A local chef from Coastal Delaware is preparing to step onto one of the world’s most prestigious stages. 

Maria Fraser, owner and executive chef of The Cafe on 26 in Ocean View, has been hand selected to cook for Italy’s national team during the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

The opportunity places both Fraser and Sussex County in the international spotlight and highlights the depth of culinary talent found along the Delmarva Peninsula.

A Rare Honor in the Culinary World

Being chosen to cook for an Olympic team is widely regarded as one of the highest honors a chef can receive. 

Fraser is among a small group of American chefs selected to participate in the culinary program supporting athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. 

Her role will involve preparing meals for Team Italy during one of the most demanding athletic events in the world.

The Winter Olympics will take place across multiple venues in northern Italy, with competitions held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. 

The scale and complexity of feeding elite athletes at this level requires not only technical skill but also adaptability, consistency, and a deep understanding of nutrition and flavor.

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How a Small Coastal Restaurant Caught Global Attention

Fraser’s connection to the Olympics began through an unexpected visit. 

World renowned Italian chef Carlo Zarri, who serves as the Culinary Director for the Winter Olympics, stopped by The Cafe on 26 while touring the United States. 

During his visit to Delaware’s coast, Zarri experienced Fraser’s cooking firsthand and developed an appreciation for the restaurant’s approach to food.

What started as a casual stop turned into a professional relationship that ultimately led to Fraser’s selection. 

Her ability to combine refined technique with approachable, well-balanced dishes made a lasting impression and demonstrated that culinary excellence is not limited to major metropolitan areas.

From Landscaper to Olympic Chef

Fraser’s path to international recognition is anything but traditional. 

Before opening The Cafe on 26, she spent more than three decades working as a landscaper. 

Cooking was always a passion, but restaurant ownership was not originally part of her plan. 

She is largely self-taught in the kitchen and built her culinary career through experience, persistence, and a willingness to take risks.

When the opportunity arose to open her restaurant in Ocean View, Fraser embraced the challenge. 

That same mindset guided her decision to accept the invitation to cook at the Winter Olympics. 

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Showcasing Delaware Flavors on an International Stage

While Fraser has not yet received final details about the menus she will prepare in Italy, she has expressed hope that she will be able to introduce Olympic athletes to the style of cuisine that has defined The Cafe on 26 for more than a decade. 

Often described as the beach’s premier boutique restaurant, the Ocean View establishment is known for its intimate, reservation-only dining experience and a strong focus on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

The Cafe on 26 first opened in May 2010 and operates out of a restored house built in the mid 1920s. 

The setting offers a warm, home-like atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the restaurant. 

Fraser became the sole owner in 2011 and has since shaped the restaurant into a dinner focused destination, featuring inventive nightly specials crafted under her leadership as executive chef.

One standout dish frequently associated with the restaurant is Fraser’s Potato Parmigiana Encrusted Salmon, a richly layered entrée that balances texture and flavor while reflecting her refined yet approachable culinary style. 

The restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned widespread recognition over the years, including a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award and multiple Best of Delaware honors from Delaware Today and Coastal Style Magazine.

Fraser has also shared her excitement about bringing Italian culinary inspiration back to Delaware. 

The experience is expected to influence future menus at The Cafe on 26, further elevating an already celebrated dining destination along Coastal Delaware.

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A Win for Coastal Delaware’s Restaurant Scene

Fraser’s selection brings significant attention to Sussex County and reinforces the region’s growing reputation as a destination for quality dining. 

The exposure from the Winter Olympics and Paralympics has the potential to attract new visitors to The Cafe on 26 and to the surrounding area. 

It also serves as a reminder that small, independently owned restaurants can compete on the world stage through dedication and craftsmanship.

Follow the blog for more stories about local people, places, and developments that are putting Coastal Delaware on the map!

Sources: WBOC, Fine Day Radio