Maria Says | Maria's Italian Kitchen

Why Our Italian Kitchen Cooks Passover Seder Meals

ITALIAN OR JEWISH… The Kitchen is where My family’s culture comes together. I get asked all the time “Why does Maria’s Italian Kitchen prepare Passover meals?” and many are surprised by my answer. It is because I celebrate… Read More

History of Valentines Day

Did you know that St. Valentine was Italian? St. Valentine was a Christian martyr who lived in the third century A.D. His basilica stood just opposite the gate of the Holy City; the gate itself was called after… Read More

Maria’s Safety Protocols

Marias Italian Kitchen cares deeply for the safety of our staff and patrons. Here are the Safety Protocols that we have implemented to ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying the delicious Italian food you’ve all come to love:

2020 Retrospective

A Look Back Through 2020 February 29th I returned from Nashville where I was visiting my son Nicolas to celebrate his 27th birthday, and because he was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan to join the NATO transition team…. Read More

Burnt Spaghetti

Sunday was the day My mother would always make an extra pound of Spaghetti so that on Monday she could make her Burnt Spaghetti. The Cast iron skillet was always on top of the stove because she used… Read More

Why Lentils for NYE 2020?

I would ask my mother every year, “Why do you tell us to eat lentils on New Year’s Eve?” Her answer was very simple, because my mother Luisa said it was for good luck. So each year, My… Read More

A Time of Giving 2020

I learned very early on from my Mother Maria that when people are hurting they need some loving kindness. For our family that was always a tray of Home Made lasagna. She would put on Italian music, and… Read More

MOTHERS DAY 2020

This year more than ever we need to Celebrate Moms. What I love is that Moms are resilient and just figure things out: “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” was obviously coined a phrase for good reason. “Stay… Read More

Marias Italian Kitchen and Todo Bien present the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Kit

Cinco de Mayo at Maria’s. ¿Por qué?

Why would Maria’s prepare and sell a Mexican Fiesta for Cinco de Mayo? It’s because the restaurant business is like one big family. You see, many young people get their first job working in a Restaurant. It is… Read More

Maria’s Meal Deals

Maria’s Italian Kitchen is proud to offer Meal Deals. Order your lunch meal deal before 4:00 p.m. Your Family Meal Deal can be ordered all day. Try them. When you’ve got a bunch to feed, let Maria’s do… Read More

Why Does Maria’s Prepare Passover Meals?

Each year we say “WHY IS THIS NIGHT DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER NIGHTs?” This year has a new meaning to all of us. Many of you will not be able celebrate your traditional Seder and enjoy having loved… Read More

Friendsgiving 2019

I am fascinated by this relatively new holiday that centers around—but not necessarily—Thanksgiving, and that the menu at this holiday is Thanksgiving-like. My son, Nicolas, hosted one with his friends from Fort Campbell, TN, because they will all… Read More

Madelyn Alfano To Receive The Beacon Award

The Foodservice Council for Women and The Food and Beverage Portfolio Tradeshows are awarding Maria’s Italian Kitchen owner, Madelyn Alfano, The Beacon Award on August 26, 2019. The Beacon Award was created to recognize a woman leader who… Read More

Madelyn and Maria Alfano celebrate America on the Fourth of July.

Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride as told by an Italian

My mother told me that there was a story told by an Italian comedian, that when Paul Revere was riding through the streets of Boston shouting “The British are Coming!” The British are Coming!”, an Italian woman stuck… Read More

We Celebrate the Life of the “Original Maria”

The legacy of her food and stories will live on. Marie Alfano (ne Giordano) was born on February 14, 1933, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her Mother Luisa (Louise) Falcetano emigrated to America from Naples, Italy. Her Father, Joseph… Read More

“Thank You” To All Moms!

I want to send a Big Thank You to all of the Moms who are working today and those who love and support them. Growing up in the Grocery Store and Italian Restaurant business meant that My Mom… Read More

Reflection on the Northridge Earthquake 25 Years Ago

When the 1994 Northridge Earthquake hit it shook the earth AND the Lives of everyone in our Community. I was in the process of building our newest location; slated to open on my mother Marias birthday February 14… Read More

Kitchen Club App

Madelyn making her famous Rosemary Bread

Maria's Italian Kitchen owner Madelyn Alfano stands in restaurant at Grateful Table 2018 Restaurants Care.

