Early Years

Pellegrini was born in Sparkill, New York to photographer Roger Pellegrini and actress Maureen Mooney. She received a B.A. from Wellesley College, then attended the French Culinary Institute in New York City. She went on to cook in restaurants in New York and France.

Books

Her book Food Heroes, is coming out in Fall 2010. In the book, Pellegrini tells the story of 16 food artisans around the world who are fighting to preserve their traditions. This book is an extension of Pellegrini’s 'retro-locavore' food philosophy that harkens back to 'Grandma’s kitchen.' She believes that true culinary satisfaction comes when there is a sense of place behind a meal.

Other Work

Pellegrini has a popular website and blog in which she chronicles her adventures hunting and cooking her ingredients. She also profiles the artisans she meets along the way and offers recipes and step-by-step photographs. Her site was nominated for a 2010 Bloggie Award.

Pellegrini also has a platform on ESPNOutdoors.com called The Kitchen, in which she features wild game and fish recipes.,

Pellegrini is in pre-production on a television show called Girl Hunter, in which she takes viewers over field and stream to bag the main course, then brings it back to the kitchen and shows viewers how to prepare delicious, four-star meals out of their catch and quarry.