Instructor

Born in Bergamo, Italy, on 9 May 1959 of parents from the Naples region of Italy . I spent the vast majority of my life in the Naples area famous for its Mediterranean and Southern Italian foods. My father was the son of a regional famous baker ( Bar Pasticceria Petagna ) and in the bakery kitchen is where I learned the first methods of cooking and baking.

During my school years, with the help of my mother, grandmother, aunts and various friends, I continued to cultivate the love for cooking until it became a passion. I decided to leave University to pursue a career in cooking starting from the lowest jobs in restaurants and hotel kitchens all around Italy to increase my knowledge and deepen the understanding of different styles of cooking.

Following the marriage to my husband, a member of the USAF, I was offered and accepted the opportunity to teach military family members the art of Italian cooking and baking. And I found my second passion, teaching and sharing my accumulated knowledge built through the years.
Following my husband retirement we moved to Brandon, Florida, where I was employed at the famous "Shula's Steakhouse" in Tampa where my main duties included kitchen preparation, cooking as well as reservations and set up of the dining room.

I left Shula's to pursue my dream of owning and running my own restaurant which came true with the opening of "Luna Rossa" in Brandon. We garnered several excellent reviews from local media and, of course, the best advertising, word of mouth. Unfortunately, my mother's health issues forced me to devote myself to her needs. Her care is now being provided by a professional service, allowing me peace of mind to pursue again my passions.

I am currently writing a blog " Il gusto dei ricordi - The flavor of memories" where I share stories of my family and friends tying to recipes I associate with them. I have been writing this blog now for over 3 years with over 90,000 views worldwide.