Meet the Rhode Island Native Behind U Had Me at Kitchen

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when garlic hits the pan and a table fills faster than you can say “Mangia.” For Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini, that moment isn’t just nostalgic. It’s the whole point.

The Rhode Island native and the personality behind U Had Me at Kitchen has built a following around that feeling, where food, culture, and connection meet in a way that feels both personal and unforgettable. At her recent St. Joseph’s Day celebration at VUE 24 inside Foxwoods Resort Casino, she brought that philosophy to life through a thoughtfully paced, multi-course evening that unfolded less like a traditional dinner and more like a story shared among friends.

Guests were welcomed with basil red sangria, a fresh, herbaceous start that set the tone before a single bite reached the table. From there, the evening eased into classic bruschetta, bright, simple, and exactly what you want to begin. It felt like a quiet nod to tradition before the energy shifted and the room leaned in.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.

DiGiglio-Mancini stepped to the front for a live cooking demonstration of her St. Joseph’s Day pasta, a bold bucatini layered with cherry peppers, anchovies, toasted breadcrumbs, and pecorino Romano. As she stirred and plated, she talked guests through each step with ease, calling out familiar faces along the way and pulling the entire room into the experience. It never felt like a performance. It felt like you had a seat at her table.

“Cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen,” DiGiglio-Mancini shares. “It was always about food, family, fun, and love.” That sense of warmth carried seamlessly into the next courses, as family-style dishes began to land across the table in generous, passable portions. Crispy pan-fried eggplant parm layered with rich passata and pecorino Romano delivered that classic comfort, while lemony chicken piccata with capers and white wine added a bright, balanced contrast. Roasted herb garlic potatoes and a peppery arugula salad rounded out the spread, giving each plate something to linger over.

Self-taught and deeply rooted in tradition, DiGiglio-Mancini describes her style as “old world meets modern,” transforming simple ingredients into bold, memorable flavors. The approach feels effortless, but behind it is a lifetime shaped by storytelling, performance, and a natural ability to connect.

Before stepping into the culinary world, she built a career in the music industry, performing alongside artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Lionel Richie. That performer’s instinct still shows up today in the way she reads a room, holds attention, and makes every guest feel seen.

Now a familiar face on The Rhode Show and beyond, DiGiglio-Mancini thrives in live, unscripted moments. She has also brought her signature energy to national platforms, including appearances on Food Network and a recent one-on-one interview with culinary icon Lidia Bastianich.

At Foxwoods, she curates exclusive dining experiences for VIP guests, designing menus and leading interactive evenings that feel equal parts dinner and storytelling. It’s not just about what’s on the plate. It’s about how it’s shared, how it’s experienced, and how it stays with you long after the last course.

Her background in the travel industry adds another layer, shaping a broader perspective that subtly weaves into her cooking. Each dish carries not only tradition, but a sense of curiosity and lived experience.

The evening closed the way all great Italian celebrations do, with something sweet. Traditional St. Joseph’s Day desserts, including pillowy zeppole dusted in sugar, made their way around the table, bringing everything full circle.

For DiGiglio-Mancini, it always comes back to gathering. At its core, her mission to bring back Sunday dinner goes beyond what’s on the plate. It’s about making space to slow down, connect, and create something that lingers long after the meal ends. For recipes, upcoming events, and a closer look at what DiGiglio-Mancini is cooking up next, visit uhadmeatkitchen.com and follow along on social media at @uhadmeatkitchen.