Meet Elisabetta Balzola of Troy, Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabetta Balzola

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My culinary journey began in Torino, Italy, where I grew up in a family that deeply appreciated good food. My father was a renowned gastroenterologist, and my mother instilled in me a love for cooking from an early age, teaching me how to prepare traditional Italian dishes.

I later traveled across Italy with my husband and our three children, living in places like Ancona and Sorrento. These experiences deepened my understanding of Italy’s diverse regional cuisines and further fueled my passion for authentic flavors.

In 2014, we moved to Michigan with our family and two beloved dogs. I turned my love for Italian cuisine into a successful catering business, Cuciniamo Italiano. What began with catering and cooking classes soon evolved into Cucina Lab Torino—an extension of my home and heart. I love welcoming people into my kitchen, sharing authentic Italian flavors, and creating experiences that bring people together over great food and wine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has strengthened my commitment to what I do. We had a beautiful grand opening celebration for Cucina Lab Torino, but just a week later, COVID-19 forced us to shut down and cancel all reservations through the end of the year. Instead of welcoming guests as planned, we had to quickly pivot to carry-out service. It was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time, but it also reinforced my passion for sharing authentic Italian cuisine, no matter the circumstances.

Another ongoing challenge is sourcing authentic, fresh Italian products in Michigan. It’s not easy, but I am determined to accurately represent Italy and ensure my guests experience real Italian flavors. Quality is always my top priority, even if it means more effort and work. I personally drive to New York City to pick up ingredients from one of our trusted importers. By hand-selecting products, I can guarantee their authenticity and freshness, while also supporting small Italian businesses and reducing costs for my clients. This way, I know I’m bringing the best of Italy to Michigan—no compromises.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the head chef and owner of Cucina Lab Torino, I’ve always been passionate about providing authentic Italian culinary experiences. This passion extends to Vino Lab, which I opened at the end of September 2024. Located right next door to Cucina Lab, Vino Lab serves as both a wine bar and an event space, designed to enhance the dining experience by offering a curated selection of Italian wines, along with a variety of Italian products that we use at Cucina Lab.

At Vino Lab, guests can enjoy an exceptional wine-tasting experience while also trying our authentic handmade gelato, made fresh from Cucina Lab. It’s a place where food, wine, and culture come together, and I’m proud to offer the same high standards of quality and authenticity that define Cucina Lab.

In addition to being a space for enjoying fine wines and delicious gelato, Vino Lab also acts as a market for Italian products. It allows me to share the Italian ingredients and goods that we use in our dishes at Cucina Lab with our guests. It’s a place where people can not only enjoy the best of Italy in terms of food and drink but also bring a piece of Italy home with them.

Opening Vino Lab has been a natural evolution of my mission to provide a complete Italian experience—whether that’s through wine, gelato, or the high-quality products I source directly from Italy. It’s a space where I can continue to share my love for authentic Italian cuisine and culture, offering even more opportunities for guests to connect and indulge in the flavors of Italy.

What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my plans for the future are focused on growing both Cucina Lab Torino and Vino Lab as much as possible. I want to continue expanding the reach of both businesses to allow even more people to experience the true flavors and culture of Italy. Whether through our dishes at Cucina Lab, our curated wines and Italian products at Vino Lab, or our exclusive dinner experiences by reservation at Cucina Lab, my goal is to provide authentic Italian experiences that people can enjoy and connect with.

In addition to growth, we’re looking to expand our team as well. I’m excited to bring in more wine professionals and passionate individuals who share our love for Italian cuisine and culture, whether they’re working in the kitchen, serving our guests, or curating the wine list. It’s important for me to continue building a team that’s as committed to quality and authenticity as we are.

I’m also excited to keep welcoming new guests, hosting events, and offering cooking classes, all while maintaining the high standards that define our brands. In the long term, I hope to create even more opportunities for people to immerse themselves in the culinary world of Italy, bringing a little bit of Italy to Michigan every day.

Pricing:

• Dinner by Reservation $90 per person
• Cooking Classes $75 per person
• Aperitivo Night $50 per person
• Wine Tastings price varies based on the event

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cucina-lab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cucina_lab_torino/
• Other: https://vino-lab.com