DR. MICHELLE QAQUNDAH

Dr. Michelle Qaqundah is a naturopathic physician who is passionate about eating well.  In addition to being a licensed naturopathic doctor, she is also board-certified as a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.  She was the Director of the Naturopathic Medicine Department at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America integrative oncology hospital in Philadelphia.  Dr. Qaqundah is the past President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with cancer through an integrative medical approach (www.oncanp.org). 

Upon arriving in Italy, Dr. Qaqundah completed a professional culinary program at the International Academy of Italian Cuisine where she studied under chefs from all regions of Italy.  She then interned with the talented Chef Matteo at the Villa Volpe Hotel and Restaurant.  During her training and internship, she focused on the healthier aspects of the Mediterranean Diet, specifically leaning toward foods that are well-known as beneficial for the prevention of disease.  She has learned the culinary arts from exceptional Italian chefs then experimented in her own kitchen, re-working their recipes to produce healthy and easy-to-prepare dishes.

Dr. Qaqundah is currently living in Tuscany, Italy where she has immersed herself in the Mediterranean culture and diet.  In addition to seeing patients at her private practice, she has founded Mediterranean Life LLC, an organization focused on education regarding the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle through international lecturing, writing articles for medical journals and hands-on instruction.

Dr. Qaqundah offers her skills to those who wish to improve their health by incorporating the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle.  Read her blog and follow our FaceBook page to read about Dr. Qaqundah's culinary adventures, new research regarding the Mediterranean Diet and endearing anecdotes about the Mediterranean Lifestyle in her community.

DR. BRUCE REYES

Dr. Bruce Reyes is a chiropractor and sommelier. He had a successful chiropractic practice in Santa Rosa, California for 23 years before fulfilling a life-long dream of moving to Italy. Dr. Reyes completed a three-year sommelier course and completed his exams to become certified by the Association of Italian Sommeliers (Associazione Italiana Sommeliers).

Dr. Reyes has 35 years of professional wine experience. He has lived in Tuscany for more than a decade touring Italy and tasting wines. Prior to that, he lived in the Sonoma wine country near Napa Valley where he was involved in the wine industry eventually becoming the Vice President of Elysian Wine Importers. Due to his involvement in the local wine community, he was awarded the prestigious Master Knight of the Vine recognition.

Dr. Reyes is passionate about pairing wines to the local foods and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you.

Drs. Bruce and Michelle’s favorite past-time is traveling to different areas of Italy to taste the local foods paired to the local wines. They are married and have lived in Tuscany together for more than 10 years raising their son.