Our Story
Today, Defying Gravitea has grown from my family kitchen to a bustling New Jersey shop, where everything is small-batch, scratch-made, and crafted with care by a close-knit team of family and friends. Along the way, I’ve had the joy of baking for celebrity chefs and connecting with an incredible community of people who share my passion for food that is both nourishing and crave-worthy.
Our Mission
To honor tradition while making food that is inclusive, nourishing, and irresistibly delicious. We believe everyone deserves to feel the joy of a treat made with love—without compromise.
Come Taste What’s Possible
At Defying Gravitea, every recipe is inspired by the warmth of Grandma’s table, where the coffee pot was always on, the kitchen smelled like something sweet in the oven, and there was always room for one more plate.Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or simply looking for a feel good treat that fits your lifestyle, you’ll always find a seat here. Our kitchen is your kitchen, and every bite is meant to make you feel at home.
Meet Gina
The Heart Behind Defying Gravitea
I’m Gina Cassese, a fifth-generation chef who grew up surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors of my family’s restaurant. From an early age, I was learning the rhythm of the kitchen: cooking, baking, butchering, and understanding how food connects people. For us, food was always more than fuel; it was family, celebration, and love. But life has a way of redirecting us. I began facing serious health challenges, including painful ulcers that impacted both my body and the way I saw myself. To begin healing, I had to rethink my diet, eliminating gluten and dairy. Instead of seeing this as a setback, I treated it like a new culinary puzzle to solve. I leaned on my training in Culinary Arts and Nutrition to reimagine the recipes I grew up with, especially my grandmother’s beloved desserts. My goal was simple: preserve the comfort and tradition of our food while creating something my body could actually enjoy and thrive on. After a lot of experimenting, tweaking, and love, the impossible suddenly became possible—and delicious. That moment sparked the creation of Defying Gravitea.