NEW SERVICES
CHEF DESIGNED KITCHEN
A well-designed commercial kitchen creates efficiency, improves staff morale, and saves money on labor by taking into account time and motion. Besides being pretty, it’s practical.
Typically home kitchen designs are often up on the latest kitchen design trends and are looking to sell high-end finishes and appliances without a real working knowledge of how to create a high-functioning space. Mara has designed and built over a dozen kitchens with both large and tight budgets, from commercial kitchens for hotels, and cafes, teaching kitchens, several home kitchens, and even outdoor kitchens. From project management to a simple kitchen refresh. Email for a free consultation!
PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES
Are you too busy to cook and shop for the week? Do you have an aging parent that needs help with meals and perhaps a little company? I am now offering personal chef services in the Victoria area. Services range from dinner parties, catering, and private cooking classes to weekly meal service and/or delivery.
Italy Culinary tour: Now Booking for fall 2025!
Mara has been leading annual culinary tours to Italy since 2004. With a Master of Italian cooking certificate, a command of the Italian language, and many years of developing Slow Food contacts across Italy, Mara provides rare, off-the-beaten-path experiences that focus on iconic Italian ingredients, wine, culture, and personal contacts with food producers.
Sicily, A Culinary & Cultural Tour
Oct 15 - Oct. 24rd 2025/ 10 days
5,200 Euros only until Dec 31st!
With a focus on the volcanic Sicilian terroir and the biodiversity of this warm Mediterranean island, Mara hosts 10-day tours accommodating her guests in luxury villas in 2 regions of Sicily, including time spent in the area of Mount Etna. We will travel with a private driver where we will embark on easy day trips to discover artisanal producers, breathtaking scenery, ancient Greek ruins, and historic towns with lunches in both some of Sicily’s best restaurants and rustic tables. Evenings are spent relaxing back at the villa where Mara will cook creative, light, healthy evening meals. Private, custom tours or hosted villa rentals and private chef services in any region of Italy are also available.
NEW THIS YEAR:
From VinItaly to the Langhe & Roero, a wine and food tour
3,200 Euros based on double occupancy
Vinitaly https://www.vinitaly.com Specializing in the wines of Italy, Vinitaly in Verona has been one of the top International wine events for over 40 yrs. This new and special tour is designed for wine and food professionals or serious afficiandos. With a pick up at Milan Malpensa airport, we will spend 3 nights in the countryside of Valpolicella and 2 days at Vinitaly. We will enjoy this special region with typical foods and a winery visit. Then we will travel to the Lanhge and Roero, home to Italy’s most famous wines and fine Piedmontese ingredients. We will attend special tastings, winery and restaurant visits. Mara has over 20 years of Slow Food connections in this region and your co/host and driver Roberto is a Bra local. Their local knowledge makes this a very special trip not to be missed. Reach out to Mara or more details.