Chef Maria Virginia — Private Chef in Cascina

I am Maria Virginia, an Italian chef by origin, born and raised in the picturesque region of Tuscany. My passion for cooking was born among the hills of Cascina, where authentic flavours and the aromas of tradition have always been a part of my daily life. I have always believed that cooking is an art that goes beyond mere nourishment; it is a sensory experience that tells stories and creates connections. I love exploring gourmet and modern cuisine, without ever forgetting the roots of Italian tradition. My cooking is a journey through genuine flavours and innovative techniques, with a particular focus on the quality and sustainability of ingredients. Every dish I create is a tribute to my homeland and an invitation to discover new culinary horizons.

I began my professional journey at the Convivium, where I worked as a cook and assistant cook from 2018 to 2024. Here, I honed my skills in menu planning and dish preparation, gaining solid experience in the use and cleaning of professional kitchen equipment. During this period, I had the opportunity to further my training through specialised courses, such as those on fresh pasta preparation and sustainable cooking, offered by the Region of Tuscany. In 2024, I decided to open my own home restaurant, 'Loft via della pace 42', where I can fully express my creativity through creative and personalised Tuscan cuisine. In parallel, since 2022, I have worked as a private chef for events, an experience that has allowed me to further refine my organisational and management skills, as well as consolidate my reputation in the culinary sector.

I chose to become a private chef because I love bringing haute cuisine directly into my clients' homes, offering bespoke culinary experiences that reflect their tastes and desires. My transition into this role was natural, as I have always had a passion for personalised service and the creation of unique menus. Being a private chef allows me to establish a direct relationship with my clients, listening to their needs and transforming them into unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Every event is an opportunity to experiment and innovate, always maintaining a high standard of quality and attention to detail.

My specialisation lies in the ability to blend traditional Italian cuisine with modern and healthy influences. I am distinguished by my skill in creating dishes that not only delight the palate but are also visually appealing due to careful presentation. I am particularly adept in pastry and pizzeria, where I can express my creativity through unexpected flavour combinations and innovative techniques. My culinary philosophy is based on the use of high-quality raw materials and the enhancement of authentic flavours, always with an eye towards sustainability and well-being.

I am deeply connected to Tuscany, a region that has shaped my approach to cooking and taught me the importance of quality and tradition. Tuscan culinary traditions have formed me, inspiring me to create dishes that celebrate the authentic and genuine flavours of my land. I carry these traditions forward with pride, integrating them with a touch of modernity that reflects my personality and professional journey. My cooking is a tribute to Tuscany, a journey between past and present that invites the discovery of the cultural and gastronomic richness of this wonderful region.