A Rich Italian History

Lullu (Trinchera) grew up with a sister and twin brothers in Naples, Italy – Napoli. Naples is hectic, and alive—and with Mt. Vesuvius looming in the background, the unique Sorrento peninsula to the south, and the enchanting islands of Capri and Ischia just offshore, this is one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

Lullu and the family spent lots of time in the kitchen, by Mamma’s side, helping and offering ample advice as the pasta and second courses were being prepared. The kitchen was small. There was a very small refrigerator, since most ingredients were bought fresh daily, and the menu was different every day. It never occurred to Mamma or Lullu that one should measure the ingredients for a meal preparation. From years of experience and tasting, you just knew what would work.

In December 1967 Lullu married her boyfriend of the previous 3 years, David, who had fallen in love with Lullu, the family, and with Italy. So, in January 1968 Lullu and David came to America—to New Orleans while David finished college. Lullu did not speak English, but immediately dove into the New Orleans culture and food, and with classes at Tulane, the English language was soon mastered.

After school in New Orleans, it was on to a job, and Lullu and David moved to Marksville, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun country and more food experiences. Following this and with the job, they lived in central Illinois, then near Modesto, California, where Lullu sold Chevrolets for a year. Then in January 1973 they moved to God’s country—here in Oregon, and Lullu says this is it. Other than frequent trips back to Italy, Oregon is home.

Lullu is a born entrepreneur, and has managed the Friends Store at the Salem Library; and she has owned and managed a boutique clothing store, and an antiques shop.

Lullu has traveled extensively throughout Asia, North America, and Europe with a special attention on Italy. The focus has always been food.

In 2001 she opened Lullu’s tutto cucina, where it’s all about her upbringing, her life, and it’s all about food. Helping prepare unique, delicious food, all’Italiana.

Lullu’s nature is inquisitive, always challenging, always exploring, always changing. Her family is #1 in her life, but food runs a close second. No two meals are alike. It depends on Lullu’s thoughts, mood, and ingredient availability. She is ALWAYS thinking outside the box. Lullu’s quote:  “It’s too crowded inside the box.”