What were your favorite foods growing up?
Anything my Italian grandmothers made. My Mom's cooking scared me.

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?
In Bologna, Italy in 1969, I saw Chef Piero Carbonetti get into a Ferrari Spyder and that was it.

If you didn't become a chef, what would you be?
A paleontologist, or maybe an assassin.

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
Traveling around the world several times and working with great mentor chefs, designers and operators utilizing their disciplines and principles, making them part of my agenda.

How would you describe your cuisine (e.g. New American with Indian influences)?
Global with my influences

What influences your cooking style and particularly the menu at your restaurant?
Fresh ingredients, minimalist and bold flavors. Both of my grandmothers are proudly influenced on Zanaro's menu.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
My knives and my warrior staff.

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Are you nuts? I'm not telling.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Dedication to the craft and recipes. Also, wash your hands!

What qualities to you look for when hiring cooks for your restaurant?
Passion

If I'm trying to watch my weight and I'm eating at your restaurant, what should I order to eat?
Everything, I won't tell.

What was the most challenging meal you had to make? Why?
At The Ethiopian Embassy for 12 people. Why, because I had two hot plates to cook a 6 course meal and had to stand sideways, that's how small the kitchen was.

What was your worst restaurant disaster?
Ansul System went out on Mothers Day in 1988!!

What is your least favorite food?
FAST FOOD!!

What is your beverage of choice?
Johnny Black! You asked...

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
It's not trends, its Colleagues...

When you are not eating at your own restaurant, where are you eating?
Mostly friend's places, anything ethnic, Turkish, Korean, Cuban, Tapas.

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
All Countries

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
A 25 Course Tasting Menu with Michelin Star Chef Jacque Maximin

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Take lessons and work in a "star chef" restaurant for free

What do you eat when you are home?
Hearty Asian noodle soups and stews, tons of fresh fruit, CHOCOLATE, DARK CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES, DID I SAY CHOCOLATE?

We have to ask, are you related to THE Joe DiMaggio!? How has he impacted your career?
TAKE A HIKE!! WHAT DO YOU THINK?!