Introducing Mariano's new trio of Tastemakers: Cynthia, Peter and Cameron Au!
From partaking in our fun in-store events to devouring their favorite foods—including our freshly sliced prosciutto and Todds BBQ baby back ribs—discover what feeds the Au family's passion for Mariano's! "One of my biggest struggles is finding the time to grocery shop while balancing my schedule between three restaurants. Mariano's allows me to keep up my healthy lifestyle and use my time efficiently, making it easy to grab everything I need in one trip."
Q: Where is your hometown?
A: Chicago!
Q: What neighborhood do you live in/which Mariano's do you frequent?
A: South Loop... Because we like being close to family in Chinatown, our son's school and work. We walk to Mariano's South Loop a few times a week.
Q: What food is your guilty pleasure?
A: We all scream for ice cream! Half our freezer is different types of ice creams and gelatos for the whole family.
Q: What is the last meal you ate?
A: Prosciutto, avocado, tomato basil with balsamic reduction on toast. Which also happens to be our son Cameron's lunch today.
Q: What is your favorite ingredient to use in cooking?
A: Fresh whole garlic. It's versatile... raw, cooked, hot or cold!
Q: Whose cooking are you most inspired by?
A: Our parents. Both my parents were professional chefs and Cynthia's mom was a great home cook.
Q: What would your last meal on Earth be?
A: Lobstercargot and ribeye steak from Chicago Cut Steakhouse.
Q: What's your go-to condiment?
A: Home-made balsamic reduction (2/3 balsamic vinegar, 1/3 honey simmered until reduced by half). We put it on our sandwiches as well as salads and use it for cooking too.
Q: What's your favorite beverage (non-alcoholic or alcoholic)?
A: Fresh squeezed orange juice from Mariano's. It's an addiction that we always have in the fridge.
Q: What is the one thing you can't leave a Mariano's without buying?
A: Bananas for our little monkey.
Q: What's your favorite dessert?
A: Umm, did we mention gelato ice cream?
Q: What's your favorite fresh ingredient?
A: Basil. We grow our own and Cameron picks it for us fro the plant.
Q: What produce are you obsessed with?
A: The ribeye steaks at the butcher counter.