We started in the early 80’s as a small, independent bakery in the Valley selling cakes. Mercedes, my mother, would create her now famous Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse and several others, for restaurants on the Westside. Vittorio’s was a customer of hers in 1986. After a couple years of building a relationship with Giovanni, he asked her to be his partner. She didn’t know anything about the restaurant business. In 1989, after a year of negotiations, she bought into Vittorio’s. She never left. The rest is history.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
We started in the early 80’s as a small, independent bakery in the Valley selling cakes. Mercedes, my mother, would create her now famous Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse and several others, for restaurants on the Westside. Vittorio’s was a customer of hers in 1986. After a couple years of building a relationship with Giovanni, he asked her to be his partner. She didn’t know anything about the restaurant business. In 1989, after a year of negotiations, she bought into Vittorio’s. She never left. The rest is history.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
35 years – I love the community, the people, the small village that makes you feel at home. There is no place like it on earth.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
I love the restaurant business. I love the food, the passion, the creations but to be honest, what really lights me up is my 6 year daughter, Olivia.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
We are a super tight Brazilian – Italian family. My mother and my sister are my best friends. Home isn’t a place, per se, but it is the one place you go to feel safe, secure and loved.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
Everyone knows your name. The families and generations of people who have lived there, loved there, and continue their traditions there is what make it special.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
Vittorios Restaurant – We lovingly call ourselves the Italian Cheers.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
Almost everyone we meet has a story. I don’t think there’s one person I’ve met that is “the most interesting or inspiring” because they all have something special about them.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
The community that came together. It was amazing to see the outreach, the outpouring of love, the constant check in’s and the community that reached out to us.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
My Wine Wednesday group! We started a group in 2016 that came to eat and drink wine every Wednesday. We all struggled through this together, but we grew even closer.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
The Palisades is resilient – way more than anyone gave us credit for.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
Be present and open. You never know what someone is going through or dealing with.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I love to needlepoint. Sometimes I need something mindless in my very busy day.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Back in the Palisades, back at a newly built restaurant for Vittorio’s.
