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ABOUT

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Dorina has spent a lifetime mastering the art of connection—whether through food, coaching, counseling, or community. As someone of heritage of Roseto Valfortore, who grew up living the Roseto Effect, she understands firsthand the power of deep-rooted relationships and the impact of gathering around the table.

Her culinary expertise is a blend of tradition and excellence, having trained under a 5-star chef and her incomparable Italian Nonnas, learning the secrets of authentic, heartfelt cooking. But for Dorina, teaching in the kitchen isn’t just about sharing recipes—it’s about guiding others in the art of cooking, empowering them to take charge of their kitchen and unleash their creativity. This passion fuels her teaching, coaching, and immersive trips to Roseto Valfortore, where culture, tradition, and connection come alive.

Beyond the kitchen, soccer has been a true love in Dorina’s life. First as a player then as a nationally licensed coach with 40 years of experience, she credits the sport with teaching her invaluable lessons about life and leadership—and even giving a voice to the painfully shy child she once was. Her ability to mentor, inspire, and build strong teams seamlessly translates into her work in relationship and family dynamics.

With training in Christian counseling and life coaching—specifically in relationships—Dorina blends wisdom, empathy, and strategy to help others foster deeper bonds. Her expertise extends into the digital world, where her knowledge of social media marketing, that she learned to get this important message to the masses, reflects her core belief: at its heart, all connection is about relationships.

Whether at the table, on the field, or in life, Dorina’s mission remains the same—bringing people together, strengthening relationships, and reviving the lost art of meaningful connection.

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Get Back to the Table!

Revive the Roseto Effect!

A Little Story

I once knew this Italian priest from Rhode Island who ran the Villa Rosa Nursing Home (near Washington DC) where we had an Italian Festival every year of which I was the chair at the time.

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One day, we were talking of the importance of keeping the festival going for the Italians in the DC area and Father Carmine said this to me…


“First you have your heritage”…(everyone is somebody from someplace)


“People more in touch with their Heritage tend to be more in touch with their religion.” (Often times…heritage and religion are intertwined)


“People more in touch with their religion tend to be more in touch with their families.” (because they have the rituals and traditions from their heritage and faith that bond their families)


“People more in touch with their families tend to be better individuals.”


I’ve always remembered those words… As they confirmed and validated my feelings for my heritage of being Italian and the importance I’ve always placed on God and Family.

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Thank you Father Carmine

about heritage, faith & family

OUR TEAM

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Dorina Lantella Martirano

ROSETANA/CHEF/FOUNDER

 

Dorina was Made in Italy (hee-hee) and born in Washington DC and has been teaching people to cook since she was 19 in college!  Growing up in an Italian restaurant and being surrounded by Italian family, food was always at the center of everything in life!

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So now her passion is still teaching others the importance of a good meal with family and friends–and not forgetting your Italian Heritage!

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Giuseppe Demonte

CHEF/Instructor - Italy

 

Giuseppe is a certified Chef/Instructor and part of the Federazione Italiana Cuochi (FIC) (Italian Federation of Chefs) and also part of Dorina’s family! He started out as a pastry chef and then continued on as a chef in the kitchen! He is extremely serious and technical but also just so much fun in the kitchen!  We love making him laugh!

 

He teaches courses all over Italy and most recently in the UK, France and Singapore.  He is dedicated to sharing the wonderful foods of our Puglia region with the world.

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Donato LaPenna

My Favorite.... That's what I call him! 

Donato-My Favorite.

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Donato is my driver and my right hand man.  If I need anything at all he's my go to guy!  He's the first face you will see when you arrive on one of my trips!  --altho sometimes his father Giovanni fills in... but you will see... they have the same face!!!  

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I've known him since he was a kid and went to school with my boys when we lived in Roseto before!

 

He helps me make your trip there smooth and comfortable!

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Pina Capobianco
aka- Pinuccia! 

Mamma, Nonna, Friend and Cook extraordinaire!

 

I like to believe I am a good cook... some even say a great cook... but I have never met anyone that can create the simple masterpieces that Pinuccia and her husband Michele do.  Everything on their table is made with their own hands... whether it's the milk from their goats that makes their cheese to the fruits and veggies from their gardens to the meat from their animals and the confections she makes from it all!  She makes handmade pasta almost daily and for my guests she teaches those techniques and then feeds us yet another unforgettable meal with her big smile!  

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Michelle Bentley LaPenna

My dear English Friend... 

 

Michelle works with me when I need extra interpreters.  She has been living in Roseto since 2001- married to my friend Luigi.

She is English but has embraced the Rosetan lifestyle like a native.  So when I need the help .... and even when I don't she's there to help!  

AND she's a wonderful cook too!!! 

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(ps- not related to Donato!  They are a different LaPenna family!)

Chef

YOU

Our REASON for what we do!

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Without those of you who want to learn to cook… those of you who love the Italian culture and history… 

those who are of Rosetan ancestry or any part of Italian heritage...

or just crave that Italian lifestyle!... we are here for you, and you for us!

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Grazie… to all of you!!!

dorinaskitchen@gmail.com

+1-301-917-4727 (phone/whatsapp)

© 2024   Dorina's Kitchen

which has been in existence since 1989!. 

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