María Lara Bregatta Instagram Website Title: Contributing WriterLocation: Burlington, VermontEducation: B.A. in Religion and Sociology, University of VermontExpertise: Cooking, catering, recipe development- Chef-owner of Café Mamajuana, a James Beard semifinalist for Best New RestaurantExperienceMaría Lara Bregatta is the chef and owner of Café Mamajuana, a Dominican and Italian-inspired cafe, pop-up shop and catering kitchen located in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont.Maria is a first-generation American, third-generation food entrepreneur, darn good mother, homesteader, gardener and a James Beard semifinalist with big dreams of a northern tropical farm and "mixed kid" cookbook. About EatingWell EatingWell, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, has been publishing award-winning journalism about food, nutrition and sustainability since 1990. Our mission is to share flavor-packed recipes from around the world, celebrating fresh ingredients and the farmers, artisans and chefs who bring them to our table. Through science-backed nutrition advice and smart stories about sustainability, we help readers live their best lives. Learn more about us and our editorial process.