Born and raised in the warm sunshine of Lecce, in Southern Italy, Lucy grew up surrounded by the aromas of wild herbs, ripe fruits, and the unmistakable flavors of the Mediterranean. Her love for cooking began in her childhood kitchen, spending Sunday mornings beside her beloved nonna, learning the secrets of handmade pasta, slow-simmered tomato sauce, freshly pickled vegetables, homemade jams, and the simple magic of family recipes made with love.
Her culinary journey continued in Veneto, Northern Italy, where she lived for ten years and refined her skills working alongside professional chefs, mastering techniques and northern Italy regional specialties.
In 2009, Luciana brought her Italian hear to Asia, building a remarkable culinary career in Shanghai. In 2012, she founded her cooking studio, sharing her passion through pastry courses, fine dining workshops, and children's classes.
Before opening her restaurant, she further elevated her expertise with two years of experience working alongside Michelin-starred chef Corrado Michelazzo at Corso Como 10 in Shanghai. This experience allowed her to refine her fine dining techniques, deepen her understanding of contemporary Italian cuisine, and strengthen her commitment to excellence and authenticity.
In 2018, she opened LALA Italian Kitchen, serving authentic Italian cuisine and earning the prestigious Marchio Ospitalita' Italiana award from the Italian Chamber of Commerce. As owner and executive chef, she inspired hundreds of students and guests with her philosophy:
Cooking is creativity. Cooking is passion. Cooking is a language of love.
