Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Palumbo.
Hi Mary , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My family came to America from Italy 1958. In 1963, my father, a chef , opened a restaurant in Imperial Beach, CA. I began working at the restaurant at age 13. As the years passed I came to learn and love cooking and making beautiful food as much as my father did. I worked at the restaurant for 30 years and ran it on my own when my father passed away. Entertaining and my love of cooking became a way of life for me. Hosting dinners and entertaining became my favorite pastimes. Presently I host pop up dinners in my garden which I call “Cena in Giardino” Italian for “Dinner in the Garden”.
I do this on my own. Preparing a four course Italian meal from appetizer to dessert completely homemade by me. Setting a beautiful table in my Italian style garden my guests experience a relaxing evening under the stars enjoying delicious Italian food and music.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The restaurant business requires long hours and late nights which took me away from my family during the of my Daughter being very young . The restaurant business is not an easy business and requires very close attention to quality and proper training of employees adding to the stress and long hours.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After graduating from high school, I wanted to explore other things besides the restaurant. I attended the interior designers guild in San Diego and became an interior designer in addition to working at the restaurant. Additionally, in a completely different direction, I was a dental assistant for 10 years also while working at the restaurant. I just wanted to explore other things besides the family business. But the family business was really my love. I I’m known for my cooking,, my entertaining. and my love of gardening. My friends, family, and others frequently call me “Mary Martha Stewart“.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I enjoy Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for making connections. I’m always looking for inspiration for my food and designs, but I pride myself on making things my own rather than copying what I see.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @deliciousitalian
- Facebook: Mary Palumbo
- Youtube: Mary Palumbo
Image Credits
Mary Palumbo
