Executive Chef at Maialino

Most of the time, nobody is going to give you anything unless you ask for it. It could be a raise, promotion, participating in a special event – anything. Take the time to tell your managers exactly what you want and work on a plan to achieve that goal.

My friends and I moved out to the Hamptons for a summer after we graduated from high school and all got jobs at the same restaurant. During that summer, I got hooked on the restaurant life – the excitement, food, culture, the lasting relationships I made, everything. My friends went on to have different careers, but sixteen years later I’m still here having fun.

I look for a positive attitude and the ability to work well with others. We work a lot of hours in the restaurant industry and getting along well with the rest of the team is critical in promoting individual well-being.

The best way to continue my own education is by going out to eat and experiencing other people’s perspectives on food. I enjoy reading and cooking out of cookbooks as well, but I’ve found that going out to eat at restaurants provides me with a perspective that’s fresh and keeps me striving to do better.