Meet the Team

Chef Franco Lania


Chef Franco Lania is a classically-trained and well-traveled chef who has been working in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. Franco graced stoves in New York, London, Milan, Miami, and Los Angeles. His passion for the culinary arts has led him on a gastronomic journey that includes 5-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury cruise lines that sailed to exotic ports of call.

He received the esteemed Grand Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu, London and his Master Chef Certification from the Italian Culinary Institute in Costigliole d’Asti, Italy.

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Joan Marie Scott


Joan Marie Scott was born and raised on Long Island, New York and grew up in a food-centric family. “My Mom loved to cook and bake and would create meals that were always an international adventure!” she says. Her love of international food continued to grow as she ate her way through Manhattan. As an avid and passionate home cook, she loved the challenge of recreating some of the dishes that she enjoyed in the NYC restaurants.

Joan, along with Franco and their shared interest in food and travel, began the boutique company, Tavola Tours. Each travel adventure is hand chosen to showcase the culinary and cultural highlights of the area.

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