Susetta was born in Naples, Italy where she enjoyed her childhood and absorbed her culture and a pallet for what Italian food should be.  Susetta started cooking as a young girl helping her mother prepare traditional feast for friends and family.  Like many Italian mothers, her Mama’s dishes easily rivaled those of the best regional restaurants throughout Italy.  Susetta was always in the kitchen asking questions, getting very few answers, but still absorbing the knowledge her mom possessed.  Susetta’s love for Italian peasant cuisine began at her family table. Before she realized that food and wine was her passion.  She obtained a degree in accounting and attended college in Italy as a political science major.

Once she moved to the United States her love of food and the hospitality industry continued to grow.  She started working at her family-owned Italian restaurant Aroma Osteria in Wappingers Falls, NY where she honed her hospitality skills.  She acquired her knowledge by a combination of self-study, mentoring by hospitality professionals and hands on experience. She attended a two-week wine program in Italy completing a comprehensive wine training course and visiting various wineries.  Susetta also continued her education by reading numerous books and taking additional classes at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY such as fine cooking, baking and cake decorating.