Mamma Mia!
Home is not four walls to me. Home is the hug from my dad, the smooches & warm embrace from my mom, the smell of a warm cooked meal from my Nonno, the giggles of my best friends, a smile from my Gran, the cold air on my face while music is blasting from my Jeep, the sloppy kisses from my dog Tucker, or hearing my cousins voice from the other side of the world. I find warmth in knowing home is in so many things, it's not just one place or one person. - Isabella Ciambrelli, founder of Mamma Mia Chef
Isabella was born and raised in North Vancouver and still calls the North Shore home. She grew up with food and business in her veins. As an an only child, she accompanied her parents on their daily excursions and business ventures. Her family and their involvement within the industry sparked her passion for food.
Her Grandfather (aka “Nonno”) and Great Grandmother (“Bisnonna Tonina”) were both master chefs. Tonina cooked for the Italian National soccer league when they were training for the World Cup in 1982. She welcomed the famous Paolo Rossi into her home for some hearty pre-game meals. With countless memories and all the amazing stories from both her Tonina and Nonno, it was difficult not to be inspired. This is how Isabella’s creative entrepreneurial journey began.
Isabella knew she wanted to start up a business that was based around locally crafted foods. She loved pasta ever since she could start eating and started creating her own pasta sauces when she was old enough to cook at home. The main item on the menu her friends, family and loved ones would always request would be one of my many pasta dishes. The name came about one night. She had a few girlfriends over and they couldn’t decide what movie to watch and called her dad from outside. He instantly started typing on Netflix m-a-m-m-a m-i -a - and, a few days later, she started doodling ideas on a paper. That's how Mamma Mia Chef was born.
Isabella’s love for pasta began from day one.
Currently, Isabella has a product range of four small batch pasta sauces with much of her ingredients sourced locally. For her, supporting local brings people together to support, help and see each other become more successful. Take her Drunken Italian sauce for example, she collaborates with Sons of Vancouver Vodka, another North Shore venture, to bring the best quality and consistency to her recipe.
The kitchen is where Isabella finds comfort and peace. No matter whose roof she’s under, that’s where you’ll find her. From her Italian background, she’s learnt that food is a universal language that brings all people together. And lucky for us, she shares one of her go-to recipes. Light a candle, pour some wine, invite a few friends over and turn the music up. Because nothing beats sitting down, eating and sharing stories over a warm plate of homemade pasta.
The Drunken Italian with Mushrooms & Ricotta
A 20 minute dinner in 5 easy steps.
Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil (don't forget to salt your water) and cook your noodle of choice. (Bonus points, if you make your own!)
Step 2 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium and add in your chopped shallots and mushrooms and cook until translucent.
Step 3 - Add in your Mamma Mia Chef - The Drunken Italian into the pan and bring to a simmer.
Step 4 - Drain your pasta then add into the sauce and veggie mix.
Step 5 - Add in a spoonful of ricotta to the dish and drizzle olive oil and freshly chopped parsley to garnish.
Click here to shop Mamma Mia Chef Pasta Sauces. Her products can also be found in select grocery stores across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
