LAUNE x Body by Rigatoni
Meet Nicole Ponti, founder of Body by Rigatoni. Body By Rigatoni is a lifestyle brand, influenced by culture, for pasta lovers enjoying life. But, “BBR” is more of a feeling, and was created from the idea that in the U.S. there is an emphasis on diet culture and good v.s. bad foods. So, Nicole created Body by Rigatoni to own the fact that she enjoys her pasta guilt free. At its core, Body By Rigatoni is kind of a mindset to unapologetically enjoy what you like.
1. Tell me about yourself. Where are you originally from?
Ciao! My name is Nicole Ponti and I was born and raised in North Jersey. I live in Rutherford, which is a short train ride or an even faster drive to NYC (depending on traffic.) My love for Italy and Italian culture comes from my family, specifically my Grandpa. Growing up, I would walk to his house after school. He would make sauce every single day and we would talk about Italy and stories of his life. I was so curious to discover my family's culture and Italy. Growing up in New Jersey, I remember vividly as a kid being proud to say I am “Italian American.”
I have worked at Matthew’s, a neighborhood Italian Restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey for ten years. After graduating from Montclair State University, I was inspired to continue my education and attended the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in NYC. At ICE, I enrolled in their Hospitality program because I enjoyed working in restaurants from a young age. I have a passion for the restaurant industry and all the people that choose to dedicate their life to that career. It is not easy work. You have to want to be in that industry and have a passion for people, food, service, and a strong work ethic. At work, I am fortunate to combine my passion for family and food. One of my true pleasures and enjoyments of life is sitting down at a table, enjoying a meal, and a great conversation.
2. Tell me about Body by Rigatoni. How was it created?
Body By Rigatoni is a lifestyle brand, influenced by culture, for pasta lovers enjoying life. But, “BBR” is more of a feeling, which makes it difficult to explain. “Body By Rigatoni" or “BBR” was simply something that I would say about myself. It was created from the idea that in America, we put too much emphasis on not eating things we truly enjoy. In America, we have this concept of “bad” food and “good” food. And unfortunately, pasta is often placed in the “bad” category. So, I would say “Body By Rigatoni” to “own” the fact that I enjoy my pasta guilt free. Pasta is not bad for you. The kind of pasta you use, the ingredients, and the amount of pasta you eat is what should be considered when declaring a pasta “good” or “bad.” So, Body By Rigatoni is kind of a mindset to enjoy what you like.
The cultivation of Body By Rigatoni is different then what “it” actually means. Body by Rigatoni is a product of life’s ups and downs. In December 2020, my Mom passed away without any warning. She unfortunately suffered a blood clot that took her life. Her death caught me completely off guard and in a matter of minutes my entire life changed.
My Mom often talked about us making “Body By Rigatoni” into an actual business. She was a talented and creative person. She never “needed” sleep. She would stay awake all night working on an art project and always managed to be in a good mood. When the time was right, I knew what my Mom would want for me. I had to bring our project to life and create a home for Body By Rigatoni. While she was alive, she created the first sample apron for BBR. It is now sold on BodyByRigatoni.com in honor of her name, “Vera.” Life has a way of keeping us challenged. The down’s prove our strength while creating empathy and vulnerability. While, the up’s are used for motivation to keep going and remain grateful always. My goal with Body by Rigatoni is to be able to share my personal stories and love for Italy, the people I meet, and the Italian way of life with others. I also value a simple thought that sometimes all we need is quality time with our loved ones and some pasta.
3. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Body by Rigatoni?
A full belly (just kidding, kind of.) The mood is the mindset I was speaking of earlier. It’s the feeling of enjoying life without guilt. It’s colorful, it’s sharing family, food, and culture. It’s that feeling you get when you finish your last bite of pasta, but you have bread on the side to enjoy scarpetta. It’s appreciating and enjoying life’s simplest pleasures.
4. What inspires you? What inspires you about the Italian way of life?
Ahhh, so many things inspire me. People amaze me. The strength people are able to find within themselves amazes me. I find inspiration in my everyday life. This can simply come from a stranger at work who comes in and tells me about their life. I have been blessed to have a very loving, tight knit family. It’s very small, but we are simple and laugh so hard when we are together. My grandpa’s work ethic and his life are my greatest inspiration. My Grandpa retired from working in NYC when he was 101 years old, he passed away at 106 years old. At 101 years old, can you imagine STILL going into the city twice a week for a job? He worked a job he loved and was passionate about. When you do this, it is true that a job does not feel like “work.” It becomes what you enjoy and what you want to share. I personally take pride in my own work ethic and I know he has influenced me.
