Amy Prodani
Prodani is the co-founder of Bun & Patti restaurant, which recently opened in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Mom to: Jack, 9; and Giana, 7
Hometown: Clovis, CA
Favorite ways to spend family time in CA: We love going to the beach, barbecuing and cooking with the family, taking our dogs Lucy and Bubbles on walks, playing soccer in the park, trying new restaurants, and for a special treat going to Legoland or Disneyland.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: The most rewarding motherhood moment is watching my children learn and grow. It’s been such a joy to watch them embrace restaurant life and want to learn about running a business and helping at the restaurant. Jack has helped dishwash one night, and Giana is always asking the chef about recipes and how the food is prepared. They love interacting with the guests as well. My goal for them is to always be kind and share love.
Biggest challenge as a mom: The biggest challenge as a mom is finding balance. I always want to make sure that my children are at the forefront of everything we do. It has been fun to involve my children with the restaurant and integrate both business and personal life.
A mother who inspires you and why: My mother was my greatest inspiration, and I think about her every day in all that I do. She was the essence of unconditional love and would do anything for her family and loved ones. She taught kindness, hard work, always doing the right thing and taking care of your loved ones. She was so much fun and made everyone feel like they were her best friend. Bun & Patti was named in her honor. She is our “Patti.” Our goal is to spread her love to all of our guests and we want everyone to feel a part of our family when they are at Bun & Patti.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Enjoy all the little moments because it’s such precious time and it goes by fast. Being present is the best thing you can do for your baby and yourself. Be kind to yourself and practice self love and patience.
Your biggest hope for your children: My biggest hope for my children is that they are well adjusted, confident, hard working and happy and, most importantly, kind to all people, take care of their loved ones and community and give back.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? We are going to spend a day picnicking at the beach with the kids. Daddy and Jack will fish, and Giana and I will look for shells.