Some fans have been writing to me and wondering why I love New England so much. I was born in Derby, CT. Derby is just like any other small New England town, and a great place to grow up. When I was younger I didn’t really appreciate it as much. I began to realize how much I loved New England when I left for a while, and moved back to New England (this time Rhode Island) to attend Johnson and Whales culinary school and I stumbled on this little town called Bristol, RI . Bristol stole my heart. I felt at home there like I had never before. Something about the smell of the ocean, the people were warm, friendly and hardworking and they all loved where they lived and took pride in all the local food. Not just seafood, they have amazing farms, produce, cheese-makers, bakers etc. Before my Dad passed away he said “Michele, never leave this place.” I asked him “why dad” and he said, “I have never heard you so happy, as you are when you’re in Bristol.” He was right. I moved around for a bit and really wanted to take my career to the next level in the food world and make it on the food network. I moved to Brooklyn, which I love, so I can be where the action is. Six years later I have accomplished some great things and this is only the beginning. I have been all over New England and I always feel at home and that I am where I belong. New England has so many things to offer. There is so much history, and of course some of the best food I have ever had. It’s like wherever you go you are going to find incredible beauty and amazing food and stories. I hope all of you keep following me on my journey to bring New England, and the joy it brings me, to all of you.
Michele Ragussis has been featured on Food Network Star Season 8, Chopped, and 24 Hour Restaurant Battle. This blog is her way of getting sharing her experiences, and getting out all of the food and travel ideas that keep bouncing around her head. To learn more about Michele, check out the About Me here.
I can understand your love of New England, I once found a place like that, it was the one place i knew I belonged, I saw the beauty that was just underneith the surface of the everyday. The one place I didnt feel out of step with everything else.It isnt just one thing it is everything, it is truely home. Now I am looking for another place that makes me feel like that. On a lighter note, LOL, New England is facinating and cant wait to explore!! Going up for Boston Bruins game this season.
I have also fallen in love with New England. The area between Mystic, CT, and Watch Hill, RI, is where my heart lives. The natural beauty of salt marshes, estuaries, beaches, and tidal pools, the feeling of salt air on my skin, the briny smell of the ocean, the crash of a wave on the beach–it is all part of the romance I have with that part of the world. The little towns linked by a shoreline are gems waiting to be discovered. And I haven’t even mentioned the tastes that await… Hope to see your great idea for a show picked up on the Cooking Channel if the Food Network doesn’t have a home for you.
I love New England as well. I spent many summers on the south cape and also sent my son to summer camp in Forestdale, Mass for many summers. I truly understand what you are talking about.
I love this entry in your blog. I also know exactly what you mean. When I go home to New England (Massachusetts, in particular), I can “feel” it. It’s actually a feel. It might be the sea air, but if my eyes were closed, I would still know that I was there. I always laugh when people call New Englanders “cold.” They are some of the most welcoming people on earth. Where else can you see so many flags flying on an ordinary day? It’s a genuinely wonderful place to live. I’m glad you discovered it, too.
Woops – I just posted under your “Food Network Star” post- I hope you will read it and hoping some day to be able to enjoy *your* New England!!
Maybe it’s the best place on earth where our souls can breathe and it doesn’t matter what clothes we’re wearing? I grew up in rural south New Jersey and in north New Jersey for college and fell in love with New England on my first solo vacation. The Cape, Rhode Island Shore, Gloucester and coastal Maine. I was changed forever and moved there. Your Dad was right Michelle, and I hope a piece of Bristol will always be with you!
Not much seafood in West Texas! Well, there is at the local HEB, but thats’s not our favorite.
I was so looking forward to your show and was very confident we would be watching you on the Food Network and getting great seafood recipes and tips. Praying that is still in your future. My household is keeping tabs on you. Blessings for a great future Michelle.