No matter how big or small your kitchen is, whether it’s in a one-bedroom apartment, a sprawling suburban home, an urban galley, or just a table with a hot plate plugged in, people will always smash, squeeze, and wedge themselves inside. You beg and plead: Please! I’ve laid out a beautiful table! I’ve set hors d’oeuvres outside on the patio! We can spread out! But no. The desire is too strong, too human. We want to be practically on top of the cook. We crave being near other people, near the heat, the fire, the smells, the energy, the alchemy. We can’t seem to get close enough.

Kalota Culinary was born in these very kitchens that are at the heart of my Italian-American home. My love of food began in the kitchens of my Nani, my mother, my sister, and my Zias. Recipes were never just instructions, they were wisdom, passed down to teach me to trust my instincts, my body, and my emotions. These women showed me that food is more than nourishment: it is history, kinship, and a holy union of love and affinity.

As I grew, so did my curiosity. Cooking became both my craft and my classroom. I discovered that teaching others to create with their own hands was just as rewarding as the cooking itself. For me, instruction isn’t about perfection; it’s about discovery, joy, hundreds of trial-and-errors, and the confidence that comes from mastering the basics.

Kalota Culinary carries this tradition forward with a mission to bring people together through food and learning. Rooted in heritage, female-founded and led, and guided by values of honesty, hospitality, and the shared bridge of humanity, I create experiences that are educational, interactive, and unforgettable. From intimate classes to lively group events, each gathering celebrates culture, sparks curiosity, and brings joy to the table.

My hope is simple, captured in my favorite quote: ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’ It is the honor of my life to share the culinary knowledge I’ve been so privileged to inherit. From my family to yours, I invite you to join me in learning to cook with confidence.

Explore the site to schedule and purchase tickets for both private and group cooking classes, use the form below to inquire about private events, and don’t forget, The Pantry is where you’ll find my socials, podcast, and recipes, all waiting to inspire you.