Everyday Amore Food Truck
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Gosia. My husband Ali and I are raising funds to get a food truck for Everyday Amore to bring to our community.
Everyday Amore was created by the Shel McClure, former manager of Francesca's Trattoria, one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Gainesville, which closed its doors permanently during the pandemic.
Ali and I had worked at Francesca's for 8 years, providing music twice a week. This restaurant became like a second home to us. Its closing was a big loss for us and the community, and we were excited to hear about Shel's new venture to keep Francesca's legacy alive.
However, when I saw the set up the first time I didn't think it was going to last long. Cooking under a tent in the Florida heat is not ideal. And here we are, almost a year later, and Shel is still doing it, which clearly demonstrates her passion for her new career. So, I believe strongly that it is time for Shel to acquire a food truck. Here is what she wrote to me:
"As the manager of Francesca’s Trattoria for the last 10 years, I was enormously fortunate to be
welcomed into the family to work with Chef Michael and Frances Khey representing their history in the
front of the house. Working with Chef, we delivered his culinary story to Gainesville with a celebration
each month and a nostalgia for the golden days of food and beverage. Valentine’s Day in February was
heart shaped ravioli, Easter Buffet featured a carving station, Mother’s Day was Salmon and cooler
weather brought Potato Leek Soup and the Christmas Bread. It is the part of my food and beverage
journey of which I am the proudest.
Francesca’s had the best food in my career. Plate after plate, year after year.
When Francesca’s closed in 2020, I knew I didn’t want to forget our story. I continued to do what I had
been doing for the last 10 years and work with Chef to keep traditions alive. Somewhere along the way
we wondered what it would be like if a steak with a beautiful café de Paris sauce and all of the romance
of a dining room full of twinkling lights and chocolate roulade could be downsized to a modern food
truck. We’ve spent the last year under a tent cooking together and adapting recipes under Frances’
watchful eye to find out. We’ve learned a few things, welcomed old friends and made some new ones.
I am honored by the gift of Francesca’s recipes and blessed that Chef Michael would continue as friend
and mentor to support me as I work to grow our food tent pop up into the Amore Wagon."
Just for the record, she never asked us to do this. It is purely our own mission to help our dear friend.
Shel is hard-working, caring, driven, and will enrich this community with exceptional Italian cuisine. But she cannot do it alone. She needs us.
Ali and I had worked at Francesca's for 8 years, providing music twice a week. This restaurant became like a second home to us. Its closing was a big loss for us and the community, and we were excited to hear about Shel's new venture to keep Francesca's legacy alive.
However, when I saw the set up the first time I didn't think it was going to last long. Cooking under a tent in the Florida heat is not ideal. And here we are, almost a year later, and Shel is still doing it, which clearly demonstrates her passion for her new career. So, I believe strongly that it is time for Shel to acquire a food truck. Here is what she wrote to me:
"As the manager of Francesca’s Trattoria for the last 10 years, I was enormously fortunate to be
welcomed into the family to work with Chef Michael and Frances Khey representing their history in the
front of the house. Working with Chef, we delivered his culinary story to Gainesville with a celebration
each month and a nostalgia for the golden days of food and beverage. Valentine’s Day in February was
heart shaped ravioli, Easter Buffet featured a carving station, Mother’s Day was Salmon and cooler
weather brought Potato Leek Soup and the Christmas Bread. It is the part of my food and beverage
journey of which I am the proudest.
Francesca’s had the best food in my career. Plate after plate, year after year.
When Francesca’s closed in 2020, I knew I didn’t want to forget our story. I continued to do what I had
been doing for the last 10 years and work with Chef to keep traditions alive. Somewhere along the way
we wondered what it would be like if a steak with a beautiful café de Paris sauce and all of the romance
of a dining room full of twinkling lights and chocolate roulade could be downsized to a modern food
truck. We’ve spent the last year under a tent cooking together and adapting recipes under Frances’
watchful eye to find out. We’ve learned a few things, welcomed old friends and made some new ones.
I am honored by the gift of Francesca’s recipes and blessed that Chef Michael would continue as friend
and mentor to support me as I work to grow our food tent pop up into the Amore Wagon."
Just for the record, she never asked us to do this. It is purely our own mission to help our dear friend.
Shel is hard-working, caring, driven, and will enrich this community with exceptional Italian cuisine. But she cannot do it alone. She needs us.
We started the fundraising drive on Tuesday November 2nd at Blackadder Brewing Company, which we live-streamed on Facebook. Please see video below for testimonials from the event. Nearly $10,000 was raised that evening and to date donations total $10,967.86. We are still short of our goal of $60,000. Please donate and share with your friends. Thank you!
Gosia
Gosia
Organizer and beneficiary
Gosia Bondarewska
Organizer
Gainesville, FL
Shelly McClure
Beneficiary
