Silvia Colloca is an Italian Australian culinary storyteller, opera singer, and television personality. Based in Sydney, she champions accessible, family-oriented Italian cooking through her blog Silvia’s Cucina, cookbooks, and SBS Food programming. Her work emphasizes:
Colloca’s accolades include a Logie nomination, ARIA chart-topping music, and cookbooks translated into five languages. For collaborations, focus on stories that marry food with heritage, music, or everyday joy.
Silvia Colloca’s career defies simple categorization. Born in Milan and now based in Sydney, she has woven her talents as an opera singer, actress, author, and television host into a vibrant tapestry that celebrates Italian culture. Her work in food media, particularly through her blog Silvia’s Cucina, has made her a household name for enthusiasts of authentic Italian home cooking. Colloca’s journey began on stage—first in musical theater, then in films like Van Helsing (2004), where she met her husband, actor Richard Roxburgh. But it was her transition to food writing and television that cemented her status as a cultural ambassador for Italy’s culinary traditions.
“For Italians, food is a deep expression of love and joy. It’s not just about sustenance—it’s about connection, history, and the stories we pass down.”
This 2023 blog post exemplifies Colloca’s ability to merge tradition with creativity. The recipe, featuring translucent “windowpanes” of hard candy embedded in buttery cookies, pays homage to her grandmother’s methods while encouraging modern twists like edible ornaments. Colloca’s step-by-step guidance—emphasizing patience and family participation—reflects her belief that baking is a communal act. The post’s viral success (shared over 50,000 times) underscores her knack for making intricate techniques accessible.
In this 2024 recipe, Colloca challenges perceptions of Italian baking as dairy-heavy. By using aquafaba and citrus zest, she creates a moist, eggless cake that still delivers the “zing” of traditional Italian desserts. The post includes a candid reflection on her family’s skepticism (“My husband couldn’t believe it wasn’t ‘real’ cake!”), blending humor with instructional clarity. This article highlights her role in adapting Italian cuisine for contemporary dietary preferences without sacrificing authenticity.
Curated by SBS Food in 2024, this compilation showcases Colloca’s most popular recipes, from saffron risotto to caramelized onion focaccia. The article positions her as a bridge between Italian culinary traditions and Australian kitchens, emphasizing her focus on seasonal ingredients and family meals. Its inclusion of both savory and sweet dishes reinforces her versatility, while the companion TV series Cook Like an Italian amplifies her reach.
Colloca’s work is deeply rooted in Italy’s regional diversity. Pitches should highlight lesser-known dishes from areas like Abruzzo or Molise, as seen in her exploration of sfincione (Sicilian pizza). For example, a story on heirloom grains from Marche or olive oil traditions from Liguria would align with her emphasis on cucina povera (peasant cooking).
She prioritizes recipes that foster intergenerational connection. A pitch might explore how nonnas adapt traditional dishes for gluten-free diets or how Italian Australian families preserve food rituals. Colloca’s vegan loaf article demonstrates her interest in inclusive, health-conscious twists on classics.
Colloca often ties recipes to historical or personal narratives, such as her grandmother’s wartime baking techniques. Successful pitches could link dishes to Italian migration stories, festivals, or artisanal crafts (e.g., Puglian ceramic cookware).
She steers clear of fad diets or processed foods. A pitch about “superfood” supplements or fast-food collaborations would likely miss the mark, whereas one about sustainable pasta-making traditions would resonate.
Given her opera career, Colloca appreciates stories that connect culinary and musical heritage. For example, a feature on Neapolitan folk songs about tomatoes or the role of food in Italian opera librettos could captivate her.
This nomination for Made in Italy recognized Colloca’s ability to translate niche culinary content into mainstream entertainment. Competing against reality TV stars, her nod signaled SBS’s confidence in food programming as a cultural force.
Sing Like an Italian spent 20+ weeks at #1, a rare feat for a debut classical artist. The album’s success—featuring arias and Italian folk songs—cemented her reputation as a multidisciplinary creative, blending her culinary and musical personas.
Her shows have aired in 23+ countries, including the UK’s Food Network and Italy’s Gambero Rosso. This reach underscores her role as a global ambassador for Italian culture, transcending her Australian base.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Food, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
