PHILADELPHIA -- Chef Maria Forte grew up in Italy, where her mother had a restaurant for years.
In Philly, she was a fixture on the Italian restaurant scene, opening a few noted spots before retiring during the pandemic with Cucina Forte in Bella Vista.
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At every stop along the way, Mexican immigrant Juana Franco was with her, for more than 20 years - starting as a dishwasher, then becoming a cook, and eventually running the kitchen.
When Maria left Cucina Forte, Franco bought the restaurant from her and changed the name to Cucina Maria.
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Today, Franco continues to cook the classic Italian dishes she learned under the tutelage of Maria, and says she is excited to be moving into the next phase as owner-chef.
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768 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-408-0020