A Little Bit About us…

Joan and David Donatelle, Savory Pursuits 

Joan and David are known for their love of authentic Mediterranean cuisine and have shared that passion with the public for more than 30 years. With three award-winning restaurants, three gourmet delis, and a catering company, they have provided many satisfying and healthful culinary experiences for loyal guests, friends, and fans. 

David augmented his health care education with studies in France and Italy, and he continues to refine his knowledge of nutrition for health, super immunity, and longevity. 

As a FoodE Expert, Joan managed the cooking school at Byerly’s and has taught hundreds of cooking classes there and in other venues. Her book, Astonishing Apples was published in 2015, by The Minnesota Historical Society Press. 

After years of nutritional development for the elderly, David is now pursuing health and wellness coaching and is an expert in the field of functional nutrition. Offering coaching one on one or small groups. Topics include transformation through the Mediterranean Diet, brain health, gut health, and heart health. In addition, he has been a beekeeper hobbyist for the past 15 years. 

In their spare time, Joan and David love to create customized guided culinary tours in Italy for travelers seeking gastronomic adventures.