There are many aspects of the Italian way of life that inspire me. But, I want to first mention my family and friends I’ve created in Italy who inspire me. Besides my Mom, they are the reason BBR exists. Every design or product I launch is telling a story about my personal experiences which they have influenced. My newest design, “The Volo” hat features the Statue of Liberty (NYC), a plane, and Vesuvio (Napoli). Napoli, is where I found my Italian family committed to traveling back and forth every year to visit one another. They have shared their deep passion for their city with me. Our friends and network keep growing as we meet more people and build relationships based on our connection with these two cities. From Napoli to NYC or NYC to Napoli there is always someone visiting and someone to see.
Eating meals is sacred in Italian culture and spending time at the table is not only to eat. The table is where you get to be together and have conversation. I have never finished my food and immediately left the table in Italy. From preparing the meal to your last sip of amaro at the table, you feel a sense of belonging, connection, and togetherness. Italians do not eat just to eat. Their food is enjoyed and prepared with time and respect. Good food and a good life go hand in hand. They know the details of food, its taste, texture, origin, season and they take pride in this knowledge. You will find that there is a purpose and reason behind everything they believe and do. For example, even the order in which they eat or drink is an important part of their culture. A menu is set up in this way: Antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, insalata, formaggi e frutta, dolce, caffe, digestivo.
5. What is your favorite Italian superstition or belief?
You can’t swim after you eat. It is believed you should wait at least 2-3 hours. Last summer, my friend Julia was so hot at lunch she needed to go for a swim. She was 29 years old at the time and asked me if she would be okay if she went in the sea. That is how seriously they take superstitions and it is also another thing I love about Italian culture. I personally believe and follow many now! You can not share your dream from the night before until after 12PM otherwise good things will not happen for you, the air conditioner can make you sick (colpo d'aria), and you should never put cheese on ceci (chickpeas) and fish.
6. What’s next for you and Body by Rigatoni?
I want to continue to tell stories through everything I create. Any design I have shared has a personal connection with me. When you are sharing your passion with others you need to be vulnerable, which is not easy for me. Body By Rigatoni is helping me to open up more and share with others outside of my immediate community of friends and family.
Currently, I am looking forward to my first “BBR Pop Up” May 18-19 at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia. I hope to do more in person events throughout the summer and BBR’s future. Also, I will be traveling to Italy the month of August and I am excited to share my experience there as well.
Rapid Fire:
1. Favorite brand?
Tramontano Napoli is one of my favorite brands. Their luxury style handbags, accessories, and luggages have been handcrafted in Napoli since 1865. The brand is unique to Napoli and I receive more compliments when I use their handbags more than any other. In Napoli, I love Casa Cometa. Terry Di Renzo the owner and creator has become my friend since I reached out to her on Instagram a few years ago. She designs colorful ceramics and we have collaborated in the past. I also like Fiorucci because I love denim and I love their twist on a classic pair of jeans. Also, I love angels and they use angels as their logo.
2. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
I shop the most when I am traveling. I prefer stumbling upon a boutique or store and discovering what someone has created.
3. Favorite restaurant?
Besides Matthew's Italian Restaurant (where I work) Song E Napule in Rutherford and NYC is one of my favorites. When I am not at work or cooking at home I am most likely eating there. Ciro Iovine, the owner treats everyone who enters as his family. Through the design, art, and food his restaurants are able to transport you to Napoli. Also, Chef Giuseppe Nebbia in the Rutherford location teaches me a lot about authentic Italian cuisine and he is always up to making a video for BBR!
4. Favorite place in Italy?
So many, but my heart is always in Napoli because that is where I built my Italian family.
5. Favorite drink spot in Italy?
Aperitivo time in general! It’s not about where we are in Italy, it is about the people at the table! But, there is nothing better than some white wine and peaches at the sea during lunch.
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be with and where?
I love when my worlds collide. When my family from Italy visits, we sit down with everyone from the USA or vice versa. I love seeing everyone I love together. (And also Drew Barrymore. I love her vulnerability and she seems so down to earth. I just want to chill with her and talk about life.)
7. Favorite movie?
Basically, all of Adam Sandler’s movies. 50 first dates, Mr. Deeds, The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy. I love these movies.
8. Describe your style in three words.
I asked my friends Alessandra and Ryan to help me answer this question about me & they said, “We know your outfits are thought out and planned, but you make them effortless. Original.” I have a collection of restaurant t-shirts that I love wearing as well. If a restaurant sells a t- shirt, I will get it.
9. What are you loving right now?
Buying for quality not quantity even if that means spending more money.
Making my own floral arrangements.
Hosting dinner parties at my house.
Romanticizing my life every day in some way.
Spending time outside because it’s finally getting warm!
