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Meet Da'Vette "Mama D" Wilder
I’m Da’Vette La’Ree Wilder, proudly known as “Mama D”, born and raised in Culver City, Southern California. With decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, cooking has been my passion since the age of seven. Years later, I realized this passion is truly my God-given gift.
I love to cook. I love to serve. And most of all, I love people.
Throughout my teens and twenties, food was always at the heart of every gathering. My late brother an exceptional cook himself and I hosted countless house parties, setting up tables overflowing with food long before DJs were a thing. This eventually grew into JAMCO, hosting parties at venues across the area, with me always in the kitchen. His passing in 2018 remains close to my heart, and his influence continues to inspire my journey.
~ Da'Vette L. Wilder
My Culinary Journey
In 1988, I relocated to Lake County, Northern California, where my professional career began in the 1990s at Ol’ Smokey’s, a family-owned BBQ and smoked meats restaurant in Lucerne, CA.
From there, I went on to open Mama D’s Kitchen ~ Food for da Soul ~, offering both restaurant dining and catering services in Lakeport, California.
In 2015, I moved to Sacramento, California, where I further refined my skills working in:
The Downtown Sacramento Convention Center
The Downtown Hyatt Hotel
University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law
These experiences shaped my ability to prepare exceptional food tailored to individual preferences. That’s why I love catering—it’s truly about catering to every need.
Mama D’s Kitchen Today
- Today, I proudly own and operate Mama D’s Kitchen ~ Food for da Soul ~, specializing in In-Home Dining and Drop-Off Catering.
- Every meal is prepared with love, generous portions, and soulful flavor—meant to comfort, satisfy, and bring people together.