1. Which part of Italy are you originally from?
Potenza, the capital city of the Basilicata. It is a small region in the South of Italy neighbouring Campania Apulia and Calabria.
2. Can you tell me some interesting points about that region?
As all the southern Italy, Basilicata is a sun kissed land where people live mostly on agriculture. This is why, even if it is not so rich and powerful, people born and grown there know very well good cuisine and quality products being used to grow their own food!
3. Brief summary of your career to date (when did you first start out cooking/working in a restaurant)?
I started in Donato's Restaurants as a KP when I was 23 and studying for my under graduation. After 6 months I started then in the kitchen with Paolo. After a year Paolo opened a new restaurant and worked there as a Jolly, doing a bit of everything but I was mainly at the till and as bartender.
4. Any awards?
Nothing special...probably I would mention just Paolo. I met him when I started working in restaurant (if I re-think it is probably not an awards...!!)
5. Your thoughts and passions about Italy, culture and food - and how you have brought this to Il Forno
Italy is just