At New Hermosa Eatery Stecca Taverna, the Sweetest Pleasures Are Enjoyed in the Moment

Wimberly references their family’s mantra of “slowly … slowly,” a state of being they aspire to after many trips to Italy. “For us, it represents slowing down, looking around and enjoying life in the present moment,” she says.

The Meyers, longtime South Bay residents, drew inspiration from cherished memories of leisurely Italian meals shared with friends and family, both in Italy and at home. A prominent local architect, James oversaw the restaurant’s build-out, collaborating with Wimberly, founder of Front Porch Productions, to shape its creative vision and brand. From the light fixtures and tabletops to the reclaimed terra-cotta fireplace and place settings, each detail draws from their shared passion for Italian design and years of travels.

“For us, it represents slowing down, looking around and enjoying life in the present moment.”

Chef Giorgio, whose heritage and family traditions shape the menu, grew up in Savona, Italy. As a child he would forage mushrooms for his mother, Francesca, a northern Italian cuisine trailblazer in the ’70s. “When the family was together cooking and eating, all the worries of life would go away,” he says.

His culinary roots run deep, from cooking with his parents in their family restaurant to learning from his grandmothers, Anna and Cesarina. He prepared meals for 800 people daily during military service—an experience he calls one of his life’s best. With a background in winemaking, enology and agro-technique, he prioritizes seasonal, high-quality ingredients and exceptional wine pairing.

The restaurant’s menu blends authenticity with innovation, fusing flavors from Piemonte and Liguria. Diners can expect dishes like crudo with fennel and grapefruit, grilled octopus inspired by the Ligurian coast, mushroom timbale, and gnocchi with truffles. Shareable small plates, piattini, and multicourse seasonal meals cater to both casual and sophisticated palates.

Chef Giorgio likens his culinary approach to a DJ, mixing flavors to elevate the experience. A delightful addition to the kitchen, Giorgio’s mother helped train staff to execute authentic “secret family recipes”—ensuring that every dish reflects passion, love and quality.

Housed in a former residential space, Stecca Taverna carries an “old soul” and naturally embodies the spirit of dining with friends at home. Doors open at 7 a.m. for morning coffee and again at 5 p.m. for an aperitivo and dinner.

Chef Giorgio, James and Wimberly envision the venue as a place for all occasions: a family dinner, a romantic date or even a professional gathering. “Stecca is the food, the ambience. Everything here has a story,” Giorgio says. “It’s intentional.”