How We Bring the Heart of an Italian Christmas to Fiori’s

Gathering at Fiori’s in December isn’t just about the food — it’s about the stories we share over our glasses. In many parts of Italy, the holiday season is as much about the table as it is about tradition. The spirit of la Vigilia (Christmas Eve) lingers in the air, as families gather for a seafood-laden dinner, sometimes keeping it meatless in honor of age-old customs. Then, on Il Pranzo di Natale (Christmas Day lunch), the table overflows with handmade pasta, slow-roasted meats, and sweet treats like panettone.

At Fiori’s, we mirror that same sense of celebration. Our wines—from crisp Pinot Grigio to robust Montepulciano — nod to different corners of Italy. Whether you’re toasting with a spritz or winding down with an Old Fashioned, every drink is a subtle echo of Italian warmth and conviviality. Christmas takes on many shapes around the world, but for Orlando, each celebration—whether in Italy, Belize, or New York—holds a piece of the story that shaped his love of food and hospitality. Italy offers the foundation: long, lingering meals, homemade pasta shared across generations, and holiday traditions rooted in family and faith. The spirit of La Vigilia and the abundance of Il Pranzo di Natale echo the values that define Orlando’s cooking: respect for ingredients, time-honored techniques, and the belief that the table is where people truly connect. It’s a Christmas filled with warmth, scents, and flavors that linger long after the meal is over.

Belize, in contrast, brings a tropical vibrancy—music in the streets, the scent of spices and rum-soaked fruitcake, and the joyful openness of community celebrations. From the lively brokdong rhythms to the generous plates of rice, beans, and slow-cooked holiday dishes, Belizean Christmas traditions reflect a culture where food is love and gathering is essential. That spirit resonates with Orlando as well: the idea that good food brings people together, no matter the climate.

And then there is New York—the city where traditions from every corner of the world converge. Christmas is grand and glowing, with iconic displays, bustling markets, and cozy neighborhood moments tucked between skyscrapers. It’s a place where a chef can taste the world in a single walk, where creativity meets culture on every corner. New York’s holiday season mirrors the energy Orlando brings into the kitchen: bold, inspired, and always evolving.

Together, these three Christmases tell the story of Orlando’s culinary heart—rooted in Italian heritage, enriched by the warmth of Belize, and sharpened by the dynamism of New York. Each place adds its own ingredient to the way he cooks, celebrates, and welcomes guests. And in his restaurant here in Clayton, all those flavors come together, creating a holiday experience that feels both familiar and wonderfully new.

Come In — Let’s Celebrate Together

This December, we’d love for you to join us. Bring a friend, a date, or the whole family. Pull up a chair. As winter settles in and the nights stretch longer, our bar becomes a cozy refuge. This month, we invite you to unwind with one of our handcrafted cocktails — each one telling its own story, bringing Italian elegance and comfort to your glass. Enjoy something sparkling or soothing, and make a memory. Or are you still searching for that last-minute gift? A Fiori’s gift card is the perfect way to treat the food lovers in your life.

Our gift cards can be used for any dining experience—romantic dinners, family celebrations, or a casual night out. They’re simple, meaningful, and always appreciated.

Plus, when you support a local restaurant, you’re giving back to the community while sharing the joy of delicious Italian cuisine.

Here at Fiori’s, we’re not just raising our glasses — we’re embracing the season.

Buone Feste!