Picano Photography

Picano Photography First Generation Italian-Canadian Food Obsessed Photographer | Digital Creator | Flexitarian But I also don't believe in a restrictive lifestyle whatsoever.

Providing inspiration for your next meal with simple recipes & creating beautiful photography along the way.

Hi, I'm Vanessa! A Food-obsessed photographer and digital creator bringing you along my journey with all things food. I'm first generation Italian-Canadian and grew up old school Italian (with lots and lots of pasta!) I've struggled with gut issues and migraines my entire li

fe but I figured "that's just how I am." And so, I just dealt with it, or so I thought...

It wasn't until I started learning how food can actually heal - and I mean REAL food, that I finally realized, I've more than likely been the cause of my own pain over the years. So I went full-force; I started working with a naturopath and reading countless health & wellness books. I learned a magnitude of new information when it comes to what we not only put into our bodies, but also what we think, say and how we live. I was ready to start eating cleaner and simpler, with less animal products - just like my grandparents and great-grandparents did in Italy with their "cucina povera" or "poor kitchen", which is a traditional cooking technique that originated from rural peasant populations in Italy. I still wanted to eat my pastas and pizzas and all the bread! So I decided to take what I knew and make it work for me, instead of the other way around. I started turning all those traditional recipes I love and made them vegetarian or vegan. But what I found was there weren't really a lot of options out there. Everything used highly processed meat alternatives or it just showed plain old salads. Nothing that embodied the flavours I grew up on or had any creativity whatsoever. And honestly, these variations, just didn't taste that good or give me the same comfort that those traditional dishes did. So with that, I'm bringing you onto my healing journey where I share not only food tips but also recipes that my nonni - or grandparents, would've been proud of. Please follow along while I also do what I love (besides eating) and show the beauty in food through photography. Follow on TikTok/IG/Twitter where I get even more candid. xx,

Vanessa

01/03/2025

✨Thank you 2024 for all the delicious food 😍 Here's to many more tasty bites in this new year✨

01/01/2025

Happy Day 1 of 2025 to everyone near and far 🥂Hope the new year is magical 🤍

Spooky season may be over, but SOUP SZN🍲 is still going strong. Gotta love Canadian Autumns 🍁Butternut Squash Soup: Butt...
11/06/2024

Spooky season may be over, but SOUP SZN🍲 is still going strong. Gotta love Canadian Autumns 🍁

Butternut Squash Soup:
Butternut squash, onions, season to taste. Throw it in the oven and sip on your fav apertif and catch up on the .squad podcast. When it's cooked? Blend it. You can add a potato if ya want - sweet or regular. Whatever ya heart fancies. This isn't rocket science, it's soup.

PRO Tip: Buy squash that isn't the size of your head. Your biceps will thank me. You're welcome.

The Cottage Cheese - Urban Indian, Kensington Market, Toronto. One word: Wow.The quality of the food, the service, the...
10/25/2024

The Cottage Cheese - Urban Indian, Kensington Market, Toronto.


One word: Wow.

The quality of the food, the service, the ARTISTRY. Everything is top-notch at here. NO notes.

✨Charcoal Chicken Tikka (SO moist!)
✨The Kensington Cottage Salad (Unbelievable for a salad)
✨Oregano Fish Tikka (FAV!)
✨Chili Garlic Calamari (One of the best calamari I've EVER had - hands down)

Why is nature so beautiful? 😩😍
08/14/2024

Why is nature so beautiful? 😩😍

Lisa Marie’s Shaved Ice cooling me down during the in a heat wave 🥵🍧❄️
08/09/2024

Lisa Marie’s Shaved Ice cooling me down during the in a heat wave 🥵🍧❄️

Sunday reset featuring
04/28/2024

Sunday reset featuring

✨iTs NoT aEsThEtIc, I cAnT pOsT iT 🤪✨Listen, this is what dinner looks like on a Friday night after work, alright? Does ...
04/27/2024

