About Us

Maïmouna’s Cuisine is a meal preparation and catering service operating in Ithaca, NY, that offers customers flavorful cuisine from the traditions of West Africa and beyond. The dishes and drinks are prepared from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that promote health and with flavors that satisfy. We offer a weekly menu for pick-up, cater events, and cooking classes. 

Whether you're ordering for the week, planning a gathering, or looking to learn new culinary skills, Maïmouna's Cuisine is here to share the love of great food with you. Taste the difference, one bite at a time!

Maimouna's Cuisine's Story

The owner/chef, Maïmouna Phelan is a trained chef who has a natural sense of flavors and years of experience in cooking prior to getting her degrees in culinary arts and food entrepreneurship.

Maïmouna holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in both Culinary Arts (’21) and Hotel and Restaurant Management (’20) from Tompkins Cortland Community College. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island, in May 2024.  

Maïmouna is assisted by her husband, Bill Phelan, who spent 25 years working in West Africa administering international not-for-profit organizations doing relief and development work. In his youth he worked at several renowned Ithaca area restaurants and is known by family and friends for his desserts.