Julie Shaffer is an avid world traveler and Italophile.  She spends her summers in a fifteenth century Italian farmhouse, happily chasing the best tasting tomato, cooking, eating, and drinking wine with family and friends.  Her passion for all things Italian introduced her to the Slow Food Movement, which led to the creation of Slow Food Atlanta in late 2000. As a local food activist, she has become involved in the food politics of the region. She is a "real food" advocate and cheerleader for local farmers, producers, and the chefs who support them!

Julie is the mom of a teenage daughter, who took her first steps in Italy, and is a “foodie” in her own right.

Maria Bellingeri is a native Italian from Piemonte, whose family's business lead her to Atlanta.   She met Julie Shaffer through the Slow Food network while living for a time in Atlanta. Maria serves as a consultant for Slow Food's University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, and she is a full time mother and wife.  She spends most of her time happily chasing baby Pietro, scouting out the best places to eat and drink in her region, and charming tourists with her beautiful smile and winning ways.