About Mama Said
A husband-and-wife team from Ithaca, NY
We met while working at the Home Dairy Cafe on The Commons. Today we make handmade hand pies, soup and coffee in Ithaca with flavors from around the world.
Why we started Mama Said
Mama Said Hand Pies was born from a wish to serve flavors from all over the world, made with locally sourced ingredients, especially humanely raised meat, while keeping the food budget-friendly and kid-approved.
We take the time to prepare many things the way people did a few generations back.
“We take the convenience out of food”
After making our own farmer cheese and queso fresco, using leftover whey in pierogi dough, and then condensing some fresh, local milk, Hiroko said, “It's like we take the convenience out of food.”
Whether it's bone broth, cheese or dough made from scratch, Mama Said gets its homemade flavor from the process as much as the ingredients.
Co-owner
Hiroko Takashima
Hiroko grew up in Ithaca, NY, eating simply prepared but nutritious food. Her parents encouraged her to meet people from many cultures and to appreciate all kinds of food. Her father taught her the delight of a fresh piece of fish, using every part of each ingredient when possible, and preparing each ingredient well, whatever the dish.
In college, Hiroko traveled on a scholarship. She spent time in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, eating soul food with great gusto, then spent a year studying religion and culture in Taiwan, Thailand, India, Nepal, Italy, Israel, Palestine and England.
She went on to earn a BS in Natural Health and Herbal Science at Bastyr University. Her training as an herbalist inspires many of the ingredients and methods behind our sauces, drinks and fillings.
Co-owner
Gabe Flores
Gabe grew up in Queens, NY. His parents both love to cook and have worked in hospitality his whole life. As a boy he lived near his Guatemalan grandmother and great-grandmother and his Colombian aunt, who gave him many happy food memories.
His mother cooked traditional Irish-American dishes and learned Guatemalan dishes from her in-laws, and neighbors from many cultures shared food and recipes. His father makes the best Guatemalan black beans and stewed chicken.
Gabe and his three siblings take food seriously, and all have spent years in the industry. Gabe has worked in hospitality for 30 years, from small cafés to the world-renowned Gramercy Tavern.
Come taste what we make
Together, we've enjoyed food adventures in Japan, Ireland, New York City and Seattle. Visit us in Ithaca or order your hand pies online.