About

Hello I’m Steven Swartz. My journey didn’t begin in the world of product reviews. For nearly a decade I worked at a small, family-run Italian-style eatery just outside Philadelphia, where I managed both the front-of-house operations and the back-kitchen logistics.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Temple University, and while I loved the energy of running a restaurant service, over time I found that what really fascinated me weren’t the dishes themselves but the tools, gadgets and everyday equipment that made the cooking, serving and maintaining the space so much smoother. Whether it was testing different types of pans, experimenting with kitchen timers, or comparing refrigeration units I learned that the right gear often makes a tangible difference.

Steven Swartz
Steven Swartz

In 2025 I decided to pivot that experience into something new. I moved to a quieter life near Asheville, North Carolina, where I live with my partner, our dog “Bruno”, and a garden that insists on being full of tomatoes. With a calm base and fewer scheduled seatings, I now channel my curiosity and hands-on mindset into one thing: reviewing products honestly, sharing my real-world usage insights, and helping you make better buying choices.

Why I Started This Blog

When I launched this blog on osteriarusticana.com in the spring of 2025, I did it because I missed that sense of honest discovery the one I had in the restaurant world when testing a new appliance or sharpening a chef’s knife. I realised that outside the kitchen, the broader world of home gear, outdoor equipment, everyday electronics and hobby-tools had exactly the same dynamic: what works, what doesn’t and why. I wanted a space where I could write without hype, without exaggerated claims, where I could say: I used this for six months, it held up; this one broke after two; here’s what I’d buy again. The domain reflects a bit of who I was and who I’ve become: rooted in tools and craft, but open to whatever helps you live more smoothly and enjoyably.

What You’ll Find Here

On this blog you’ll find detailed product reviews (from kitchen gadgets to camping gear, from everyday tech to hobby supplies), clear before-and-after style usage stories, and practical buying advice drawn from real-life usage in a real home. It’s not about flashy photos or ultra-polished endorsements it’s about transparency, authenticity and utility. I share where things shine, where they fall short, how they feel to live with over time. If I think something’s worth pointing out, I’ll say it. If I think something is over-hyped, I’ll say that too.

My Promise to You

I believe trust starts with consistency and honesty. Every review here is built from actual use I don’t recommend things I haven’t tested. I do use affiliate links so this blog can stay active, but doing so won’t change the truth of what I say: you’ll always get both the strengths and the limitations of a product. I’ll tell you what worked for my home, my routines, my lifestyle and you can decide whether it fits yours. If you’re here because you value genuine feedback and want to make smarter purchases, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s make the gear that serves our everyday better together.

Thanks for joining me on this journey pull up a chair, take a look around, and I hope the reviews here make your next buy more satisfying.

Steven Swartz

Author Profile

Steven Swartz
Steven Swartz
Steven Swartz is a former hospitality professional turned full-time product reviewer based in Asheville, North Carolina. After nearly a decade managing a family-run Italian restaurant, he discovered his real passion lay in the tools and gear that make everyday life smoother—whether in the kitchen, the workshop, or outdoors. With a degree in Hospitality Management and a hands-on approach to testing, Steven brings practical insight and credibility to every review he writes.

In 2025, he founded osteriarusticana.com to share honest, experience-based reviews and buying advice with readers who want to make informed decisions. His philosophy is simple: real use, real opinions, no fluff. When he’s not testing products, Steven enjoys slow cooking, hiking with his dog Bruno, and experimenting with new home gadgets that balance function and design.
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