Rooted in Fallbrook, Inspired by Nature
At Cocina Uccellino, we bring the heart of farm-to-table cooking to your home. Our story is woven with local roots, a passion for quality, and a deep care for community wellness.
Our Story & Values
Cocina Uccellino began as a personal dream — shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep love for food, culture, and community. I am Lori Jiannuzzi, a businesswoman, mother of 2 wonderful children, and founder who understands what it means to rebuild from nothing.
My entrepreneurial journey began when my son was just six months old. At the time, I could not find quality childcare that aligned with my values. Instead of giving up, I decided to become part of the solution. I created New Generations Learning Center, a nationally accredited early childhood program (NAEYC) from the ground up, serving local families in my community of Scripps Ranch for more than a decade. That experience taught me an important lesson — the power of building resources where none exist. It also revealed how food brings comfort, joy, and connection into everyday life. In my childcare program, we even had a chef who prepared every meal from scratch. Meals were included in tuition, which allowed us to customize menus for allergies and preferences while ensuring that every child received nutritious food. This simple act of care gave busy families one less thing to worry about.
Years ago, after the economic downturn affected my business and forced me to sell everything, including our home, my family and I spent multiple years living in long-term stay hotels, moving from rental to rental, as well as staying with friends and family. We faced food insecurity and often wished for the tools, space, and resources to prepare wholesome meals together. That experience planted the first seed for Cocina Uccellino.
Today, I feel people long for a place to come together — to learn, cook, and celebrate the traditions that make family meals meaningful. Cocina Uccellino began as a mobile program with a vision to serve schools, seniors, and community groups. Through our hands-on cooking classes, we teach participants to cook with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. In addition, every recipe is paired with the stories and heritage behind it.
Looking ahead, my vision includes building a barn kitchen — a welcoming, fully equipped space for on-site classes. This future kitchen will provide an inspiring environment for creativity, learning, and community connection. My Christian faith guides every decision I make. It reminds me to lead with gratitude, integrity, and a heart for service.
At Cocina Uccellino, our values are rooted in quality, authenticity, and compassion — for people and for the planet. From my father’s nickname for me, “little bird,” to the shared meals in our classes, everything we do reflects connection, legacy, and hope.
Meet Our Culinary Family
Coming Soon
Farm Liaison
Coming Soon
Hospitality & Events Manager
Coming Soon
Spice & Wellness Tea Specialist
Our Promise to You
At Cocina Uccellino, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to nourish body and soul. That’s why we’re dedicated to sourcing the freshest farm-to-table ingredients, supporting local growers, and handcrafting each of our spice blends and wellness teas with care.
We see food as a bridge to community and well-being. Our commitment extends beyond our kitchen—it’s about empowering you to cook with confidence, savor genuine flavors, and connect to the vibrant culture of Fallbrook, CA.
By honoring artisanal traditions and prioritizing quality, we hope to inspire you to bring wholesome, delicious moments to your table and share them with the people you love.
Little Bird Productions is a creative media studio based in Fallbrook, California, dedicated to storytelling through food, film, and community. Founded by Home Chef Lori Jiannuzzi, the studio partners with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to produce educational and culinary content that celebrates culture, connection, and purpose. From filming cooking classes and community events to creating digital media for regional partners, Little Bird Productions brings stories to life that inspire learning, collaboration, and gratitude — always guided by the belief that every shared meal has a story worth telling.
AAA Food Manager’s Certification
Home Chef Lori Uccellino holds an active AAA Food Manager’s Certification, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and professional kitchen management. This nationally recognized credential verifies training in hazard analysis, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and safe food handling practices required by California health regulations. All Cocina Uccellino classes and community programs follow these same principles, ensuring that every participant learns and cooks in a clean, safe, and fully compliant environment.
