed their New Haven, CT gem. Michael asked me to marry him at Skappo. My kids were born when the restaurant was just beginning and later on, they would also help out when needed.

My boys saying goodbye to Skappo

In the last few weeks, I popped in more frequently and became known as the honorary dishwasher and busser! Skappo was a family affair!

A few months ago, “La Famiglia” decided to serve their last plate on December 20. Closing with gratitude is what “La famiglia” hoped for. They aspired to close their doors when people still wanted to be part of the family table, and they had enough inspiration and energy to start their new chapters.

Marc, the singing chef

Check out this video from last night’s party!

Skappo may have had its final call in New Haven, but it’s not goodbye forever for the Skappo family. Give them a shout out on this link.

Ce vediamo! Till we meet again!

It’s A West Point Christmas

I love how the United States Military Academy West Point celebrates Christmas and the holidays.

Plebes are the freshman. They are in charge of decorating their company table for the festive occasion.

After the meal the cadets enjoy a celebratory cigar.

This is also a big celebration for the Firsties (Seniors) who received their branch duties a few days before.

One of my favorite West Point Instagrammers is Blaze Kennedy. Watch his latest video.

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My Love Letter to My Mom Amy Gustilo Lopez

My Mom, Amy Gustilo Lopez, earned her wings in April 2025. This is my eulogy to her. In life she was loved. In death she has been immortalized.

It was sudden and unexpected, but she was at peace when she said goodbye. In the Philippines we believe that death is not final because it is just a “change of address”.

My Mom Amy lived the life of a songbird. Flying gracefully among us, sharing the melody of her life.  The beautiful original music which composed delighted our ears, her beauty pleased our eyes and her prayers healed our souls.

Like a bird soaring from tree to tree her life was always so full of energy and movement!  One moment she is being a good friend, the next moment she is the best prima, another moment a heartfelt counselor.  But most importantly she was always a loving mother to two loving daughters, my sister Angela and me Louise.  A proud Lola abuelita of two handsome grandsons, Massimo and Rocco.  And a patient mother-in-law of two guapo sons-in-law, Peter and Michael.  She would crisscross the world many many times to joyfully spend time with all of us.

When she was home she would spend much time with the Good Shepherd nuns, in the same way the birds care for their flocks.  She devotedly prayed for and comforted unwed mothers throughout their pregnancies, having saved many babies, and mothers, lives.

And it goes without saying that like a songbird, my Mom Amy was beautiful.  Her title of Miss Caltex was always a great source of honor and pride.  She found joy in being fashionable – and we had fun seeing her display her creative sense of style.

So now God has freed our songbird of the burdens of life.  She is free of the worries and regrets that we put upon ourselves during the course of our lives.  She is free to soar once again along with her blue eagle, husband my father Macky Lopez.  She is free to soar high above us and share the love and joy that God has now bestowed upon her.  God bless my Mom Amy.  Fly high Mom. Rest in Peace.

Flying away to their final destination!

My sister Angela and I are luckier than most people because we still hear my Mom today as she composed so many beautiful original melodies.

Years ago I wrote about her and I think about her everyday now that Christmas is approaching.

Miss Caltex 1969, Manila, Philippines – My Mother the Beauty Queen

The Perfect Italian Breakfast at Home

When you vacation in Italy your day typically starts with a light breakfast of cake and coffee.

Italian blood runs through my husband’s veins, and he often craves for simple lemon ricotta cakes. Buying this cake is not an option because even the best bakeries in our area can not quite capture the exact Italian flavor. For those who know, you just know. Also, we only use King Arthur flour in our house because the quality and flavor can not be beat.

He pairs the cake with a delicious cappuccino. Our over the stove Bialetti Moka Express makes the best coffee. We also have the Brikka Moka Express version that has the hole on top. It makes an amazing espresso, but it takes a bit of practice to get the technique (warning, this version can overflow, but if you are patient coffee magic happens).

Now the best part of a cappuccino is the frothed milk. Michael was not happy because our Bodum French Press recently was lost so he had to use a hand frother. The cappuccino was still delicious, but I now have something to add to my Christmas list! For those who don’t know Bodum French Press creates the best froth. When we buy a new one I’ll demonstrate!

For now let’s leave you with a Ciao! Since we are a Filipino household too maybe I’ll make some authentic Pinoy breakfast and share.

Veterans Day – Thank You to All Who Served

Veterans Day is today. Thank you for your service.

Recently we became part of the Army family. The meaning of Veterans Day feels more personal now.

We have our liberties and freedom because our Veterans have heard the call of duty to serve.

Thank you my son. Thank you for your service.