My culinary career started at a young age working in my parent's restaurant, Pep's Place, in Deal, NJ. I was introduced to cooking by my mother, Gloria, who was an avid fan of Julia Child and used her cookbooks as a reference point to all things delicious.  My father, Pep, was a career bartender with a charming personality and a strong work ethic. My father was introduced to restaurant work by my grandfather, Matteo at his Asbury Park bar, Matty's Bar on Bond Street. As you can tell, a pattern developed, and the love of hospitality has been passed down from generation to generation. I now continue this path with the hope of reaching even greater heights in my culinary career.

After attending college at Rutgers University and briefly contemplating a career as a physical therapist, I was drawn back to my roots and started pursuing a career as a Chef. I graduated from the Institute for Culinary Education, NYC in 1997. Over the course of the last two decades, I have developed my skills as a chef and manager, working through kitchens in New Jersey and Florida. My well-traveled background has included working for the famed Fromagerie Restaurant in Rumson, NJ, Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, NJ, D'Jeet Restaurant, Red Bank, NJ and my own restaurant, Catch 22 in West Palm Beach, FL.

In 2011, I relocated to Sarasota to start the next chapter of my life and culinary career. Over the past decade, I have had the pleasure to work as Executive Chef for Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club-Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriot, Chef De Cuisine for The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Executive Chef for Louie's Modern. I have successfully opened two award winning concepts in Sarasota (Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen & Louie’s Modern) and hope to continue this good fortune for Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill this upcoming year.

Away from the kitchen, I like to spend my time relaxing on the beach with my wife, Danielle and our beautiful little girl, Antonia.