When Joseph Safina steps into the kitchen, he brings with him the same focus, precision, and passion that once fueled his career as a racecar driver. Best known for competing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and iconic races like the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona, Safina spent decades chasing victory at breakneck speeds. Today, he channels that same energy into a different kind of race—one that ends in the perfect plate of pasta rather than a podium finish.
From the Racetrack to the Boardroom
Safina’s story doesn’t stop at racing. After stepping away from the track, he built a formidable career in investment banking, becoming a key figure in mergers, acquisitions, and fund-raising. As the principal of Safina Capital, he’s guided countless companies to success, leveraging his extensive financial expertise. However, it’s not just in the boardroom that Safina’s passions lie. His love for food, particularly Italian cuisine, has always simmered in the background, quietly influencing his life.
Growing up in an Italian-American family, Safina’s connection to food was as strong as his ties to his heritage. “Food was always central to our family,” he recalls. “The kitchen was a gathering place, and I always admired how my parents and grandparents would craft these incredible meals that brought everyone together.”
The Annual Feast: An Italian Tradition
Safina’s love for cooking found a public stage with his annual 100+ person Italian feast, a tradition that began years ago with a simple desire to share his favorite dishes with friends and family. The feast has now become a highly anticipated event, where guests savor dishes like homemade pasta, roasted meats, and fresh seafood, all crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail that Safina applied to racing.
Cooking for a large group is no small feat, but for Safina, it’s a labor of love. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on people’s faces when they taste something made with care,” he says. His guests often leave the feast asking for recipes, leading to a new project—his cookbook.
Amici del Lago: A Culinary Love Letter
Released in 2024, Safina’s cookbook, Amici del Lago: Best-Loved Italian Recipes, is a heartfelt ode to his Italian roots. Part cookbook, part family history, it weaves together the stories of his ancestors, who emigrated to America with nothing but their traditions and a love for food. The collection of over 50 recipes is designed for everyone, from the novice home cook to the seasoned chef, offering a range of dishes that celebrate the best of Italian cuisine.
“Food is a way of sharing stories and preserving culture,” Safina says. “Through this cookbook, I hope to pass down these traditions to future generations and inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking.”
Amici del Lago is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s an invitation into Safina’s kitchen, where the flavors of Italy come alive. With dishes ranging from hearty roasts to fresh, simple vegetable sides, the cookbook is a reflection of the soulful, vibrant cooking that defines Italian cuisine. Each recipe is accompanied by detailed instructions, beautiful photography, and anecdotes that make the book as much about family and love as it is about food.
A Legacy in the Kitchen
As Safina reflects on his career—from racing at high speeds to navigating the world of finance and now sharing his culinary secrets with the world—he finds a common thread in the passion and dedication he’s brought to each endeavor. Whether he’s behind the wheel, in the boardroom, or in front of the stove, Safina’s drive for excellence remains the same.
“Cooking, like racing, requires focus and attention to detail,” he notes. “But unlike racing, the goal in the kitchen is to slow down, enjoy the process, and share something meaningful with others.”
With Amici del Lago, Joseph Safina invites us all to take part in that journey, one delicious recipe at a time.