Quick, cheap, and delicious — I have been making food the Simply Gourmet way all my life!

I had the good fortune to be born in Bologna  — often called "The Kitchen of Italy." We Bolognese are known for taking simple ingredients and combining them to create uniquely flavorful dishes.

I was raised by two generations of chefs. My mother was a renowned pastry chef who also hosted a TV show. But it was from my grandmother I learned how to make beautiful meals that bring people together.

She taught me how to make my signature dish.  A tortelloni so tasty — it was the secret weapon I used to woo my future husband! I am living proof that food is the way to that special someone’s heart!!

In 1977, we moved to America. I didn’t know any English, but I wanted to share my love of cooking. So, I started teaching cooking classes in Cleveland’s Little Italy. I guess my enthusiasm was contagious — because business just kept growing.

Today I run two successful cooking schools. The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking teaches the home cook — empowering average people to make extraordinary meals. The International Culinary Arts Institute prepares professional chefs to be tomorrow’s leaders in the food world. Both schools share my culinary philosophy — that everyday can be simply gourmet!

From my kitchen to yours,

Loretta