Sveiki!

I often assisted my grandma, Bronė (Čeika) Mainelis (1920-2019), when she cooked for our family throughout my childhood in the 'burbs of Cleveland, OH. We called her "Muti"—short for močiutė—meaning 'grandmother' in Lithuanian. Fresh, dark rye bread was served with lunch most days, and dinners were typically homemade as well. Muti was famous, however, for her Napoleon Torte (Napoleonas). She sold them throughout my youth to members of the Lithuanian community who would order up the dessert for special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. 

Feeling inspired, I enrolled at ICASI (International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute) in Chesterland, OH in 2006; Grandma picked up the tab. I studied in the evenings after days spent substitute teaching. When not called in to sub, I helped a local Lithuanian woman make koldūnai (pierogies) for her business.
I earned certification in Culinary Arts Basic Skills from ICASI later that same year. After my ceremony, Muti showed off her own graduation photo from a culinary program in Lithuania—a detail she had not shared with me previously. While I always knew Muti's cooking was exceptional, it wasn't until then I realized I had been learning from a master.

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In 2018, I baked my first Napoleon Torte on my own, according to Grandma's recipe. I decided Muti's legacy must carry on, so I began to sell my tortes as well, but with a twist: I bake various sizes and versions of her Napoleon Torte so they may be shared with more people, more often!

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Welcome to my story. Welcome to Lauros Kitchen.