Joele Nataloni was born in Rome, Italy and grew up just outside the hustle and bustle of the city in a town called Aprilia. Raised on his mom and dad’s home cooking, their dishes always featured fresh produce from the family garden. From his mom’s lasagna to his dad’s homemade gnocchi, the Nataloni kids appreciated delicious food. When he was younger, one of his older sisters opened a restaurant and it quickly became his second home. It was here that he learned the ins and outs of the restaurant industry and his passion for cooking. He began studying the science behind the ingredients he was using to further elevate his dishes. Understanding these components allowed him to take a more creative approach and experiment until perfection. According to his wife, Harlee, watching him whip up phenomenal dinners from a virtually empty refrigerator, is mesmerizing.

Joele and Harlee met through mutual friends when she moved to Italy from her home in Joplin, Missouri to teach English. As with any good international romance, she stayed longer than planned, and experienced a love story that could be a script for a Hallmark Channel movie. They married in Rome and eventually relocated to Arkansas just in time for a global lockdown.  Upon arriving in the states, Joele had two goals in mind: coaching soccer and opening a restaurant. Specialized Soccer Academy quickly made the first dream a reality. As an Italian, soccer has always played a huge role in his life, and he loves sharing that passion with young athletes in NWA.

The restaurant goal, however, seemed to be forever on hold due to the pandemic. It wasn’t until he met the team at Outpost Eats in Downtown Rogers that his culinary aspirations quickly came to life in the form of a food truck, Pasta Roma. This Italian kitchen on wheels resides behind Hawk Moth Brewery at 710 N. 2^nd St. Situated right on The Railyard Loop of the Razorback Greenway, Pasta Roma is available for catering and events, sit-down dining, and to-go meals—although Italian food is always best eaten piping hot and fresh from the kitchen. Joele hopes to show Arkansans what real, authentic Italian food tastes like and even bust a couple myths about our beloved “Italian favorites.” He would love to give you a glimpse into his culture even if you can’t make it across the pond for a visit. Nataloni takes great pride in every plate that leaves the truck, and every review you leave means the world to him. He invites you to hop in your car, jump on your bike, or put on your favorite pair of running shoes and experience Pasta Roma. Vi aspettiamo!

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