Italian Holiday Market features treats and gifts

TROY — Community members can expect the return of the annual Italian Holiday Market hosted by the Cucina Lab Torino and Vino Lab in Troy during December.

Cucina Lab Torino and Vino Lab are located at 3960 Crooks Road and are both family-owned and -operated businesses that feature Italian food and drink options along with wine tasting events and cooking classes. 

Much of the business’ operations are helmed by chef and owner Elisabetta Balzola, who came from Torino, Italy, and later moved to Michigan with her extensive culinary experiences in 2014. She began the Cuciniamo Italiano catering business, which later led to opening the restaurant Cucina Lab Torino and the wine bar, Vino Lab.

“As Metro Detroit’s only event of this kind, the Holiday Market offers an authentic Italian experience curated by Chef Elisabetta Balzola, renowned for her dedication to quality and culinary tradition,” Martina Rabajoli, marketing and communications director at Cucina Lab Torino and Vino Lab, said in an email. 

“This year’s market provides a unique opportunity to discover exclusive Italian holiday products, with each item carefully selected to showcase the true flavors of Italy.”

Their Italian Holiday Market started as a way to introduce the community to their business after the restaurant officially opened around four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Holiday Market was about getting to know the brand, who we are and what we sell,” Balzola said.

This year on Dec. 8, 14, and 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests may shop for Italian holiday gifts and treats and potentially grab a drink during their business during this free event. While this event is free, guests may sign up for tickets online so the event coordinators can gauge attendance numbers.

“It started as a one-day event and has been upped to a three-day event,” Balzola said. “Numbers are pretty high and there could be around 400-500 attendees in three days.”

Shoppers may enjoy artisan cakes, pasta, Italian gelato, house-made liquors, sauces, and cheeses as well as other items, many of which come from vendors based in Italy. The sauces, cakes and cookies have been popular requests among guests.

“The Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition, drawing hundreds of visitors eager to find one-of-a-kind holiday items crafted with care,” Rabajoli said in an email.

“Last year, guests waited in line for hours to enjoy the flavors that Cucina Lab and Vino Lab are known for, and with this year’s expanded selection, we anticipate an even bigger turnout.”

Many community members have expressed interest in the return of this event.

“We have a close relationship with (Troy Mayor Ethan) Baker and they were so excited,” Balzola said.

For more information, visit cucina-lab.com and vino-lab.com.