“I’m living my dreams,” says Snell Isle resident Mike Di Girolamo. After a successful 31-year career at Raymond James in St. Petersburg, he started his second career, running La Cucina Sabina, his culinary vacation business in Italy with his two Italian business partners, Giuseppe Micheletta and Riccardo Bombell. Translated “The Sabina Kitchen,” Sabina marks the location of the first villa where he started the business, which is based outside of Rome.

A dual citizen, Mike splits his time between Florida and Italy. “It’s a lot of fun,” he smiles. “I’m very grateful that we have had the success that we have had.” His business has survived and thrived for the past 11 years.

Prior to this, Mike attended the University of Florida and enjoyed a 31-year career at Raymond James in St. Petersburg. That’s where he ran compliance and ran a division for independent money managers who worked with Raymond James. 

“I had a plan to retire at 55,” he points out. “I was able to do that thanks to a great career at Raymond James.” He was then able to focus on his passions of food, travel, and “everything Italian.” To be able to do what he loves is priceless.

It’s a full-time endeavor as Mike is developing business in the United States for La Cucina Sabina. He works directly with Chef Riccardo Bombelli, who actually flies into St. Petersburg for two weeks of cooking demonstrations at Mike’s home and other homes. 

In the past 10 years, the business has grown a lot. “We have six locations in Italy where we host vacations,” says Mike. Their locations include the Roman Countryside (with Sabina as the original and flagship location), Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Umbria, and Lake Como (which will be opening this fall).

He works out of his house for half of the year, marketing for the business, before staying in Italy for the other half of the year. 

Mike has lived in Snell Isle since 2001. “I’m an original native in St. Pete,” he says. He loves the history of the neighborhood, particularly how it was developed in the 1920s. It’s picturesque. "I love how it is really maintained with the parks and golf course nearby, and that it is surrounded by water.” 

When not working, you can find Mike with his dog, Sophia. He likes taking her out for walks and she likes making sure that no ducks swim in his pool. Together, they love hosting dinner parties, and Sophia enjoys meeting and greeting visitors to their home.  

Other pastimes for Mike include going to the gym, traveling, bicycling downtown for exercise, and dining out. Mike also likes taking friends out on the boat, having cocktails, and boating to one of the local restaurants downtown. There’s always something fun to do. 

There’s an ease to Mike’s life now, but it’s one that comes from intention, not accident. He worked hard, planned carefully, and built a future that reflects what matters most to him. Now he is living his dreams, pursuing his love for the culinary arts and sharing it with as many people as he can. 

What’s next for this driven entrepreneur? “In 5 years I want to open 5 more locations,” he says. “I’m focusing on Italy, which is a popular choice.”  His goal is to get more travelers from outside the United States to grow his business on a global level. Stay tuned for what this business owner accomplishes next. 

We are honored to feature Mike in this month’s issue. When you see him out and about, be sure to tell him you read about him here in Stroll Snell Isle.