The Family ( The people behind La Cocina de Tita Moning)

"La Cocina de Tita Moning" is first and foremost about family.


ABOUT ME

My name is Suzette Legarda Montinola. The reason "La Cocina de Tita Moning" is "my" project" is pure and simple luck. I was born into a family with great taste and style, who actually believe in me. I’ve had the invaluable opportunity to travel, study, and work all over the world. The Universe never seems to tire of sending the most interesting people, and wonderful opportunities into my life. Now, if success is measured by the amount of money you have or make, then I most certainly am not. But what I do is really fun, seriously interesting, and I get to do what I love. Most days I think I’m richer and more successful than many people.


MY GRANDPARENTS

           

DR. ALEJANDRO LEGARDA Sr. M.D- (1904-1993)

Doctor Legarda was a Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Santo Tomas.He was a respected OB Gynecologist, avid photographer, and accomplished Ham Radio Operator. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He treated soldiers from both the American and Japanese sides during the war.

He traveled the world meeting new friends he spoke with on the radio. He doted on his wife in a manner that make women (when told the story of his devotion to Ramona) until today swoon. He raised four children to practice the most noble profession he knew- Medicine.

The collections of world class camera equipment, radio equipment and great works of art on display in his home (The Legarda Mansion) only give a glimpse of the great man he was. How he inspired in all the generations that followed him the sense of family unity and heritage. It was one of his last wishes that the home be preserved, and with heaven on our side ,
“La Cocina de Tita Moning” has been born.

RAMONA HERNANDEZ LEGARDA( 1904-1999)

           
When her first grandchild was born, Tita Moning as she is now more popularly known, swore that she would never be called "lola" or "grandmother" instead she coined the nickname "G.G" which was short for "Glamorous Grandmother". She lived up to that name all her life. In the manner she carried herself, the grace with which she prepared her lavish dinner parties, and the perfection with which she cooked her meals.

All the recipes of La Cocina de Tita Moning today can be attributed to her skill and perfectionists touch in the kitchen and elsewhere. All her life, she dreamt of owning her own restaurant, but instead focused her attentions to being a perfect wife to Alejandro and mother to his four children. Today, we have taken her recipes , immortalized her kitchen, and are living her dream.

"THE BIG FOUR" (PITUSA, UKO, BOY AND RAMON LEGARDA)


The four children of Alejandro Legarda and Ramona Hernandez Legarda.
They basically complete the board of Directors of
"La Cocina de Tita Moning".

THE THIRD GENERATION

              

THE FOURTH GENERATION