What were your favorite foods growing up in Italy?
I was born in Palermo in Sicily, so I grew up around a lot of fresh seafood and vegetables. I loved eating fish and eggplant parmigiana.

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?
When I was 8 or 10 years old my father took me to visit a cooking school in Florence and I fell in love. I had watched my mother cooking and wanted to make a profession out of it!

Where and when did your career in food begin?
I began cooking in restaurants in Italy right after cooking school 25 years ago.

Who or what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
My family and the people I have worked for and with in the last 25 years have all influenced me and continue to influence me today.

What influences your cooking style and particularly the menu at Scuderia?
At Scuderia I cook using the skills I have practiced since my childhood, and the style is influenced strongly by the owners - their experience and their tastes (Silvano Marchetto, Alessandro Bandini, Fabrizio Sotti and Leyla Marchetto).

What advice do you have for an aspiring chef?
Work hard and do your work!

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
There are so many ingredients that I love. None are secret. It's how you use them that matters.

What was the most challenging meal you had to make? Why?
I cooked dinner for Paul Bocuse at Osteria del Circo once...it was an amazing and intimidating night.

What was your worst restaurant disaster?
Thankfully I can't think of any disasters right now...

What is your beverage of choice?
I love to drink Primitivo.

When you are not eating at Scuderia, where are you eating?
I don't go out to eat if I don't have to. I love cooking and eating with my family, so I'm home when I'm not cooking at Scuderia

What chefs or restaurants inspire you?
Silvano Marchetto from Da Silvano and the Maccioni family.

Where do you like to get Italian food in New York?
6th Avenue between Houston and Bleecker Streets - at Da Silvano and Scuderia.

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
My teenage daughter cooked me dinner for my last birthday. It was the best meal I've ever had!

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Pay attention to the recipes.

What do you like to cook and eat at home?
I like eating basic Italian staples - we cook and eat a lot of pasta. Also, fresh seafood.