AmalfiCoast Costiera Amalfitana

Written by M.P. -

Two meters tall, a kind smile, and a surprising passion for healthy cooking: meet Brian O'Neil, NFL star and cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings, the latest international personality to choose Mamma Agata’s cooking school in Ravello, a renowned destination for food lovers and celebrities from around the world.

A tradition that dates back to the 1950s, when a young Agata began cooking for illustrious guests such as Humphrey Bogart, Susanna Agnelli, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, that passion lives on through the tireless work of her daughter Chiara, who has welcomed well-known faces like Pierce Brosnan, Joanne Kern, Sela Ward, Kurt Warner, Fred Whitfield, Alfie Boe, Andrew Zimmern, Woody Harrelson, Jalen Rose, Mark Ruffalo, Jared Goff, Michael Jordan, Rebecca Lines, Travis Mays, Drayton Florence, and Derek Jeter.

Accompanying Brian on this unforgettable day between the stove and breathtaking views were his wife and her entire family, father-in-law, mother-in-law, her two sisters, and their husbands. A close-knit, cheerful, and curious group, they were immediately swept away by the energy of Chiara Lima, Mamma Agata’s daughter, who now passionately leads the family business alongside her children, Mario and Paola.

"They were truly very kind" Chiara tells us. "Honestly, I think they pampered me more than I did them! Brian is a gentle giant—two meters of sweetness, sensitivity, and a deep commitment to healthy eating. He told me he follows a balanced diet and even has a private chef who prepares wholesome meals for him daily. That’s why they chose us, and for me, it was an honor."

During the class, Brian and his relatives tried their hand at preparing several of the school’s traditional staples: the famous meatballs (which they enthusiastically mixed and rolled), zucchini parmigiana, and of course, Mamma Agata’s timeless Bolognese ragù, a cornerstone of the school’s legacy. "You should know," Chiara adds with a smile, "that during the tasting, Brian had five bowls of Bolognese! He rarely drinks, his father-in-law told me, but he couldn’t resist that sauce."

In addition to classic recipes, Chiara also shared some new creations that will be revealed in the upcoming cookbook, scheduled for release in March 2026. It will be the second volume dedicated to Mamma Agata’s cuisine: the first, Simple and Genuine, was a true publishing success, winning several international awards in its category.

Brian O’Neil’s visit is just the latest chapter in a journey that has long intertwined flavors, emotions, and hospitality. The family’s love for cooking, seen as an art of both welcome and memory, is a value passed down from Mamma Agata to her daughter Chiara and now to the new generation, Mario and Paola, who enthusiastically carry the torch. With their eyes on the future and their hands firmly rooted in the land of their heritage, they are ready to preserve and innovate a legacy that has touched hearts (and palates) across the globe.