ARIES
If there’s anything Aries have, it’s passion–a quality that most every OSTE has. Though there’s no exact equivalent in English, the oste is a mix of a maitre de, restaurateur, and, sometimes, the cook–no matter the blend, the dining room is the oste’s natural habitat. Aries tend to be decisive and quick on their feet, and, in the fast-paced environment of a restaurant, this quality can be invaluable for handling reservations, seating arrangements, and the unexpected challenges that inevitably come with dealing with people. But what makes an Aries an Italian oste is their sheer prickliness. In Italy, the customer is certainly not always right, and l’oste is not afraid to say so. If a customer is warm and gracious to them, l’oste is capable of an enthusiastic welcome that can make even the coolest sciura melt. But, and this is a big but, they’re also easily offended. Come at a short-fused l’oste or Aries with hostility and they’ll match you, times ten. Then watch as they make your meal (l’oste) or life (Aries) hell. These fiery signs certainly aren’t going to water down their values!
Owners and chefs of Ristorante Da Tullio in Florence
TAURUS
These stable earth signs find their match in the NOTAIO, translatable to public notary, though the role of an Italian notaio is distinct from that of a notary public in many other countries. The notaio, rather, is a highly-trained legal professional with a public office, and their responsibilities include drafting contracts, authenticating documents, and providing legal advice. To make anything legally effective in Italy, you must go through a notaio; good thing Tauruses are deeply dependable! These bulls can be consistently relied upon, whether it’s to handle legal matters accurately or to come up with the perfect sarcastic comment to diss their ex. There are, and can only be, 5,971 notai in Italy, and you can only become one if you’re trained by a licensed notaio, who then passes on their license. Considered a very prestigious job, the role of notaio is often kept within a family, passed down through the generations. The hardworking Taurus, too, is a family-oriented sign and most often makes up the sturdy root of the family tree. Sure, Tauruses can be mildly standoffish–as can the notaio–and they’ll take their sweet, sweet time to get anything done–as does the notaio–but, at the end of the day, they’ll pull through and have the job done well.
GEMINI
These hot and cold twins have got what it takes to be an ENOLOGO (oenologist), someone who specializes in the science and study of wine and winemaking–a very important profession in Italy, a country with 37,298 different wineries. Almost all of these have an oenologist on staff or on call, just the way everyone has a Gemini friend on speed dial; they are one of the most up-for-adventure, fun, and social signs after all! In a field in which everything can change with a few days of rain or sun, oenologists have to be as adaptable as a Gemini. These air signs are versatile and open-minded, with a big dose of intellectual curiosity, which makes them easily flexible to unexpected changes; for them, each new vintage would be an opportunity for exploration and creativity. However, the enologo, like the Gemini, has a personal duality: one side plays fast and loose and is made for wining and dining, schmoozing and snacking, with copious bottles of wine; the other is stony and strict, scientifically analyzing the intricacies of every grape (as Geminis do social situations!) and forgoing coffee, gum, and cigarettes for the longevity of their palate.
Courtesy of @enotecalantidoto
CANCER
Cozy, cozy Cancers would make perfect FRUTTIVENDOLI. Translating to “greengrocer”, a fruttivendolo acts as the Goldilocks choice between a supermarket and a farmer’s market, selling seasonal bounty–and the occasional pantry staple–from standalone storefronts. These water signs are known for their nurturing nature, and what could be more nurturing than a fruttivendolo brimming with eggplants and peaches in the summer, and displays of straight-from-the-forest funghi porcini in fall? Cancers are some of the most generous givers, and fruttivendoli too will always throw in a bunch of odori free of charge for their favorites. The ultimate homebodies, Cancers are deeply in touch with their emotions and highly appreciate a sense of community. It’s no wonder fruttivendoli create exactly the latter–through cooking tips and, of course, a bit of gossip–with regular customers becoming friends. In Italy, fruttivendoli are known for creating spaces where people feel welcome and comfortable–we can’t think of a more Cancerian trait than that!
LEO
These golden lions belong on the gilded boats of the Venetian GONDOLIERS, of which there are currently 433 licensed ones in the city. As you wander through the narrow canals of Venice, you’ll see more than a few striped canalmen prancing in velvet slippers across glossed ebony gondolas. Everyone knows that the best gondoliers are the ones who can put on a show, singing local songs or tossing out a few zingers; Leos too have a passion for performance, and their flair for theatricality would find its perfect outlet on the aquatic stage of the gondola. Plus, their naturally charismatic natures makes them consummate hosts. With a kick of confidence to boot, these fire signs make the best leaders–great at steering (the proverbial or literal) ship. Navigating the waterways of Venice, with its chaotic tumble of police boats, rivas, ambulances, and vaporetti, certainly takes a bit of Leo-like captaincy!
VIRGO
The most meticulous of the signs needs the most meticulous of the jobs: RESTAURATORE. These restorers, of which Italy has many–stats put the number at 7,000 specialists and 11,000 technicians–specialize in the conservation and restoration of artworks and historical artifacts–crucial for preserving Italy’s wealth of paintings, sculptures, frescoes, manuscripts, and the like. A keen eye for detail is paramount for the work, as is an analytical mind for studying the artist’s techniques, materials used, and the historical context–Virgos have both. (And often use these traits for judging your outfit.) Known for being through and through perfectionists, patient Virgos will take however much time is needed to do a task as it should be done. Who better for the art of restoring, which can often take years upon years? It’s easy, however, for Virgos to feel underappreciated, the humble workhorses that operate behind the scenes. So, next time you see a glittering, golden Renaissance painting in the Uffizi, think of the restorer who got it there–and of all the Virgos that prop you up.
