Daniel and Luke Mancuso

Founders of YiaYia Next Door

Daniel and Luke Mancuso join host Savva Savas to talk about the three women who have made them who they are today, their food memories and “Yiayia” – the Greek neighbour who shone light at a time of unfathomable darkness.

When domestic violence took the life of their mother, Theresa, the lives of Daniel and Luke Mancuso were left in turmoil. But their Greek neighbour, Nina, known as Yiayia (meaning Grandmother), helped ease the agony with an abundance of love and comforting home-cooked meals. The boys’ relationship with Yiayia grew as they shared meals, memories and hope for a brighter future.

Daniel and Luke have three women who have influenced their lives and inspired them to always be empathetic and deliver acts of kindness. They are grateful to them, too, for the food memories they gave and continue to give. Their mother, a devoted and unselfish woman, whose delicious rack of lamb with jam and lunchbox treats brought joy. Their mother’s mother, Nonna Rosa – the strongest woman they know – who makes pizzas from scratch, epic crowd-pleasing lasagnes – and even her own salamis. And, of course, the unforgettable Yiayia, whose “plates of glory” became a social media sensation when the brothers set up an Instagram page displaying her delicious acts of kindness.

Now Daniel and Luke have launched Yiayia Next Door, yiayianextdoor.com.au a social enterprise aimed at encouraging people to “love thy neighbour” just as Yiayia did, and to inspire people to create safe communities and put an end to domestic violence.

But that’s not all. With Yiayia, they have compiled a book of her much-loved recipes, a full menu of food from the heart and soul.