WHEN MARCO TALLARICO launched Truffle Kings in 2023, it was all about sharing his passion for Italian culture and cuisine here at home in Canada. The online grocery store, Truffle Kings, features a collection of olive oils, vinegars, truffle-infused foods and the delicate fresh truffles flown-in weekly direct from Italy; the spirit behind it was inspired by his summers spent in Sicily and Calabria. “Truffle Kings aims to educate consumers on the true essence of Italian fine foods,” he says. “The brand is a tribute to the long-established family companies that have played a significant role in shaping Italian culture for centuries.”
Marco Tallarico, founder of The Truffle Kings.
@trufflekingscanada
VIVIAN VASSOS: How is your vision for Truffle Kings influenced by your Italian heritage and travels to Italy?
MARCO TALLARICO: There are so many general misconceptions with what constitutes quality when it comes to Italian products. Every year when I come back from Italy, I am amazed by the lack of knowledge of second and third generation Italians and how they misrepresent our culture. My vision for Truffle Kings was to capitalize on the premiumization taking place in the food industry since the pandemic. From our research, it seems like people are looking to find out where things come from, the integrity of the producers and a general premium product, which may include organic and biodiverse properties. The goal is to bring those truth to the market and give people a place to buy the premium products they are searching for.
VV: What are some of your favourite places in Italy?
MT: My favourite places in Italy are in the south because for years tourists have been all over the north of Italy in places like Rome, Milan, Tuscany, etc. The south has, for the most part, been untouched. With the popularity of North American media, things like White Lotus, the south has become increasingly trendy and targeted by tourists. I grew up in these parts, especially Sicily, so I mostly visit Sicily, Calabria and Julia, to name a few.
VV: What are one or two of your go-to restaurants or chefs in Canada?
MT: In Toronto, my family owns the Oretta [restaurant] group; my cousin Sal has been doing a fantastic job of staying true to Italian culture with his food. Joso’s, although Mediterranean, not necessarily just Italian food, is my favourite restaurant by far in the city, and still what I consider to be the number one restaurant.
Photo: @jososrestaurant
Photo: @jososrestaurant
As of late, restaurants like Giulia and bakeries like Forno Cultura have also done a fantastic job. Also, my friends at Nodo really do set an emphasis on fresh products and bringing Italian culture to the forefront.