LIBRA
We all know Libras like to show off a bit: that’s why they’re SBANDIERATORI (flag bearers). These costume-clad folks make their career of spinning, twirling, and throwing flags at festivals, historical reenactments, and other heritage events, like the Calcio Storico in Florence, the Palio di Siena, or the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea. Talk about festive! Libras too like to party–and to do so with style. This zodiac’s aesthetes, Libras’ favorite exercise is flexing their socialite muscle–extra points if there’s a colorful costume involved. One of the most extraverted signs, Libras love to play the role of social cheerleaders by fostering a sense of community, and ensuring everyone feels included and valued, just as a sbandieratore boosts morale. And these air signs certainly wouldn’t mind being part of the celebratory show; they secretly love the spotlight. (Please, don’t hold the applause.) Good thing Libras count as many admirers as the sbandieratore does onlookers!
SCORPIO
These enterprising water signs would make the best ARROTINI. The profession of arrotini, or knife sharpeners, dates back centuries; originally itinerant craftsmen, arrotini provided mobile sharpening services using grinding stones. These days, the craft is dying out, but you can still find arrotini in small paesi, where they go house by house on bike advertising their services with the call of “Donne! È arrivato l’arrotino!” What better for independence-loving Scorpios than a job on the go? While they can form strong bonds–as an arrotino does with their regulars–these autonomous scorpions also appreciate having the freedom to pursue their own interests and make decisions for themselves. Astrologically, Scorpios are associated with transformation and regeneration; arrotini, too, are masters of revitalizing steel, grinding knives until they’re as sharp as a Scorpio tongue. These folks have a gift for words that can cut through small talk like a sharpened cleaver through stracchino; conversations with a Scorpio may often leave you wondering whether you just had a friendly chat or a verbal sparring match!
SAGITTARIUS
Saucy Sagittarius is nothing other than PIZZAIOLI, those in charge of preparing pizza dough, choosing the toppings, and manning the wood-fired oven. These fire signs are certainly in their element with the latter! Proponents of over-the-top self expression, Sagittarians would thrive in the pizza kitchen, experimenting with various toppings and flavor combinations. And you just know these spontaneous and fun-loving signs would get frisky with the dough, flipping, twirling, and tossing it around–though they’d hate it if you thought they were trying to show off (even though they are). Sagittarians sprinkle optimism like cheese, but their (sometimes brutal) honesty can also mean that their words sting like a pizza alla diavola’s spicy salami. Sagittarians are also known for their generosity, and they enjoy sharing their experiences, knowledge, and zest for life with those around them; these friendly archers will invite just about anyone to pull up a chair and grab a slice.
CAPRICORN
These hard workers are like a MACELLAIO (butcher), ready to roll up their sleeves to tackle any problem, no matter how big or small. The diligent Capricorn and the “meat”-eticulous (sorry for the bad pun!) macellaio both have got the chops (sorry again!) at anything they put their mind to. With a reputation as solid as a well-aged steak, the Capricorn is a prime cut when it comes to friendship; their sense of responsibility means they’ve got your back no matter what. Both these goats and butchers are driven by a strong sense of ethics, the latter being conscientious about where they’re sourcing meat from and how the animals are treated. Chef’s Table favorite Dario Cecchini tells us, “Trust a good butcher, look him in the eyes, and if you see passion, heart, surely the steak will be good.” Well, look into the eyes of any Capricorn and you’re sure to find both passion and heart. These earth signs are also seasoned in the art of persuasion, and can be very convincing when they want to be–just like the butcher, who regales you with cooking tips and tricks until you’ve purchased every cut of meat. But don’t you dare think Capricorns aren’t fun. They’re the first to work the grill at a barbecue, dishing out juicy steaks for everyone to enjoy!
Dario Cecchini
AQUARIUS
Aquarius, the intellectuals of the zodiac, are surely the EDICOLANTE, the “newsstand owner” who sells newspapers, magazines, and periodicals. Knowledgeable about a whole range of publications, these folks stay informed about current events and news trends–just like the well-read Aquarius. These air signs strive to be worldly and are constantly preoccupied with how to make the planet a better place. We’d barter that most debate groups, protests, and book clubs are organized by an Aquarius. Edicolanti are as “controcorrenti” as Aquarians; while the world goes more and more digital, they stand their ground, and stick and fight for print! Just remember, however, that when an Aquarius is being contrarian, it’s often just for the sake of the conversation. Like these shrewd water bearers, the newsstand, as curated by an edicolante, works to keep its community informed and serves as a source of its most up-to-date news. Both thrive, as well, with social engagement—the newsstand as a bustling hub, Aquarius as a connector of diverse minds.
PISCES
These imaginative water signs would be perfect CORNICIAI, or “framers”, who specialize in creating, designing, and assembling frames for artwork, photographs, mirrors, and such. They slot together pieces of frames like a Pisces connects friends; the latter have a penchant for curating the most dynamic dinner parties! The corniciaio and the Pisces share a love for beauty, detail, and the preservation of sentimental treasures; on the latter point, know someone who still has their blankie from infanthood? They’re most likely Pisces. In the hands of the corniciaio, even a simple poster or postcard can be transformed into a cherished masterpiece, and a Pisces has much the same touch. Their limitless creativity means that they see endless aesthetic possibilities for even the simplest of things. As the corniciaio carefully selects materials, designs, and details, they build a narrative that uplifts each item beyond the frame and into something with longevity. Pisces too have never been ones for boundaries; the nature of these fishies, rather, is to swim past “limits”. It certainly helps, in this pursuit, that their remarkable empathy acts as a vast sponge, absorbing the emotions and priorities of others effortlessly.
