Ane Stražičić Rodriguez was born on the island of Mljet to a fisherman’s family with daily fishing and preparation of Dalmatian food, making wine and olive oil. Thanks to her grandmother, she learned to use herbs that, along with salt, peper and olive oil, are the main spices in Dalmatian cuisine. She moved to America in the 80’s and brought with her all the tastes and smells of her native land. Ane is married to Luis Rodriguez and they have two beautiful children, Albert and Michell. As a mother, woman and Croatian, she is proud to instill a love for Croatia in her children, to teach them the Croatian language, knowledge of Croatian history, traditions and culture. She is grateful to her husband Luis, who supports everything she does for Croatia and the Croatian communities in New York, where he himself helps as a professional chef at many Croatian festivals and picnics.