A Story of Love, Heritage & the Power of the Table

Family, Heritage & the Language of Food

As one of four daughters, I grew up in a kitchen where “just a little” meant “enough to feed a small village.” My mother’s food was never complicated, yet it was rich with tradition. Fresh pasta was made in-house. Meat was cured patiently. Tomato sauce wasn’t a recipe — it was a ritual, and heaven help you if you suggested changing it.

My father tended his summer garden with the discipline of an engineer and the heart of a farmer. Every plant had purpose. Every harvest mattered. And if you dared step on his basil, you’d better start running.

From them, I learned that a meal is far more than a combination of ingredients. It is about sourcing quality local products. Respecting time-honoured techniques. Honouring cultural specialties. And always — always — adding a social element.

Food, when done right, becomes a celebration. That philosophy is the backbone of Pierina – Plats Maison.

Travel, Curiosity & a Global Palate

In my early twenties, I started working for airlines — a job that gave me access to the world and, more importantly, to the world’s menus. Wherever I traveled with friends, one rule was non-negotiable: we eat like locals, not tourists.

Already immersed in Montreal’s multicultural food scene, travel only deepened my curiosity. Cajun, Portuguese, Italian and French cuisines quickly became favourites. As I grew older, my trips became more intentional — flying to specific cities just to try a dish I had read about. (Yes, I am that person.)

My palate evolved. I craved unfamiliar flavours. Through food, I discovered how culture lives on the plate — how history, geography and identity are preserved through taste.

Today, my culinary repertoire extends beyond my Italian roots and embraces Southeast Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines — always interpreted with respect, authenticity and balance. Never fusion for the sake of fusion. Never chaos. Always intention.

Love, Loss & the Soul of Pierina

In 2018, I met my Midwest gentleman Warren Ryan (born in North Dakota). A principal trumpet player for the United States Air Force. As his UND professor recently said, “Warren was one of my best students to ever graduate from the Trumpet Performance program at UND.” My bud — calm, grounded, and strong.

His presence softened my edges. His simplicity balanced my intensity. His strength made this plus-sized woman feel petite, beautiful, intelligent, and safe — a magic trick he never revealed.

On September 12, 2019, in my parents’ hometown of Montano Antilia, Salerno, Italy, Warren proposed to me. Twenty-nine days later, our world shifted. Warren was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma. Love did not hesitate. Fear did not win. We married five months later, on February 22, 2020.

Warren faced his illness with resilience and grace. Nicknamed “the bull,” he often said, “I’m living my best life, P — even with cancer.” And he meant it. We were honeymooners. We chose joy. We chose presence. We chose to laugh — often at ourselves.

On November 12, 2024, Warren passed away. He left me with a full heart, a stronger voice, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. His final words to me were: “P, I wish you all the successes in the world.”

P, I wish you all the successes in the world.

Pierina – Plats Maison is my promise to him. A promise that our love story would never end. Through thoughtfully prepared, heritage-inspired, home-style dishes, Pierina celebrates family, culture, and the power of sharing a meal. Every plate carries intention. Every recipe holds memory. Every dish is designed to be felt — not just eaten.

This is food rooted in tradition, elevated by experience, and guided by love. This is comfort with purpose. This is celebration without pretense. This is a kitchen where humour is welcome, where no one leaves hungry, and where some of Warren’s faves are enjoyed. This is Pierina.