My Father

My father, Paul, was a Hungarian chef. We called him “Cheffie”. He immigrated to the United States after the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. He was a “56’r” who had fought with the Freedom Fighters in a revolution against the Soviets to regain Hungary’s freedom. He was a pilot in the armed forces and a Chef trained in the French method.

A highlight of his career came in the 1950s when he was chosen to make a Royal State’s dinner for honoring the soon-to-be Queen Elizabeth at the Hungarian embassy in London just before her coronation.

He worked at many fine dining establishments in New York City before arriving in Western New York. My mother and he owned Alexandria’s Hungarian Heart Café in North Java and Elma, New York. It was named after my daughter, Alexandria.

My father brought family recipes from Hungary, Austria, and Germany. I had the privilege of learning many of these old-world recipes during my apprenticeship under him. His specialties were Chicken Paprika, Stuffed Cabbage, and Hungarian Goulash. His popular desserts were Napolean’s, Poppy Seed, Walnut Coffee rolls, Linzner cookies, and Dobos Tortes.

My Mom

My mom, Patricia, helped support our family by selling homemade desserts to friends and neighbors. Her special occasion cakes and cookies were always a hit, gracing numerous weddings and birthdays. Her dedication taught me valuable lessons about caring for family, culinary artistry, and, of course, clean as you go! Her cooking was a heartfelt expression of love, and every meal felt like a warm embrace.

As a child, my mom taught me many traditional family recipes passed down through our ancestors. Mom often created new dishes inspired by whatever ingredients were at hand. Everything was always delicious, from her sauces, stews, and soups to her pot roast, stuffed peppers, and the best macaroni & cheese ever! (Grandma Gertie style!) My catering services offer many of these delicious foods!

And Me!

Hello! I’m Marjorie. After many years and exciting paths abroad, I came home to continue the family business in honor of my mom. She always encouraged me to fulfill my dreams of having my own business. I dedicate my endeavors to her.

I loved our family dinners, where everyone enjoyed talking about the food! As a child, I learned the basics and grew to love cooking. As a young adult, I toured my way around the kitchen, learning each aspect. As I gained my own level of artistry, I began modifying some of the recipes by measuring a pinch of this and a dash of that and just enough seasoning to enhance flavors to my style. It gives me joy to know I can satisfy people with meals and desserts prepared just for them.

I read that 6.5 is the average number of signs of affection a person should receive daily to maintain a healthy emotional status. It can be a smile, a hug, or even a friendly gesture. For my family, it was also the food we crafted together. And for me, my mom’s encouragement to become the family’s next-generation food artisan in my own right.

6.5 Mom!

My Daughter

Meet my daughter Alexandria. She grew up in the kitchen by our sides. She especially loved helping Cheffie and grandma. We taught her the basics and gave her hands-on experience. And just as I learned as a child, clean as you go!