Chef Spotlight: GIUSEPPE GAMBINO of Pizza Italia in NYC

Giuseppe Gambino is chef and partner at Pizza Italia, family owned and operated since 1992. Its first location was in New York City's Financial District, where it became home of the historic triangle grandma slice. Giuseppe joined his uncle Anthony Sorisi, as chef and partner, when Pizza Italia moved to its Chelsea location. Trained at the Culinary Academy of Long Island, Giuseppe worked under his father--who inspired him to pursue a culinary career--at his catering company. Giuseppe's cooking has been highly influenced by his family's Italian heritage.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Chef Guiseppe Gambino about his career and Pizza Italia.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

When I was a little, I was always with my family in the kitchen watching them cook pasta and pizza. Being around them in the kitchen made me excited about cooking myself.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My father, Rosario Gambino, is my career mentor because ever since I was a child, he would take me to his restaurant in Brooklyn and show me what it was like to work in a restaurant and the hard work that went into becoming a great chef. He had a hand in teaching me how to cook and when he started a private catering company, he took me onboard.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Traditional Italian food is really the biggest influence in my career. My family always enjoyed cooking with more butter, cream and white wine so I take that style of cooking into my own kitchen. When I attended the Culinary Academy of Long Island, I learned proper culinary techniques like how to clean protein along with other techniques. I take what I've learned in my family's kitchen as well as in school as influences on my dishes.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

I love cooking with seafood! My favorite dish to prepare is my baked clams, which is one of the most popular dishes at Pizza Italia. I also enjoy making risotto and veal shanks.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is a very simple fried veal cutlet with some mashed potatoes.

Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

Pizza Italia has been family owned and operated since 1992 at our first location in NYC's Financial District, where we became well known for the round grandma pie and triangle grandma slice. Pizza Italia has recently moved to Chelsea where we continue to serve fresh and delicious Italian food that is wallet friendly.

Pizza Italia is located at 307 W 17th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10011. They are open for lunch, dinner and late night and take-out and delivery is available. Call (212) 242-4242 or visit their web site at www.pizzaitalianyc.com.

Photo Credit: Pizza Italia

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