We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Gruttadauria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my family. My great grandfather started a bakery in 1914 in Rochester, NY when he came over on a boat from Sicily. Today, four generations later, it is still my family- my parents, my brother and I making original recipes that my grandfather used to make, like the cannoli and gelato. We spend a lot of time together, so there are times when it’s all work, work ,work and times filled with laughter. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We know that today’s couples are looking for variety. They want something to make their special day memorable, not just for themselves, but for their guests too. That’s why we offer a wide selection of miniature pastries for our dessert bars and 24 different flavors for our gelato bar service. Whether it’s a refreshing bite of our lemon chiffon tart or a crunchy bite into a sfogliatelle, the commitment to quality is there. Nothing speaks louder than taste. We make our desserts from scratch, and use the finest ingredients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When we have friends visit us, we have so many places in SoCal we love to take them to! Here are two of my favorites:

To start the day, we like to take them to our favorite breakfast spot in Old Town Temecula, Swing Inn. A great place to sit outside and walk around and visit all the little shops afterwards. By afternoon, it’s time to take a beautiful drive through Temecula wine country. It is so reminiscent of where our family lives in Sicily, with vineyards, rolling hills, and tall Italian Cyprus trees. With over 50 wineries, it’s hard to pick. So maybe you stop at a few, sip on a glass of wine, while chatting with friend in the warm sun and take in the beautiful scenery.

Our next day, we head to La Jolla. Breakfast at Caroline’s Seaside Cake overlooking the beach as the waves crash in and the surfers paddle out is so relaxing. Afterwards, it’s time to visit the sealions and seals at La Jolla Cove. There are even stairs you can go down to the rocks and beach area so you can get a close up with your camera. Once you have you fill and need another great meal, it’s time to head to El Pescador Fish Market for lunch. There’s very limited parking but if you have to park on the street, it’s well worth it. They have an incredible menu of the freshest seafood. My favorite is the swordfish sandwich. So good, I get it every time. For a little sun or to walk off your lunch, head back to La Jolla Beach. A favorite spot for pictures is under the pier near Scripp’s College. With two rows of pillars stretching into the ocean and waves crashing in, it’s a picture perfect spot. When it is close to sunset, the perfect dining spot is The Shores Restaurant. Plan ahead so you can get a window seat to watch the breathtaking sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to our cousins, Tom and Michele Basso, who encouraged and helped us move clear across the country! They made a dream, a reality!

Website: www.1914bakery.com

Instagram: @1914bakery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1914bakery/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gruttadaurias-1914-bakery-temecula

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