✨iTs NoT aEsThEtIc, I cAnT pOsT iT 🤪✨

Listen, this is what dinner looks like on a Friday night after work, alright? Does take out have that je ne sais quoi that you just can’t recreate at home? DUH, that’s why they’re in business and why it’s so addicting. But, did this absolutely HIT last night? 100%. I was happy and so was my wallet 🤑💸

Brown rice. Sweet peas. Broccoli. Onions. Garlic. Ginger. Black tiger shrimp. That’s it. Oh, and General Tao sauce (pre-made because your girl’s tired and just doesn’t have the head space to recreate *everything* from scratch, okay? This week drained me 😤😂) Topped with some extra chili flakes on top cause it was Friday and we gotta keep it spicy every once and a while 🔥

Was I upset I didn’t have any carrots or peppers? Yes. Was this missing cilantro? Yes. Should we be eating the rainbow at every meal? Yes. Was it the end of the world that I didn’t? No. I think we all need to give ourselves grace when it comes to food. We don’t always need to make over-the-top dishes; sometimes simple and easy food can be just as delicious (or even better). My biggest tip is to buy frozen veggies and proteins: you don’t have to worry about it going bad and you always have it on hand.

Let’s go back to being intuitive and using what we have as opposed to focusing on what we don’t. [insert philosophical life lesson here] Sometimes, simple is better. Also, buying great quality products doesn’t hurt 😉 Shout out to my fav who always has the best priced black tiger shrimp out of everyone. 🙏🏼👏🏼

Follow for more easy (and lazy-friendly) tips on eating whole foods 🥰

What's your go-to breakfast after an Easter long weekend? Mini egg cookies! 🐰🍪🌸 Hope everyone had a great long weekend 🤗...
04/01/2024

What's your go-to breakfast after an Easter long weekend? Mini egg cookies! 🐰🍪🌸 Hope everyone had a great long weekend 🤗

Zuppa di pesce: the holy grail of Good Friday ✝️
03/29/2024

Zuppa di pesce: the holy grail of Good Friday ✝️

Are you a salty or sweet person? 🥨 📷
11/29/2023

Are you a salty or sweet person? 🥨
📷

11/18/2023

Okay, I’m usually very weary when it comes to vegan alternatives to fish/meat but let me just say one thing… wow 🤯 Who knew carrots could actually taste like smoked salmon?!

I see you and thank you for making something that’s not only plant based but also good for you.

Go on and eat your carrots everyone 😂🥕

✨Happy Hallow’s Eve to all my witches and ghouls✨ Which sweet treats are you taking a bite out of this year?👀🩸
10/31/2023

✨Happy Hallow’s Eve to all my witches and ghouls✨ Which sweet treats are you taking a bite out of this year?👀🩸

✨Toronto Feature✨If you know me, you definitely know the love I have for one of Toronto's most vibrant neighbourhoods, K...
10/26/2023

✨Toronto Feature✨
If you know me, you definitely know the love I have for one of Toronto's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Kensington Market. Whether it's to eat, explore unique finds or simply just go for a lovely stroll, I hold this place very near and dear to me.
✨
Pizzeria Via Mercanti is an authentic family-run Italian gem and with over 40 years of being in business, they definitely know what they're doing!

Did you know? The restaurant is named after a medieval street in Salerno, Via Dei Mercanti. It looks like the owners wanted to bring a little slice 🍕of their heritage and roots to Toronto.

