Chef Dona’s life-long passion for cooking healthy foods that taste delicious was inspired by her Italian grandmother, who made her own homemade pasta and regional Italian dishes. In 2000, after spending 10 years in the restaurant industry, Donna launched her own company, What’s Cooking, to share her innovative and healthful culinary creations. She believes that it takes top quality ingredients -- the freshest vegetables, herbs, and fish; prime meats; and free-range poultry – to create top quality dishes. She purchases her ingredients from Whole Foods stores and from local Hudson Valley Farms. Her menu represents several American and ethnic cuisines, and offers low-fat and vegetarian options.

Chef Donna honed her culinary skills at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, The New School in New York City, and the Natural Gourmet Cooking School in New York City. In addition to What’s Cooking, she offers menu and recipe development to restaurants and culinary distinction to their kitchen staff. What’s Cooking can also be hired to plan and execute private, intimate dinner parties for small to medium-sized groups.

Chef Donna is a member of several professional organizations where she is constantly involved in developing her culinary skills and business. She is a member of The American Personal Chef Association, International Association of Culinary Professionals, Professional Women’s Networking Group and Mid-Hudson Women’s Network (NAFE Chapter). She is also certified in the State of New York in Food Safety and Sanitation.