When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister, Emilia, know what’s in store for them. Zia Donatella is determined to show them how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best takeout pizza. And when Zia’s plan actually transports Alfie and Emilia to famous food cities around the world, they learn firsthand how food can not only take you places but also bring you back home.

In the sixth book in the series, Zia's secret ingredient takes Alfie and Emilia to an island famous for its surfing, luaus, and delicious food — Maui! There they dive headfirst into Hawaiian culture and discover the best sights, sounds, and tastes of the Pacific Islands.