On this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora, I sit down with the incredible Sabrina Tinsley, chef and co-owner of Osteria La Spiga, a Seattle institution that has been serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine for over 20 years—a remarkable feat in the ever-changing restaurant industry.
Sabrina’s journey is one of passion, persistence, and breaking barriers. She grew up in Alaska, where farm-to-table wasn’t just a trend—it was a way of life. With access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, she developed a deep appreciation for quality and seasonality in cooking. But her culinary path took a major turn when she moved to Europe, where she met her husband in Italy. Together, they opened two businesses before eventually settling in Seattle to create what would become one of the city's most beloved Italian restaurants.
But success didn’t come easy. Sabrina was committed to serving the food of Emilia-Romagna—dishes that many Americans didn’t associate with “traditional” Italian cuisine. She talks about the challenges of sticking to her vision, the resistance she faced, and how she remained steadfast in educating diners about the beauty of Northern Italian flavors.
We also dive into what it means to master a cuisine outside of your own heritage. As a Black chef specializing in Italian cooking, Sabrina shares how she built confidence in her craft and navigated an industry where representation has been limited. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of owning your expertise, no matter where you come from.
Beyond the kitchen, Sabrina is dedicated to paving the way for other chefs of color. She founded Future of Diversity, a program aimed at creating more opportunities and support systems for underrepresented voices in the culinary world. We touch on the importance of mentorship, visibility, and ensuring that the next generation of chefs has the resources to succeed.
This conversation is all about staying true to your vision, pushing past doubt, and carving out space in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to change. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a food lover, or just someone who appreciates a great story of perseverance, this episode is for you.
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