Maria’s Italian Kitchen Supports Restaurants Care

Madelyn Alfano, owner of Maria’s Italian Kitchen, participated in The Grateful Table on October 27, 2018. The Grateful Table is a communal dinner celebration to support Restaurants Care, an emergency assistance fund for restaurant workers through the California Restaurant… Read More

Stars of the Valley

Why I Write Birthday Cards For Employees

Why I Write Birthday Cards For Team Members

When I had my first restaurant in 1985, I had 15 employees. Day in and day out, I spent more time with them than I did my own husband. That’s how we worked to build Maria’s into what… Read More

Maria’s Birthday Wine Sale

Aged to Perfection Our very own Maria turns 85 on Valentine’s Day. As she reflects on this wonderful milestone, she can’t help but feel grateful for having so many wonderful customers who, for over 40 years, have enjoyed… Read More

Steve Harvey or Me?

Who’s prouder of my mamma: Steve Harvey or Me? You often hear about Moms bragging about their Kids. And you often hear Kids complaining and rolling their eyes about their Moms. Well the older I get, the… Read More

Grey & Shandling

I first met Brad Grey in 1985, I was 28 when I opened my first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, it was smaller than it is now, seating only 30 people. He and His wife Jill would meet up… Read More

What Does 2273 Mean to You?

Does the number 2273 mean anything to you on this Memorial Day? It didn’t for me until I drove past the memorial wall on Pacific Avenue in Venice last week. The mural that was painted years ago was something… Read More

Mother’s Day in Retrospect

Is it enough that we take one day out of the year to pay homage to Mothers? And do we really appreciate our Moms early enough in our lives? Or is it when we become Mothers that we… Read More

The 8 Hour Braciole

Braciole is a traditional southern Italian comfort food. There is not another restaurant in Los Angeles who makes this dish. First you trim, pound and cut tender steak, then smear fresh ground garlic, sprinkle fresh grated parmesan… Read More

Stuffed Full

Maria’s stuffing mix and cranberry recipe is sure to make your Thanksgiving feast the best! Our homemade stuffing mix is available during the Thanksgiving holiday season in all stores and is equivalent to 3 boxes of store stuffing…. Read More

Buffet All Day

How to Set Up a Catering Buffet Table Like a Pro: Select Your Table (6ft is the standard buffet table length and will be easy to find tablecloths for) Select Your Colors (in this video we used Red,… Read More

Trick or Treat?

Give them a treat and make it a complete meal! Don’t trick yourself into thinking that just a pizza will do the trick to keep your little monsters full this Halloween. Spooky Treats for… Read More

There’s No Debate

This is the Best Debate Party Viewing Meal… Sometimes during election season, things get a bit chaotic and people start picking sides. But Maria’s is here to bring both sides together over one delicious All-American meal. We have… Read More

The Cleopatra That Everyone Wants

Here is the quick & refreshing recipe for Maria’s Cleopatra salad: Ingredients 1 Head Romain Lettuce (Chopped) 1/4 Cup Maria’s Homemade Balsamic Dressing 1/2 Cup Roma Tomatoes (Diced) 1/8 Cup Red Onions (Sliced) 1/4 Cup Feta Cheese… Read More

Maddy’s BBQ Menu Checklist

Maddy’s Fourth of July Barbecue Menu Checklist will put a spark in your Independence Day.

Put a Spark in your July 4th BBQ

Here is how Madelyn, owner of Maria’s, hosts her annual Fourth of July BBQ complete with a checklist and recipes.

On the Grill: Sausage & Peppers

Maria’s family recipe for Italian sausage, peppers, and onions is perfect for this Fourth of July BBQ! Purchase the homestyle sausages from our stores then grill them up at home for the perfect Independence Day celebration.

Charity in our Community

Maria’s donates and serves alongside of hundreds of organizations and causes every year. Our charity is a part of our mission to truly be your neighborhood restaurant.

My Dad Would Never Win Father of the Year

Fathers who work hard so their kids can have a good life deserve to be celebrated too. At Maria’s we celebrate all dads. Read Madelyn’s stories about hers.

Tribute to the Greatest Generation on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the Greatest Generation and the American Red Cross. My father in law was a quiet man who served in WWII; he landed on the beaches of Normandy the second day. There… Read More

An Italian Prepares Passover Meals

Why does Maria’s Italian Kitchen celebrate Passover? The answer might surprise you.

