Meet Carrie Caruso
Carrie Caruso is a lifelong Cincinnatian whose passion for cooking was sparked at a young age alongside her mother and grandmother, and fueled by hours spent poring over vintage Gourmet magazines gifted by her beloved Aunt Margaret. From mastering cherished family staples to experimenting with timeless classics, Carrie’s kitchen has always been a place of creativity, connection, and community.
While pursuing culinary school credentials in New York, Carrie found herself drawn into Cincinnati’s catering scene. She built a devoted clientele, serving corporate lunches, private dinners, and touring artists alike—from New Kids on the Block and Björk to Sam Kinison and Broadway productions. During one high-pressure service, witnessing a frozen pie served to guests convinced her there had to be a more creative approach. She launched her own catering company to ensure every detail—from quality ingredients to thoughtful presentation—reflected her lifelong commitment to flavor and hospitality.
Under her own banner, Carrie catered events for Procter & Gamble, the Cincinnati Bengals, and countless private celebrations, weaving her family-inspired recipes into each menu. It was also the birthplace of her now-famous Italian Torta—an appetizer so beloved that patrons asked for it by name. After marrying her husband, Tony, and welcoming two daughters, Carrie stepped back from catering to raise her family. But the calls kept coming—and so did the requests for her Italian Torta—leading her to found Caruso’s Gourmet Foods in 2005, a venture that allowed her to balance motherhood with her culinary calling.
Today, Caruso’s Gourmet Foods brings Carrie’s warmhearted approach to gourmet offerings year-round. You’ll find her at the Cincinnati Holiday Market, the Lakota East and West Holiday Shows, and other seasonal events throughout the region. If you can’t catch her in person, nationwide shipping is available. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering on your porch or a festive holiday feast, Carrie’s creations are here to make every occasion a little more delicious—because parties can happen anytime.
