Discover our story

Messina Market owners, Jennifer and Marilia, met through their sons, who befriended each other in school, when Marilia and her family moved to Laurel Hollow from California. Very quickly, Jennifer and Marilia bonded over their love of food and cooking as well as having in common that they are both originally from Costa Rica. Their bond grew even stronger when they surprisingly discovered through a DNA testing kit that they are indeed related – they are third cousins! You could say it was meant to be.

About Jennifer

Jennifer Bowles is a wife and mother to three wonderful boys. She was born in Costa Rica and was adopted as an infant by a wonderful couple, Margareta and Fred Garcia. Since then, Jennifer has been a lifelong Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor resident who has always felt most “at home” in the kitchen. She is a self-trained home chef with a passion for entertaining and perusing cookbooks to plan menus for anything from a casual family dinner to an elaborate cocktail party. Jennifer has long dreamed of turning her passion of cooking from a hobby to a dream profession. Messina Market has enabled her to turn those dreams into a reality!

About Marilia

Marilia is an accomplished food professional, business development executive, and certified Chef from the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Institute. Previously, the owner and operator of Artisan Meals LLC, Marilia has been recognized for her culinary accomplishments as a recipient of the prestigious S. Izzard Award and regional semi-finalist at the Almost Famous Chef San Pellegrino competition. She has also been featured in publications such as Orange County Magazine (CA), Ladera Times (CA), and The Daily Herald (IL).

Marilia was originally born in Costa Rica to Italian American and Costa Rican parents. After moving to Long Island, she decided to follow her life’s dream by owning and operating a high-end food business. Messina Market has made this dream come true! She resides in Laurel Hollow, NY with her husband, Robert, and their five amazing children.

CHEF INSPIRED RECIPES

Our passion for flavor and food
inspires us to create winning
dishes for you and your family.

Taste-imonials

What they say

  • The service by the friendly staff makes the already great tasting food taste even better if that’s possible!

    -Phil Siegel

  • Great gourmet selections to eat in or take out. There is also a great seating selection available inside or out.

    -Judi Schub Vogel

  • Had a great panini and a delicious smoothie. Both were wonderful, and looking forward to my next visit.

    -Theresa DeLuca

  • Consistently great quality & service. They are real professionals.

    -John Malzone

  • We used their catering service. The owner and staff were incredibly helpful in guiding us towards the best options for our party. Food was delicious and beautifully displayed. We will definitely be using their services again!

    -Lisa Wetchler

  • This is a great place for anyone who wants excellent food and great service. The outside seating area is a great option when the weather is good. Also the staff is very nice, friendly and helpful when making sure everything is to your liking. 👍👍two thumbs up!

    -Mike Morrison