On this episode of Cawfee Tawk, I sit down with chef and restaurateur Tara Punzone, a woman whose destiny was written in the sauce. From her grandparents' Italian grocery in Brooklyn—organically becoming a neighborhood hero shop—to opening the country's first all Southern italian vegan restaurant and wine bar, Tara's journey proves that passion really can be genetic.
Warm, gracious, and a lifelong animal lover, Tara didn't set out to preach veganism—she just wanted to bring Southern Italian food to Los Angeles without giving up her values. We talk about the very Italian habit of talking ourselves out of our dreams (especially when your dad lovingly warns, "Restaurants take over your life"), and the moment everything changed when Tara heard Howard Stern mention a vegan restaurant in NYC.
What happened next is a masterclass in showing up: Tara walked in on a busy Saturday night, asked what credentials she needed, got invited back, stepped into the kitchen, and earned the job. It's the lesson Chazz always reminds me of—show up. Or as I say: just get me in the room and I'll prove myself.
We also get personal—being New Yorkers in LA, Tara's year in Rome where she couldn't get hired because she was (drumroll)… a woman, and what it means to be the last generation preserving Italian culture. Tara opens up about being an "oh shhh" baby, coming into the world years after unimaginable family loss, and growing up in a house that fed everyone—especially kids that didn't come from two parent homes like she did.
Her new book, Vegana Italiana, is a love letter to her family roots, filled with recipes, memories, and a mission: honor where you come from while staying true to who you are. This one's about food, family, courage—and answering the call that's been in your DNA all along.
🙋🏻♀️ 🇮🇹Check out Tara's Live Show!
👉https://taracannistraci.com/#shows
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Welcome to Cawfee Tawk with Tara Cannistraci AKA TaraJokes! Join comedian Tara Cannistraci every Monday! Tara reflects on the week that was or the life that was, whether it's nostalgia about NYC life, current trends, or real-life stories. This podcast is perfectly timed to accompany your morning coffee. Good morning, fellow cawfee lovers!
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Tara Cannistraci is an Italian-American comedian, actress, and writer, hailing from the vibrant streets of the Bronx, New York. Tara's talents have lit up the stage, television, film, and even centerfield as the scoreboard host for the New York Yankees.
Tara brought her unfiltered, humorous take on popular sports topics to SNY's Emmy award-winning television show "Oh Yeah," where she both wrote for and featured in the series. Currently, she co-hosts the Chazz Palminteri Show podcast, captivating audiences with her honest insights and vivacious personality. She also co-produced and starred in We Stand Comedy's multi award-winning short film "The Chart" showcasing her versatility & misdirecting sense of humor.
On social media, Tara has gained a following by sharing the words and phrases she grew up hearing in her New York Italian neighborhood, resonating with people across the country. Her comedy album, "I'm Talkin' Here," is a regular feature on Sirius XM.
Tara's new YouTube series, "Boroughbreds," features her doing hilarious on-the-street interviews throughout the New York boroughs, highlighting all things New York from common phrases to family owned businesses.
Tara has opened for comedy heavyweights like Josh Wolf, Joey Diaz and Vic DiBitetto, and now headlines shows across the U.S. and Canada. Her authenticity and wit continue to win over audiences wherever she performs!
