Ciao! I'm Chef Abby...also known by many as "Buonabbytito!"

​​​

My Culinary Arts journey began at a young age. I grew up in the kitchen—the heart of the home—drawn to food and recipe testing. One of my fondest memories as a child was being captivated by Chef Emeril Lagasse on TV, fostering my love for cooking. I became fascinated by The Food Network, winding down after school to Ina Garten and Giada Delaurentis, absorbing every bit of culinary insight rather than indulging in cartoons. They weren’t just faces on the screen—they were mentors in my living room, shaping how I thought about food and technique from an early age. Looking back, those early moments weren’t just about food—they were about creativity, connection, and the joy of making people feel something through what’s on the plate. Using a holistic approach to Culinary Arts, that passion has carried through every stage of my journey and continues to fuel my mission to prepare nutritionally balanced meals for elite athletes and make delicious and balanced food accessible to everyone, living out my childhood "little cheffie" dream.

​

I grew up in a rural town in Northeast PA surrounded by woodlands, forests, lakes and farms. This has largely inspired me to look toward utilizing local resources for ingredients, as well as a large appreciation for the agricultural industry. I graduated from the Culinary Nutrition program at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI which married by love for food with my passion for nutrition. As a true advocate in “You are what You eat”, I strive to educate and demonstrate the importance of food and nutrition as fuel and medicine. Highly passionate about encouraging people to make food choices that support their physical and mental health (and the health of local communities and our planet), I'm all about sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local markets and independent stores. With my background rooted in nutrition & clinical dietetics, I am well-versed in creating functional food that is as delicious as it is beautiful with nutritional value considered to ensure my clients are functioning optimally with their specific health goals in mind from athletic performance to weight management.

 

A study abroad experience in Firenze, Italia instilled the importance of locally sourcing quality ingredients to make exquisite food that heals the body, while cooking for an SEC football team taught me the techniques necessary to thrive in high-pressure environments and the many ways I could deliver thoughtful cuisine, seasoned with plenty of love to win over the pickiest of palates. My cooking style combines my global palate with foods from my upbringing and locally sourced produce, creating healthy and delicious seasonal dishes that proves there’s more out there to nutritious food than we think. I have a unique sense of calm in the kitchen and thrive under pressure—an ease greatly appreciated when working at events and for in-home private clients.  I have always valued how dinnertime was a moment to pause, catch up, and reflect; now, I want to share those moments with my clients. The outcome? Intentional, delicious meals that exceed expectations and make you feel good! Creating a positive environment around food, learning to think about ingredients and where they come from and being mindful of what your body needs are just a few topics I hope to encourage through my food. 

​

I cook as I like to eat—seasonal, local, and health-focused while also listening to your body, combining functional foods with holistic nutrition practices. I take pride in using health-forward ingredients and locally sourcing products as often as I can, letting their natural flavors shine with exciting, interesting twists. I also cater to specific dietary needs including but not limited to Vegan, Vegetarian/plant-based, Pescatarian, Dairy free and Gluten free, Allergen-sensitive and calculated meal plans. 

​

Outside of the kitchen (which is rare...haha) you can find me living the gypsy life traveling, rejuvenating by the ocean, practicing yoga, crushing a workout, enjoying the great outdoors or simply being a "foodie" roaming local farmers markets, researching food trends & trying new out restaurants. I’m glad you found me and I look forward to cooking for you soon!

Buonappetit,

chef abby