The Story Behind Our Name: Kali Vita Fresca
So one of the things I’ve been asked the most when starting this exciting journey of mine is: “What does that name actually mean?” Since it is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of my brand identity, I figured it was worth it to write a little something explaining it. Ready? Here we go!
What's in a Name?
When I was dreaming up this business, I wanted to come up with a name that would capture the heart and soul of what we do. Through my experience I’ve learned the importance of a good name. Something that’s catchy, easy to remember, and conveys something about what it is you’re doing. That's how "Kali Vita Fresca" came to life - a fun mix of three Mediterranean languages:
Kali (καλή): That's Greek for "good"
Vita: Italian for "life"
Fresca: Spanish for "fresh"
Put them together and you get "Good Fresh Life" - which is exactly what we're all about! We want to showcase that good, fresh, quality food leads to a better life in general. That and it wasn’t something incredibly complicated to pronounce. Trust me, I went through several different names before landing on this one. One of the big things I’d do was say it to myself, and then try and say it quickly as if I were telling a story about it. In the end, Kali Vita Fresca came out on top because you could always just say “Kali Vita”, and the message would still come across!
A Kitchen Love Letter to the Mediterranean
I'll let you in on a secret - I haven't had the chance to visit the entirety of the Mediterranean yet (it’s something I desperately want to do!), but I've fallen head over heels for the region's amazing food traditions through cooking and eating my way through countless recipes. The only country I have been to personally yet is Italy, but that was enough to kick start my obsession with Mediterranean culture as a whole. I hope to visit more of these countries over the next few years and experience the culture first hand.
What fascinates me most is how these different countries, each with their own unique culture, share so many culinary connections. The more I experienced dishes from Greece, Italy, Spain, and beyond, the more I noticed these beautiful similarities hiding in plain sight. The fact that the Spanish have a Tortilla (a large baked omelette) and the Italians have a Frittata (a large baked omelette) should show you that these countries think more alike than most people are aware of! There are a myriad of other examples I could show you, but this post is supposed to explain the name so we’ll have to table that for another post.
Finding Unity in Food
Think about it - all across the Mediterranean olive oil is treated like liquid gold, fresh vegetables shine in almost every meal, and fragrant herbs and spices create distinctive and unique flavors that practically define their cultures. The shared usage of all these ingredients bonds these cultures together into one of the most diverse regions in the world! These countries might speak different languages, but their food tells a connected story.
That's why our name brings together words from three different languages. It's my little nod to how food can bridge cultures while still honoring what makes each tradition special. We don’t want to erase these countries' individuality, but rather show people that these countries share a lot more than we think. Food has a funny way of uniting people, which is why so many of these cultures take communal dinners so seriously!
Bringing Mediterranean Goodness to Pittsburgh
Every meal we prepare at Kali Vita Fresca is crafted with this spirit in mind. We're not just making "Greek food" or "Italian food" - we're celebrating this amazing, interconnected Mediterranean approach to eating that's all about simple, fresh ingredients prepared with love. I’ve never liked being restricted to just one cuisine or another. That’s why I decided to use the Mediterranean as the basis for my business. With this label I can pull from over 20 different countries of influence and make something truly incredible! I don’t have to conform to just one country or tradition when it comes to my food. Rather I can take influence from all of these countries and make something that I find truly beautiful.
I’m thrilled to bring this "Good Fresh Life" to our Pittsburgh community. When you enjoy our meals, you're not just getting convenient, healthy food - you're tasting a little bit of that Mediterranean magic that brings people together around the table. Yinzers are some of the most communal people I’ve ever met. Meeting together to watch the Steelers on game day, going out to Frick Park for a picnic, or just visiting mom and dad for Sunday dinner. Pittsburghers remind me a lot of the cultures that surround the Mediterranean: a culture of family oriented people who support each other, and often feed each other way too much.
I hope to see you soon for a taste of the good (fresh) life!
~Rich
