Hello, and welcome to Sunday Supper Movement! My name is Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie. I'm a home chef with a husband, four kids, and two grandkids - needless to say, I have a passion for bringing families together around the dinner table!
My Background
When my parents first immigrated to the United States from Portugal, I was still very young, and stayed behind to live with my grandmother.
Those early years spent with her were fundamental in shaping my culinary journey, sprouting a deep passion for family cooking.
My grandmother was an amazing cook, and I treasured every moment spent with her in her kitchen and her garden.
We harvested fresh herbs and vegetables together, and the experience of picking them for our meals was always a highlight of my day! It made every meal memorable.
This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for fresh, simple flavors. There is a magic in cooking with ingredients you've nurtured yourself.
Eventually, I joined my parents in the United States, where I have lived ever since. But, I carried with me those invaluable lessons I learned from my grandmother. The rich, diverse flavors of Portuguese cuisine that I grew up with continue to inspire me every day!
Some of my fondest memories in the kitchen are of preparing my favorite Portuguese recipes, including my mother's irresistible Portuguese Rice, Portuguese Beef Skewers (Espetada Madeira), and Shrimp Empanadas (Rissóis de Camarão). These dishes hold a special place in my heart and kitchen.
Ever since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to carry on the culinary legacy my family and upbringing has gifted me. I am so excited to share these cherished family recipes with you!
Isabel's Favorite Family Dinners
Founding Sunday Supper
Founding Sunday Supper began with a simple mission in mind: ensuring my daughter had access to our family recipes when she went off to college.
From there, that simple goal blossomed into so much more - a mission to share my recipes online with families all over the world to help bring them around the dinner table in celebration together. You can read more about the founding of Sunday Supper here.
Hosting the Food and Wine Conference
For five consecutive years, I proudly took on the mantle of hosting the Food and Wine Conference.
Under my leadership, the event garnered immense popularity, becoming a sought-after platform for culinary professionals, enthusiasts, and influencers. I take great pride in its success to this day!
By blending tradition with innovation, the conference became a unique experience for all who shared a passion for food.
The Food and Wine Conference was host to curated panels, workshops, and tasting sessions, all with an array of beloved sponsors, including Cabot Creamery, Idaho Potato, Certified Angus Beef® brand, Florida Strawberry, Wisconsin Cheese, and Gallo Winery.
Television Appearances
Over the years, I have made numerous TV appearances, including WTSP, Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend, ABC Action News, WFLA/WTTA, First Coast News, and more.
My most frequent appearance was as the host of "Family Foodie Friday" on WTSP, spreading my recipes and love for food with Tampa Bay, with the hopes to highlight the significance of family gatherings and the emotional bonds forged over sharing meals. You can view some of my TV appearances here.
Social Media
Follow my social channels on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, my Facebook Group, and Youtube, to keep in touch!
Contact Me
You can easily keep in touch with me by subscribing to my email to have recipes sent to your inbox for free! Here, you can reply to my emails to tell me about your experience with our recipes or ask any questions you may have. Sign up below.
Feel free to also send an email to the Sunday Supper Team through the email featured on our Contact page. We love to hear from you!
Keep Up With Me
Every week on Sunday, I share with you the memories my family and I made that week - with recaps, photos, recipes, and everything I'm enjoying, from books to TV shows and handy gadgets or decor for the house. Want to keep up with me? Sign up for my newsletter above, and visit my blog!
Thank You!
It is my hope my endeavors, spanning multiple sites, cookbooks, television spots, and workshops, all converge on a central theme: food as a medium for love, tradition, and unity. Food is more than sustenance: it's an embodiment of memories and connections!
Da minha mesa para a sua - from my table to yours,
Isabel