As a freshman enrolled in Boston University's engineering program on a full scholarship, Maria Cavaleri Gilardo never expected to find herself cooking in Boston's finest restaurants. Yet after exposure in the school's esteemed restaurant and hotel administration program, she soon discovered her love for the food world. Upon graduating from Boston University and Newbury College, Maria entered Boston's hot culinary scene with formal training in Hotel and Food Administration as well as Culinary Arts.

For more than twenty years, Maria has been immersed in greater Boston area restaurant community gaining experience in all aspects of restaurant management from front of the house to the kitchen. Her knowledge of purchasing, inventory and personnel coupled with her broad skills as a cook and baker have made Maria a valuable asset, especially when opening new restaurants. From the ground up, she has helped launch Rooney's Bar & Grille in her hometown of South Boston as well as the celebrated Mount Blue in Norwell, MA. Yet no matter what her role, she has always lent her expertise to well-known restaurateurs such as Ed Kane, Patrick & Jane Bowe, Frank DePasquale, Jim Burke while working alongside notable chefs including Lynda Boothroyd, the late Massimo Michelini, Danny Wiesel, Barbra Lynch and Kevin Long. 

Currently, Maria serves as Pastry Chef at Eat Well, Inc. which includes creating the plated desserts for Tosca, Stars and Caffe Tosca, all located on picturesque Hingham Harbor on Boston's South Shore. Inspired by each restaurant's unique cuisines, Maria is able to make a range of desserts from Mexican creations to traditional Italian confections to home-style American classics.

Having worked in several different positions in restaurants with varying cuisines, Maria brings an eclectic background to any kitchen.  Prior to joining the culinary team at Tosca, Maria served as Sous Chef at Mount Blue in Norwell; Pastry Chef at Rocco's in Boston; Pastry Chef at Noddlebar in Boston; Pastry Chef at Harvest in Cambridge; Chef at Rooney's in South Boston and Pastry Chef and Sous Chef at Trattoria Il Panino in Boston.  

Tosca is the flagship restaurant of Eat Well, Inc. located in Hingham. Tosca features a creative, Italian menu which focuses on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Constructed in an old granary, the theatrical setting of exposed brick, tapestries, and mahogany wood features an open kitchen from which renowned Executive Chef Kevin Long takes center stage. Tosca was awarded Boston Magazine's Best of Boston "Best Restaurant for General Excellence, South" 2004, 2003 and 2002 and Best of Boston "Best Italian Restaurant" 2001.