Meet Alice Carbone Tench | Author & owner of The Italian Cookie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alice Carbone Tench and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alice, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Italian Cookie, my cookie mix company, was born on the tail end of my book tour for Eating Again, The Recipes that Healed Me (Heliotrope Books, 2021). I am a story teller, and as people kept asking to purchase the cookies I had talked about in my cookbook, I realized that I could keep telling my stories through actual food, not just through the recipes.

And I wanted to create a product that people could blindly trust, in terms of ingredients.

I grew up where and when (Italy in the 1980s) you did not have to read labels to make sure the food you made for your family was healthy. I wanted to give people the same gift, at the most affordable price.

So I looked for the best flour, the the cleanest sugar, the purest ingredients. I looked back at my childhood, and re-created the flavors I grew up with in the shape of an organic, ready-to-bake mix.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I moved to Los Angeles from Italy in 2010, not knowing what to do with my life. I was an interpreter at the time, and I was gong through a very rough time, getting sober and healing from an eating disorder that had taken over my life.

I didn’t know I had a story to tell.

Throughout the years, however, I kept writing blogs, taking notes, making food.

In 2017, shortly after the birth of my daughter, I began to cook on Instagram. I had felt alone, I didn’t know how to go about my career and I resented living in the shadow of my very successful, talented, and famous husband. So I decided to surrender and be open about the way I felt.

I began hosting virtual cooking parties online, and as I cooked I created genuine community. My followers began to connect, week after week. I kept writing and crating delicious food, until I realized I had a book of essays and recipes that was special.

I could not find an agent who wanted to take on my project, but I did find a small published that fell in love with my story, Heliotrope Books.

From there, everything fell into place. There was no budget for the book, and yet we made it work. I took all the photographs in the book, and they are gorgeous. I took on book signing and cookie tastings, and that opened up the door to farers markets when I decided to launch my cookie mix company.

So the lesson I have learned is: trust the process, trust your instinct, stay in your path and don’t envy others (very difficult on social media). Whenever I practice this, I am a very content person.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Griffith Park, first destination. One of the biggest and most beautiful city parks in the nation: hike and coffee at Trails Cafe.

Shopping in Atwater Village and Larchmont, where some of my favorite stores are, including some gourmet grocery shops like Wine + Eggs and Cookbook Market.

Lunch spots: Great White on Larchmont.

Dinner: Dal Milanese, on Hillhurst, one of the most authentic Italian food in town.

For a museum day, Getty, Getty Villa, and LACMA, two days total, and while at the villa, why not a walk by the ocean, especially in the winter, my favorite time at the beach.

Favorite neighborhood: Los Feliz

Best city walk: Silverlake Reservoir

Italian grocery shopping? Eataly (born in my hometown of Torino), at the Westfield Mall, in Century City.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost my husband, Benmont Tench. He has always been my biggest fan, my most passionate supporter, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

Then, Seela.org, the non-profit organization behind some of the best farmers market in Los Angeles. They welcomed me from day 1, and allowed me to do book signing at the Hollywood Farmers Market. When I launched y company, they did not hesitate having a booth ready for me. They have been a big part of this initial stage of my business.

Another amazing woman who has been a pillar for me, is Christina, the owner of Polar Bear Smoothies. I will never thank her enough for her help and guidance, support and love.

Lots of women, I am happy to report!

Website: www.alicecarbone.com

Instagram: @alicecarbonetench @alicetheitaliancookie

Image Credits
Cover photo and photos of me: Roman Cho Every other photo: Alice Carbone Tench