FIA’S INSPO
The idea for Fia was born in Positano, a picturesque village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where Michael Greco found himself captivated by the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant colors of the Mediterranean, the scent of blooming flowers, and the taste of fresh, local ingredients ignited a spark of inspiration. It was here, amidst the beauty of nature and the warmth of Italian hospitality, that Michael envisioned a restaurant that would bring the essence of Positano to the shores of California.
But the inspiration didn’t stop there. In his quest to create a space that celebrated both nature and nourishment, Michael looked to St. Fiacre, a 7th-century Irish monk known for his deep connection to the earth. St. Fiacre was renowned for his miraculous ability to cultivate gardens that flourished with life and beauty, and he became a symbol of nature's bounty and healing. His reverence for the land and his dedication to creating peaceful, green sanctuaries resonated deeply with Michael’s vision for Fia. Thus, the restaurant was named in honor of St. Fiacre, with the hope that it would be a place where guests could experience the same sense of tranquility and abundance that the saint’s gardens provided.
Who Was St. Fiacre?
St. Fiacre, often depicted with a spade in hand, was a 7th-century Irish monk who is venerated as the patron saint of gardeners, herbalists, and those who work with the land. Born in Ireland, Fiacre moved to France in search of a life of solitude and spiritual reflection. There, he was granted land by the local bishop and set about creating a garden that would serve as a place of healing and meditation.
According to legend, Fiacre was granted as much land as he could enclose in a single day’s labor. With the help of divine intervention, he used his staff to miraculously clear a large area of land, which he transformed into a beautiful garden filled with medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. This garden became a sanctuary for those seeking healing, and Fiacre’s reputation as a healer and holy man spread far and wide.
St. Fiacre’s legacy lives on today, not only in the gardens and healing spaces dedicated to him but also in places like Fia, where the connection to nature and the nurturing of both body and soul are at the heart of the experience.