My first job was at Natalie’s of Ridgewood in Ridgewood, NJ. I worked during the day for free as a prep cook. During dinner service, I was a good runner and helped in the kitchen wherever I was needed.
A grilled cheese sandwich. I was so proud of myself. Melting butter in a pan and toasting white bread nice and crispy with tons of gooey melted cheese and sliced tomato. Now I’m hungry for one. Be right back!
My signature dish is sheep’s milk ricotta gnudi with parmesan cream and mushroom and pea green salad. It is absolutely the best. Can’t go wrong.
My triumph would be landing the job as Sous Chef/Chef Saucier for the Waldorf Astoria. I get to write menus and cook for Presidents and royalty. It’s not bad.
There are actually two people who were the first to inspire me to cook, my mom and my nana. My mom got her culinary skills from Nana and took it to a totally new level. She is an amazing cook. My nana always cooked from the heart. She cooked for love and happiness. I miss my nana. My first actual chef inspiration came from my current chef who I met ten years ago, Peter Betz. He is an amazingly inspiring chef and person.