We both love to cook while spending time with friends and family, so a gourmet kitchen store seemed to be the perfect match. Because we were both raised on family ranches in Elko County, we have a strong commitment to our rural community and to small business.

Cucina Fresca is located in the heart Downtown Elko and is proud to offer the most extensive collection of culinary tools, gourmet foods, and tableware for the kitchens of Northeastern Nevada.

Cucina Fresca is not a chain or franchise. We are a proud "mom & pop" store only to be found in Elko, Nevada.

Karissa

Manager

Where did you grow up …“Home Means Nevada to Me” right here in Elko

Where have you lived… Besides Nevada, I have lived in Logan & Holladay, Utah, Tucson, Arizona, Barrington, Illinois and Paris, France.

How long have you been in Elko and how did you get here… I have returned to Elko from the Chicagoland area and have been back about a month.

Favorite food or dish as a child…My favorite food was my birthday cake, always German Chocolate. I love coconut!

Favorite dish to cook… I enjoy cooking chili. I’m always trying new variations on a family favorite recipe.

Favorite kitchen tool at Cucina Fresca… The Kyocera ceramic knives. They have a unique design and they cut through food (especially bread) like butter!

Favorite restaurant… The 95th in Chicago which is at the top of the Hancock Building. It is a special occasion restaurant with a 360 view of Chicago and has the BEST garlic mashed potatoes ever! The view at night is spectacular especially on 4th of July.

Favorite thing about Elko… I love the people and my family is here. I love the view of the Ruby Mountains and the outdoor recreation that this area offers year round.

Favorite place to shop (other than CF, of course)…)… Bookstores, I lose track of time in them.

Favorite cookbook or cooking magazine… love Sunset Magazine.

Where did you grow up…Just outside Elko, Nevada

Where have you lived…Elko, Lubbock TX, Corvallis OR, Las Vegas

How long have you been in Elko and how did you get here…  I've been here all my life, only moving to go to college.

Favorite food or dish as a child …Peanut butter and cheese toast

Favorite dish to cook… I love making, what I call "Pantry Soup". Making a delicious, hearty soup in the middle of the winter, using only the ingredients you find in your house is very comforting and makes the house smell so wonderful on a cold winter day!

Favorite kitchen tool at Cucina Fresca…  I love the silicone spatulas. They are so bright and colorful and can be used for everything!

Favorite restaurant…   The Star

Favorite thing about Elko…  All of the outdoor activities right outside our front doors.

Favorite place to shop…  Maurices and Trader Joe's

Favorite cookbook or cooking magazine…  I LOVE Cooks Illustrated and Food and Wine

Jacinta

Inventory Receiving

Where did you grow up …Abilene, TX

Where have you lived… Minden, LA; Magnolia, AR and Hebbronville, TX. As a child, I lived in many, many small towns in Texas.

How long have you been in Elko and how did you get here…I moved to Elko/Spring Creek 14 years ago. I drove from Magnolia, AR with a truck and trailer, an Arabian stallion, an elderly Appaloosa, and a Rottweiler.

Favorite food or dish as a child…Chili.

Favorite dish to cook….Chili.

Favorite kitchen tool at Cucina Fresca…Staub Casserole.

Favorite restaurant…Lowake Steak House in Lowake, TX.

Favorite thing about Elko… It is close to the Ruby Mountains, where there are great trails to ride on. I came to Elko for the riding opportunities.

Favorite place to shop (other than CF, of course)… Healthy as a Horse, which sells equipment for endurance riding.

Favorite cookbook or cooking magazine…Cane River Cookbook