Adele's Story
Ciao! Welcome to my kitchen! I'm Adele... I'm a proud Italian living in Wanstead, East London. I was born and grew up in Termoli, a fishing town on the south Adriatic coast of Italy, in the Molise region. Think beautiful beaches, pastel-coloured houses and narrow streets - that's Termoli...
Food has always been at the centre of my family's way of living, and my most special childhood memories revolve around food, home cooking, eating, and long family gatherings “al fresco” and around the dinner table!
I spent most of my childhood playing in the kitchen, helping my Mamma with the cooking, and this is where my passion for food, cooking and baking began!
Growing up, I was surrounded by great inspirational cooks in my family, with my Nonna (grandma) being the most natural and talented “pastaia” (pasta maker - especially of “fusilli al ferretto”) and my Zie (aunties) being obsessed with preparing the best festive meals according to our local culinary traditions; simply cooking for the love of feeding others and eating all together!
And this is the food I love to cook; simple and genuine dishes from my family's treasured recipes. For me, nothing compares to the food of love!
As I grew older, I moved out of my home region, first in the north of Italy for my university studies in finance and then for my professional career in investment banking. I travelled to different countries in Europe and around the world, discovering and being inspired by new food cultures, new ingredients and different flavour combinations which enhanced my love for food even more.
I carried a passion for my culinary heritage wherever I went. Cooking for others and sharing my family recipes with new friends and colleagues became a way for me to feel closer to my Italian roots, while socialising and building new relationships.
I've now been living in London since 2002 and, after a career in banking, in 2010 I decided to follow my passion for Italian food and cooking by opening my very own Italian deli, MammaLina, where I gained great experience and professional exposure to the food and hospitality industry.
A few years later, I'm now the proud owner of MammaLina's Cookery School, a dedicated creative and events space with a wonderful homely feeling where I can teach, and share my passion and knowledge for Italian home cooking and entertaining.
This special place is a hidden gem in East London where all food lovers can gather together to experience a little slice of authentic Italian culinary traditions as seen in a typical Italian home.
I can't wait to welcome you to my “Cucina”!
Adele x
Why MammaLina?
So why the name MammaLina? Mamma reflects the homely love of the typical Italian mother and Lina is not only part of my extended name (Adelina) but also the name of one of my most precious Aunties and one of the finest Italian cooks! Hence the name, MammaLina... ❤️