Something about this place always feels like home to me; I'm not sure if it's the food or its amazing staff who always welcome me back every single time. At the same time, I'm always transported to walking down those windy Italian streets and stopping off at a pizzeria after a full day of la dolce vita. 🇮🇹
✨
Do yourself a favour and grab a pizza with a Peroni (beer), and just sit back on their patio and watch everything Kensington has to offer.🥰🍕🍻 (Pssst, they even have gluten-free pizza and pasta options😍)
✨
Pictured here:
👉🏼First Photo:
Front Pizza - Via Mercanti: FAMOUS DOUBLE-LAYER PIZZA
This is a pizza rossa (tomato sauce based pizza) with two layers.
Base: Fior di latte, ricotta, mixed mushrooms, hot soppressata, prosciutto cotto, topped with a Margherita pizza.
This is SO filling and crazy good! You get a little bit of everything, and for those of you who can't ever decide, this is perfect.😉

Rear Pizza - Patate e Pancetta
This is a pizza bianca (extra virgin olive oil based pizza)
Fior di latte, potatoes and pancetta (Italian cured bacon)
This one was interesting as traditionally, I'm used to the potatoes being sliced thin and covering the entire pizza. But seeing how you're essentially eating a layer of carbs on top of another layer of carbs, I see why they decided to cut the potatoes into cubes.👏🏼

👉🏼Second Photo:
Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach, in their homemade fresh tomato sauce with basil.
You know when you're just in the mood for something warm and comforting? This is it for me. Literal comfort in a bowl🍝

👉🏼Third Photo:
Capricciosa Pizza:
This is a pizza rossa (tomato sauce based pizza)
Fior di latte, prosciutto cotto, mixed mushrooms and black olives.

✨Story Time! ✨
So my first-ever time in Italy at a pizzeria, they asked me: prosciutto crudo or cotto. (Note: there are actually two types of prosciutto, but the cotto, or cooked option isn't as popular here. The crudo option is what we usually use for panini or on our charcuterie boards).
I'm not a big fan of prosciutto cotto, so I asked for crudo. When my pizza arrived, it instantly all made sense. The crudo/cotto question wasn't for the type of prosciutto, but rather, how I wanted it cooked (or uncooked). You ask for crudo, if you just want it layered on top of your pizza AFTER it's cooked, hence it's "raw". If you want it all cooked together with the rest of your toppings? Ask for cotto. This way, the prosciutto gets all nice and crispy. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk 😅

*Don't forget to ask for chili oil to top literally everything you get - you'll thank me later🥵🌶
✨

Looking for beautiful digital art prints for your home and office decor that is INSTANTLY delivered? 25% sale on now ONL...
10/25/2023

Looking for beautiful digital art prints for your home and office decor that is INSTANTLY delivered? 25% sale on now ONLY until November 20th, 2023. New listings being added regularly: everything from fine art food photos for your home or business' needs, to boho fall nursery digital prints. Shop my sale: 25% off: https://picanophotography.etsy.com

If exploring my Italian roots has taught me anything, it's that food is not only the staple of life, but it also shouldn...
10/24/2023

If exploring my Italian roots has taught me anything, it's that food is not only the staple of life, but it also shouldn't have to be so complicated. Food is a necessity, yes, but it's also a pleasure and should be treated as a luxury. Satisfying food can still be nourishing, even on a tight budget or with scarce ingredients (or restrictions).
🍝
My ancestors were considered poor farmers and had to make due with what they had. Living with restrictions doesn't mean having to break the bank, or creating these extravagant meals that take so much time and effort. Once I decided to limit my gluten and dairy intake, while also being mostly plant-based, I'll admit I was a little discouraged. It's been difficult to find alternatives while dining out, that included all three restrictions (especially with all the inflations happening). Luckily, I've found products that have been great replacements for various gluten and dairy products (and if you know me, you know how particular I am with my pastas and cheeses).
🍝
✨This is why I started sharing my recipes, to show people living with restrictions, whether that's food or money-related, that making delicious and nourishing meals don't have to be expensive or take hours. When I needed help - and I still do at times, it's been very hard to find quick and easy recipes that only require a few ingredients. I've been doing the work, so you hopefully don't have to. (If I could make the meals for you too, you know I would!💁🏻‍♀️)
🍝
I had the most delicious cacio e pepe in Rome, Italy, right across from La Piazza Di Spagna - or Spanish Steps. It's just pasta, pecorino-romano cheese and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. This is the epitome of what food is: simple but so damn satisfying and tasty.
🍝
What's your favourite dish you had on vacation? Let me know below 👇🏼

Anyone else still pretending it's Thanksgiving and eating pies like it's their job, or are you normal? 😂 Tis' the season...
10/20/2023

Anyone else still pretending it's Thanksgiving and eating pies like it's their job, or are you normal? 😂 Tis' the season - let em' eat pie! 🥧

What's your favourite type?

