Episode 1

1/01/25


Welcome to Luther’s Digest.


Here we'll document our journey starting a family business and reflect on the daily events and experiences.


Who are we? I’m Kiki, Mamabear to my four amazing kiddos - Lauren, Hudson, Elio, and Thibault. I’m also, Nonnina to my adorable granddaughter, Olive Kay.


I grew up in a food family. My Italian mother, raised in New Orleans, cooked dinner every night for our family. My canned joke is that I grew up on bolognese and gumbo. So did my kids, and all these years later, we all recognize how lucky we are to have grown up surrounded by food and family. Our big family still gets together for Sunday dinners. It looks a little different these days since everyone has moved all over the world, but when everyone is back in Chicago, there is no question that a family meal is in order.


Anyone who knows me isn’t surprised I ended up in hospitality. I LOVE cooking. I LOVE people. And I LOVE people who love to eat. It’s something inside of me. I wake up thinking about what I will cook and fall asleep thinking about recipes.


In 2013, we took a family trip to Italy. While walking around Rome, Hudson, who was in high school then, and I started talking about opening a restaurant together one day. It was normal daydreaming that no one took seriously. I did, however. I knew one day I would need to fulfill this dream. Fast forward a decade. At 51 years old, I decided it was time. I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m launching a food truck with Hudson and Thibault. People thought I was nuts at first.


We are learning as we go. All of my work history has come full circle with Luther’s. It feels the most natural to be in the kitchen and share my love of global cuisine. So, join the journey with us. The ups. The downs. The fails and the fun. It’s all going to be here in Luther’s Digest.


Cheers,

MamaKeeks


Cheerful food truck team posing inside their mobile kitchen