Maria was born in the small hill town of Torella dei Lombardi outside Naples in the Campania region of Italy. When she was fourteen, her family bought a local cafe, and Maria became instrumental in helping her mother Teresa run the family business. There, she learned how to make the perfect espresso, cappuccino, and homemade spumoni. The cafe was a place for the townspeople of Torella to come together and swap stories over a good cup of coffee (or grappa).

Maria came to America in 1961 to start her new life in Brooklyn, New York, and she brought her love of good food and warm hospitality with her. Known to throw together delicious multi­-course dinners for the family within a couple of hours, Maria is passionate about cooking, especially for her 6 grandchildren. Her specialties include zucchini parmigiana; stuffed artichoke pie; crocchette di patate; and spaghetti in fresh raw tomatoes with capers, olives, parsley, and garlic.

This Nonna is happiest when people are gathered around the table eating her delicious food­­ — and even happier when they ask for seconds.