Specialty: Italian cuisine
Chef DiSpirito's passion for cooking started at the early age of 11. His interest never waned, and by the time he was 16, he was enrolled at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. By 18, Rocco DiSpirito was working for some of the best chefs around the world, which helped shape his culinary future.
Following up with a business degree from Boston University, DiSpirito worked at Lespinasse in New York City. He then went on to open his own restaurant, Dava, in 1995. The New York Times gave the rookie chef's eatery two stars. DiSpirito then opened Union Pacific, a restaurant that's held the general eating public's rapt attention for many years because of its offering of good-tasting and approachable food.
In 1999, Rocco was honored as one of Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs. He was the first chef to appear on the cover of Gourmet magazine as America's Most Exciting Young Chef. Author of four cookbooks, DiSpirito won a James Beard award for his cookbook, Flavor.
Since then, DiSpirito has made a name for himself on television, with numerous guest appearances on shows such as Top Chef and The Today Show, as well as starring in a controversial show of his own: NBC's reality show The Restaurant, which aired from 2003 to 2004. The first season followed DiSpirito during his attempt to open a new restaurant, Rocco's on 22nd, in Manhattan in only five weeks. Over 7 million viewers tuned in for the premiere, and based on the program's success, a second season following the restaurant after its opening was filmed.
Chef DiSprito's lastest venture into the TV realm will be Rocco Gets Real!, a new reality show starring the chef that will be airing on A&E in fall 2008. DiSpirito will be lending a hand in the kitchen as everyday people attempt to create meals for the special occasions in their lives, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or reunion. A related cookbook is also planned for fall and will feature many of the recipes seen on the new program.
Fun fact: When he isn't in the kitchen, DiSpirito enjoys playing the guitar.
Recipes:
Horseradish and Cinnamon Marinated Skirt Steak
Fresh Taglierini with Black Truffles and Parmigiano