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Vaughan, ON

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Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 7pm

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Videos

My FAV thing to do with leftover rice 🍚 👇🏼 Quick stir fry 🥡 I always keep frozen veggies and proteins on hand for quick WFH lunches and easy dinners. Jazz it up with some extras like soy sauce, ginger and @bluedragoncanada toasted sesame oil and you have a better-than-take out stir fry done in under 10 mins (for a fraction of the cost!) #foodtips #quickdinner #wfhlife #foodiefavorites #foodblogs #foodbloger #veganrecipeshare #vegetarianrecipe #easyveganmeals #stirfryrecipe #betterthantakeout

THIS is the one thing I refuse to buy in 2025…Hummus! Why would you spend $$$ on pre-made hummus when it can literally take you 5 mins to make each week?! I like use up the herbs I have in the fridge and make a herby hummus (this is cilantro - yep, stems and all! NO WASTE!) The possibilities are endless ✨#foodwaste #foodwasterevolution #veganrecipes #easyrecipesathome #healthymealplanning #foodtips

A *Tasty* Recap of 2024
A *Tasty* Recap of 2024

✨Thank you 2024 for all the delicious food 😍 Here's to many more tasty bites in this new year✨ #2024recap #2024trends #2025Ready #newyears #newyear2025 #recapreel #recap2024 #foodie #foodreview #foodphotography #foodblog #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #foodbloggeritaliani #foodblogers #foodblogging #torontoeats #torontofood #torontolife #toronto #kensingtonmarket #hungarythai #newmarket #BambooThai #sushiroll #hungarianfood #italianfood #unionville

Perfect ending to a perfectly imperfect year 🤍 #puntacana #puntacanabeach #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #dominicianrepublictravel #holidayseason #holidaymood #vacationmood

Easiest dish you’ll ever make for Thanksgiving (or all year round) - I put that #%*! on everything! Rinse your cranberries Boil 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar (I add less) Once boiling, add a bag of fresh cranberries (can use frozen, too) and lower to a simmer (Optional) Add orange zest or other spices if you’d like such as cinnamon, clove the options are endless. Cook about 10 minutes or so (until cranberries burst) #thanksgivingrecipes #cranberrysauce #veganrecipevideos

Bloo- I mean Cherry-filled Spooky Halloween Donuts from All You Knead Bakery in Vaughan, ON.🩸🍩 #halloweencookies #halloweenfood #halloweenlover #halloweenlife #localbusinesses #foodiefavorites #foodblogs #foodblogeats

It’s tiiiiiiiime…🎃 #halloweendecor #halloweenmovie #halloweenlover #halloweendecorating #dıy #diyhalloween #diyhalloweendecor #hocuspocus25thanniversary

For a limited time only, when you buy two (2) select digital wall art prints, you get 25% off automatically! Click the link to see which products apply: https://picanophotography.etsy.com/listing/1490966804

Easiest and tastiest side dish EVER: honey-roasted carrots. Recipe? Carrots, olive oil, honey, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Cook until tender. 🤯 . . . #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgiving🦃 #thanksgivingrecipes #easyrecipesathome #carrots🥕 #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianrecipe

It’s finally October 1st 🧡 #october1st #octobervibes #spookyseason👻 #memestagram #kevinhartmeme #todotoronto #kleinburg

#cne #theex #letsgototheex #longweekendvibes #labourdayweekend #todotoronto

I’m obsessed… #aromaespressobar #chailatte #pumpkinseason🎃 #pumpkinspicelatte #autumnvibes

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