Boiling down a cookbook set

Madelyn recounts Maria’s humble beginnings as compared to Evan Kleiman’s Angeli Cafe. Madelyn came across an article in the Los Angeles Times that took me to a place of true nostalgia with a touch of comfort. The title “Boiling down a cookbook set” by Evan Kleiman (who she knows personally) jumped out at her.

The Delicious Heritage of Bread

Bread is a powerful connection to our Italian roots; rarely is there an Italian meal served that does not include bread. Bread is one of the oldest foods that has stayed on modern menus. Food historians believe that… Read More

Lighten Up With Broccoli Limon

One of our favorite dishes when the weather starts to heat up is Maria’s infamous Broccoli Limon. Broccoli often called “the world’s healthiest food” packs a serious health benefit punch. From lowering cholesterol, to cancer prevention, a… Read More

Snacks & Sips

What better way to start your evening than at Maria’s with friends! We offer an early (3 PM to 6 PM) Happy Hour AND a late night (8:30pm until close) happy hour Monday through Friday! The last hour… Read More

No Corkage Fee Thursday Night

Bring your date, bring your Wine Club, bring the Neighborhood! Limit of one bottle per table. Dine in only.

Wine Lovers Tuesday

Buy 2 entrees on a Tuesday and enjoy your favorite bottle of wine half off. Limit of one bottle per table but you can have as many loving couples as you like at the table, any night. Dine… Read More

Family Meal Nights Every Night

Feed your family of 4 – 12 a great Maria’s meal and save up to $30. Choose from among 8 Maria’s menu favorites with Salad, Pizza and homemade Rosemary Bread. Click here for more details. This great deal is… Read More

Room Temperature Tomatoes

We have to disagree with the idea that tomatoes are made to be refrigerated, in fact we think they taste even better at room temperature. Maria’s Italian Kitchen likes to ripen our tomatoes outside of the refrigerator. You… Read More

Memorial Day the Maria’s Way

A note from the owner: As I walk outside my home to hang the American flag on our flag pole in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, I thank the men and women and their families… Read More

Simplify Your Party Planning With Graduation Catering in Los Angeles

If you’re going to be graduating this spring you may find yourself in the unenviable position of trying to organize a graduation party for you and your friends and classmates. It’s unenviable because organizing a graduation party and… Read More

Celebrating Your Grandchild’s Special Occasion with Graduation Catering in Los Angeles

Graduation is an important transition between childhood and adulthood, and it’s customary to mark such a special occasion in some way. When your grandchild graduates, you may want to celebrate with a graduation party for their friends and… Read More

marias-italian-graduation-catering-advice

Advice on Graduation Catering in Los Angeles

Invitations, decorations, music, food, and a thousand and one other details — if you are planning your child’s graduation party you’ve got a lot to consider. Although you might be tempted to try and take care of the… Read More

Special Event Catering Services in Los Angeles

Of the events we celebrate with our friends and family, birthdays and anniversaries are probably the most important. They’re both special days celebrating special people, and because of that they should involve special food. The food can make… Read More

Breakfast Catering Services in Los Angeles

For many people, breakfast is the first energy their body gets in more than eight hours. It is this energy that sets the foundation for the performance of body and mind for the rest of the day. Someone… Read More

Lights! Camera! Lunch! Catering Services in Los Angeles

Food on a film set means craft services, and craft services means hiring catering services. Los Angeles, of course, sees more filming than any other U.S. city, so it should come as no surprise that it is also… Read More

Choosing a Catering Service for Your Los Angeles Wedding

Your wedding day is the one day that, no matter what, you will remember for the rest of your life. Making the wrong decisions when planning your wedding can lead to disaster. Make sure you end up remembering… Read More

Catering Services in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for catering services, Los Angeles can be overwhelming. Los Angeles is one of the world’s great food cities, and this is reflected in both the variety and quality of the food that’s available here. When… Read More

Discovering Catering Companies in Los Angeles

If you’re planning a wedding, organizing your 20th high school reunion, or even arranging a birthday party for a friend or family member you’ll be searching for reliable, affordable, and professional catering companies. Los Angeles is home to… Read More

Meet My Family

Name: Robert Rivera Age: 23 Location: Northridge Passion/Hobby/Talent: Boxing/Personal training Robert has been an employee of Maria’s Italian Kitchen for 5 years, but when he’s not at work you can usually find him working out. Robert says, “I’ve… Read More

Marias Cares