Growing up with a chef for a father, Mingrone was destined for a career in the kitchen. She opened and operated a deli/catering business while in high school before a couple of corporate gigs made her realize her heart was in the restaurant business. She bartended, waited tables and cooked before finally taking the plunge and enrolling in culinary school. Mingrone worked in renowned Connecticut restaurants including Zinc, Match and Jesup Hall to gain experience and spent significant time at Fleishers, where she made her bones in butchery. Mingrone opened Tavern on State in the East Rock section of New Haven in the summer of 2019. Just six months later Tavern took home Newcomer of the Year honors from the Connecticut Restaurant Association. When the pandemic struck in early 2020 and supply-chain issues arose, a “provisions” section was added to the Tavern menu. Again, just six months later Provisions on State opened a few doors down from the Tavern. Provisions not only stocks grab-and-go items, but it’s also a whole-animal butchery that Mingrone utilizes for dishes at Tavern.

When she’s not spending her time on Upper State Street, Mingrone can occasionally be found on the Food Network (Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games) or hanging at the dog park with her pup, Lou Lou.