Chasing Semolina recounts the true journey of a shepherd boy from the remote hills of southern Italy who dreams of going to America. Determined to make his dream come true, he lands in New York on drizzling April day in 1971. First time author and chef Piero Manno describes his experiences in the new world with such moving candor that the reader can't help but sympathize with the young man's struggle as he adapts to American life and eventualy opens his own restaurant. This new endeavor, set in the San Joaquin Valley of California, is fraught with adversity. But with the help of his loving Old-World mother, Maria, who insists that the place be anointed against evil spirits before opening day, Chef Piero forges ahead with his venture. But will the casting of evil spirits be sufficient to make the restaurant succeed? Or will the chef lose his entire life's savings and disgrace his mother in the process?