From Foo Fighters to Zac Brown, this cook's been in the studio

A Southern girl who loves to cook releases her first star-studded cookbook

The Mona Lisa’s are out and about in Nashville again and this time we’ve made a stop in Nashville’s Sylvan Park.

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Mona Lisa had always been a fan of the culinary arts. She loved to cook and to eat, and she was always interested in learning new recipes.

So when she heard about a woman in Nashville who cooked for artists in recording studios, she was intrigued. This woman's husband had an incredible band too, which only made Mona Lisa more curious.

Finally, after weeks of anticipation, Mona Lisa met the cook. The two women hit it off right away, chatting about food and music and life. But the best part of their conversation was when they talked about the artists who she had cooked for.

"Oh, you should have seen them," the cook gushed. "They were all so wonderful."

Mona Lisa smiled. "I'm sure they were," she said. "But I have to ask: what's the best thing you've ever cooked for them?"

The cook thought for a moment before answering. "Without a doubt, it's the risotto I made for Leonardo da Vinci.”

Who is the mysterious cook from Music City?

This lady didn’t cook for da Vinci (or meet the Mona Lisa) but the people she has cooked for is pretty impressive.

Let’s meet this beautiful young lady.

She’s Rebecca Wood. 

We were introduced by Susan Puckett, a James Beard-nominated food journalist and editor. She thought we might benefit from working together as Rebecca was growing her business and needed a little help with branding, planning and marketing.

She quickly won over my heart — not that it took much effort. Now I consider her the sweetest of friends. In fact, she's the one who keeps me honest — reminding ME to not slack off when I'm not feeling motivated.

And trust me. This girl is NO slacker.

Rebecca Wood

What did Zac Brown cook up?

It started with Zac Brown ripping out the office and break room of his new studio on 17th Avenue South and installing an open-but-oh-so-cozy, fully functional residential kitchen.

Rebecca would soon be invited to spend her days whipping up delicious meals there. For over a decade, she fed and nurtured everyone who walked through the door of the Southern Ground recording studio.

And from that Zac lovingly started referring to her as “Studio Mama” based on her ability to make everyone feel at home. She truly loved taking care of people, and it showed in everything she did. Her cooking was legendary, and her kindness was unmatched.

A cookbook for music lovers

Pre-order “The Studio Mama Cookbook” | Release Day is June 7, 2022

What’s a cook to do next? Well, they could write their own cookbook and share stories with the world. And that is exactly what she did!

Here’s what she said in the introduction of her new book, The Studio Mama Cookbook.

“I put together this cookbook because I want to share my recipes, memories, and stories as Studio Mama.

It’s not just for foodies, but also for music fans who want a backstage pass inside Nashville’s often private recording scene. I thought you might want to have the same recipes your musical heroes ate while recording some of your favorite songs — the Southern fare with a smattering of international flavors, the farm-driven, nutritious meals for yourself, or platters of hors d’oeuvres (SNAX!) for gatherings with friends. 

The heart of this book is my collection of menus, including the date they were made. Each menu focuses on the recording artist it was prepared for, including recipes and anecdotes from the sessions, as well as some handy Kitchen Notes from me.

How do you cook for Zac Brown Band, Foo Fighters, Megadeth, Lee Brice, The Wood Brothers, Leon Bridges, Cheap Trick, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Kacey Musgraves, and others, and not pinch yourself with sheer joy?

You get in a kitchen, put those tunes on, and start cooking.

Get the recipes that fueled your favorite artists

What fueled Kasey Musgraves, Pistol Annies and Coy Bowles when they were in the studio recording? A customized taco bar with all the fixins made by Rebecca.

The Studio Mama Cookbook is so fun. It’s beautifully designed and I truly mean it (coming from a designer myself).

The photography inside will make any foodie drool over what could be next on our plate (and who doesn't love looking at photos?).

Who could resist a recipe called “Drunk in Memphis Peach Cobbler” with a back story. I’m thinking this would make a great reality series. Can I get a piece of the pie (cobbler) if this works out some day? I’m kidding — no I’m not!

So get ready because this might just become one your favorites. Release Day is June 7, 2022. This makes a wonderful Mother’s Day gift too!

A creative person's home: Southern girl, cook, artist, wife and mother

If you were to design the perfect home, what would it look like?

Some might say a minimalist space with clean lines and open concept. Others might go for a more traditional style, with lots of cozy touches and hidden nooks.

But what about the homes of creative people? You know, the ones with interesting artwork on the walls and unique furniture pieces that you can't help but stare at.

Regardless of their individual styles, one thing all creative people seem to have in common is an appreciation for beauty and a passion for expression. So if you're looking for some inspiration look no further.

Rebecca’s home in Nashville: color, real life, unedited, unique, fun and inviting!

There's no place like (Rebecca’s) home, and for one music lover, food lover, artist, mom and wife, her home is a musical and culinary oasis.

Lived in. Loved in. And admired by me as well.

Rebecca’s tissue-paper window art, family artwork, Duke’s mayonnaise, fresh tomatoes, condiments on the table, and what about those hand-painted shoes? Stop it — so adorable.

When I was at her house for this interview, I could’ve spent hours taking photos, asking questions, digging deeper but what I ended up doing was digging into a bag of her hard candy and chatting it up. Not only does her home make me feel nice and cozy, but this friendship feels nice too.

Thanks for allowing me to share your home with others.

Who is the man behind the woman? 

The Wood Brothers at The Ryman Auditorium | April, 2022

I started listening to The Wood Brothers around 2012ish and I loved them. 

Who are they?

Dubbed "masters of soulful folk" by Paste, The Wood Brothers formed after brothers Chris and Oliver Wood pursued separate musical careers for 15 years. Chris already had legions of devoted fans for his incomparable work as one-third of Medeski Martin & Wood, while Oliver toured with Tinsley Ellis before releasing a half-dozen albums with his band King Johnson. With drummer Jano Rix added as a permanent third member, it's become quite clear that The Wood Brothers is indeed the main act.

So who is the man? Rebecca is married to the good-looking one. LOL, okay, they’re all good-looking. She’s married to Oliver and together they have two sons. 

SIDE NOTE: I went to see them perform recently at the Ryman Auditorium. It was probably one of the best shows I’ve seen. I can’t wait to see them again and I hope you will too. Check out their tour dates HERE.

What’s next for Rebecca?

Rebecca’s cooking in Virginia for the lucky attendees of Into the Woods.

Our evening soirée features Oliver's wife Rebecca, showing us her skills in The Little Cheerful kitchen, and the celebrated music of Oliver Wood, Jano Rix and Ted Pecchio on our cute, little stage shortly thereafter.

Rebecca will also be at the 24th Annual Nashville AudioMasters Golf Tournament on May 12-13, 2022 cooking for the 19th Hole Celebration Dinner.

And this week she was on Talk of the Town. Check out her segment HERE where she’s making her Sweet Potato Biscuits.

Where will Mona Lisa go next?

Mona Lisa is on the move again. We can’t reveal too much yet, but let’s just say that this is one stop you definitely don’t want to miss. So stay tuned — subscribe below and we’ll keep you updated on her whereabouts.