Memoir: Chef Lorena Palmieri de Wilson

Cooking has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home filled with the comforting smells of Italian cooking—bolognese simmering on the stove, freshly baked bread, and my dad’s favorite cookies. Weekends were spent gathered around traditional asados under the eucalyptus trees, where friends and family shared food and laughter all day long.

My earliest memories are of my Mom and Abuela in the kitchen, aprons tied, creating magic from simple ingredients. From hearty soups to homemade pasta, their recipes weren’t just meals—they were acts of love that brought us all together.

When I left my family and country to start a new chapter, I brought their recipes with me. I created a handwritten cookbook filled with dishes like my abuela’s Flan and my mom’s Pastel de Papa, which became my connection to home. Those flavors shaped my kitchen, where I now create new memories inspired by the old.

As my passion for cooking grew, I found myself taking various cooking classes throughout the years during my travels to France. These experiences allowed me to deepen my understanding of food, flavors, and the technical aspects of cooking, all while immersing myself in the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Welcome to my Kitchen—rooted in tradition, filled with love, and always shared around the table.