Madeline is a cook whose foundation was built through years of practice and guidance from mentors around the world. Rooted in a deep passion for food, she approaches cooking as both craft and care, an act of love, humility, and connection. Her philosophy centers on honoring every part of the process: caring for ingredients, respecting the practice, and nourishing the people gathered around the table.

In many ways, that belief is the foundation of La Mar.

la mar started with a little girl who loved getting her hands dirty on a rural farm in Missouri, surrounded by stories and a deep reverence for where food comes from. That foundation was later deepened through years of craft, discipline, and hands-on learning across Europe, where she worked under esteemed chefs in professional kitchens and learned within the homes of the communities that sustained them.

What began as intimate dining experiences under the name Simone’s, a nod to Madeline’s middle name, quickly grew into something larger than a dinner table. By February of 2023, she was curating immersive dinner parties, collaborating with small businesses, and building a community centered around intentional dining and meaningful connection.

La Mar is the natural evolution of a collaborative journey. It is an expression of Madeline’s belief that dining can be transformative, that a meal can ground us, move us, and bring us closer to ourselves and one another. Born from a desire to feel life deeply, La Mar now exists to share that feeling with others through thoughtful hospitality, beautiful food, and experiences designed to linger at the end of the meal.