MaMa Laudate was raised on the East Coast, in a large extended Italian family. (Dad was the youngest of 14) (Mom 2nd oldest of 10) MaMa L was taught old-style Italian-American cooking from her father and regional delicacies from her mom.

      After graduating from college MaMa L worked for various CPA firms in Connecticut and New York City. Many of her clients were popular Metropolitan restaurants. During this timeframe she acquired a few closely guarded recipes. To this day she will not divulge any of these.

      In her business as a Financial Planner for Artists and Entertainers she amassed a vast array of cultural influences and a whole bunch more recipes as well. Her love of travel and cooking grew and flourished. Three of her clients were regional chefs; New York, New Orleans, and a teacher from the culinary institute of San Francisco. She realized teaching would combine her love of cultural diversity, working with people, and eating.

      Her lovely sarcastic children, Mel and Alicia, heartily encouraged her culinary endeavors. Her Husband John was overjoyed at the plentiful gourmet cuisine as well. MaMa L soon realized the rewards of working with children and seniors and feeding them. Her son Mel, a preschool teacher helped organize a multi-cultural curriculum. Her daughter Alicia, have been her hands on assistant since 4th grade. It was a family affair and nobody left hungry.