Maria Vieages began cooking at the age of 5 with her Sicilian mother and aunt.  She helped them stuff artichokes for St. Joseph Day altars, make muffalettas for Chistmas Eve and roll bruccilone for Sunday dinner.  Living in New Orleans, there was also a lot of gumbo stirring, pepper stuffing and trout frying.    Although Maria's cooking ventures started at 5, when she was 3, she would make hors d' oeuvres of mayonnaise on white bread cut into squares.  She would serve the apps on a tray to her mother and father.   Her dad hated mayo but endured the appetizer as mom lovingly urged "Eat it , Tony". 

Maria went to college and pursued a degree in Radiology.  While working at a hospital, she found herself bringing food to co-workers on a regular basis.  Her co-workers then started a collection every Friday which resulted in catered lunches the following week for the radiology department. 

On her 30th birthday, Maria realized that her dream was to cook for a living.  Maria attended Delgado School of Culinary Arts and had apprenticeships at the Hotel Intercontinental New Orleans and the Sazerac Hotel at the Fairmont Hotel-New Orleans.  She also volunteered her time to work with Chef Frank Brigtsen and Emeril Lagasse to further her culinary education.

Maria started Maria's Multi Regional Cuisine in New Orleans on February 13, 1997 and built a small café, upscale takeout and catering business to a staff of 42, catering off premise events of up to 2400 persons.  Her personal chef clients include Rue McClanahan for whom she has cooked on several occasions.   In August 2005, Maria lost her entire business in Hurricane Katrina with zero recovery from her insurance company or the government.

On September 17, 2006 Maria moved to Sonoma County and started Maria's Multi Regional Cuisine on February 14, 2007.

Maria is producing her own cooking show in Santa Rosa, Ca. which is filmed at The Chauvet Condominiums in Glen Ellen, Ca.  The show is called "Maria" which has possibilities of being picked up by the Food Network.

Maria continues to grow as a caterer and personal chef because of her diversity and ability to connect with people.  Maria continues to study cuisine from all over the world due to her philosophy "We all have different roots yet are all connected".  Maria's roots are Italian, Portugese and Canary Islander. 

Maria's Multi Regional Cuisine
Santa Rosa, CA.
707-546-3293
multimaria@gmail.com