About Us
Welcome to Cucina Casa M
I’ve been planning dinner parties since I was eleven years old.
From that very first dinner I planned, I didn’t realize that food was about so much more than what was on the plate. It was a way to bring people together, create memories, and make everyone feel welcome. Looking back, perhaps it wasn’t such a surprise that I eventually found my way to the Culinary Institute of America.
I've had a wonderfully varied career in the culinary arts, from time as a waitress, line cook, and caterer, to planning and organizing banquets, weddings, and conferences.
My experiences working alongside some of the best in the business is the foundation of my knowledge of food, wine, and hospitality. I’ve learned the art of bringing it all together, from planning the menus to creating a gathering that feels effortless and memorable and now I want to share it with you.
Travel has been another important part of my culinary education. Experiencing local food and culture, meeting the people behind the traditions, and sitting down at tables around the world have deeply shaped the way I cook and entertain. My Italian heritage has naturally been a particularly strong influence, and the opportunity to return to Italy again and again, to explore its regions, traditions, food, and culture, continues to inspire me immensely.
A Chef must think like a Scientist
Organise like an Accountant
Plate like an Artist
and Cook like a Grandma
—unknown source (but we love it)
How Cucina Casa M began
Cucina Casa M began rather out of the blue.
My children’s San Diego elementary school was looking for experiences to donate to a silent auction fundraiser. I mentioned that I had previously taught cooking classes at Viking HomeChef
in Northern California and offered to donate a cooking class. I planned a three-course menu and prepared to teach what I thought would be a one-time class.
At the end of the class, one of the women who attended turned to me and asked, “When is the next class?”
Next class?
I hadn’t planned a next class.
But that simple question changed everything. One thing led to another, and that was the beginning of Cucina Casa M.
Those elementary school children are now in college. And what started as a single cooking class has grown into one of my greatest accomplishments: hearing from students who tell me that I’ve helped them discover the joy of cooking and entertaining and, most importantly, given them the confidence to gather around their own cucina, in their casa.
Welcome Into My Kitchen
This website is designed for you to access seasonal menus, some I’ve prepared in class, that are composed of a starter, main and dessert that work together as a complete meal. Each menu focuses on a culinary technique that will make you be more efficient and most recipes include make ahead components so for your event day of you’re simply putting things together with minimal cooking and stress.
I also wanted this site to be a place of inspiration to share ideas, tips and tricks, and also my culinary adventures which focus on the food and wine of different regions of Italy. Even if you're unable to be with me in person, you can still join me in my kitchen.
Welcome to Cucina Casa M. Happy Cooking!
Nancy Montemarano Madok