Carmine Marzano

Born in Calabria, Italy and raised in Turin in the Piedmont Region, Carmine Marzano acquired a passion for cooking at an early age. At age 15, after cultivating his culinary flair from his father, Renato Marzano, Carmine began his three-year culinary journey at the Instituto Alberghiero Statale di Pienerolo. He experimented with a variety of cuisines when spending his summer internship in Sicily, Val D'Aosta and Piedmont.

After receiving his culinary degree, Carmine began working as Executive Chef at the exclusive Ristorante Giudice, in Turin. Three years later, Carmine left for London to discover new cuisines and to learn the English language. He served as Chef at London's exclusive international restaurant facility, The Club. After one year, Carmine left for his new home in Washington, DC to collaborate with the renowned restaurateur Roberto Donna as Sous Chef in the grand opening of Ristorante Galileo da Roberto Donna. During his four years at Galileo, Carmine displayed an impressive talent in executing the dishes of Roberto Donna. During this time, Carmine met his wife Deborah Bruzzo. Her father, Corrado Bruzzo, Sr., was owner of Luigi's, located across the street from Galilelo, was truly 'love at first bite!'

In 1993, the entrepreneurial genius of Deborah's and Carmine's culinary craft, resulted in an abundance of prosperity: they opened the critically acclaimed Ristorante Luigino. Deborah and Carmine are married, and now have three children, Elena, 16; Stefano, 9; and Gianluca, 3 years old. A family effort, the success of Ristorante Luigino is due in large part to the help of operational managers Angela Marzano Ramagnolo and Marcello Ramagnolo. Eleven years later it has sustained its authenticity, faithful clientele and great presence in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s thriving downtown.

To give back to their faithful community, Carmine and Deborah are extremely generous in participating in such charity events as the Zoofari at The National Zoo, The Aids Benefit and Chef's Best for Food & Friends. In addition, The art of cooking and dining is taught to clientele locally and nationally. Seasonal in-house cooking classes are held each month at Ristorante Luigino (dubbed A Taste of Italy). Private classes are offered at the request of customer's for an intimate at-home experience. Classes are also available nationally at such renowned sites as The Italian Culinary Institute in conjunction with The Magazine of La Cucina Italiana.

A family man at heart, Carmine enjoys bringing his culinary gift to every family event. When he and Deborah are not entertaining the couple enjoys spending summers in Italy and winters skiing with family. Carmine and his family live in Fairfax Station, VA.

Chef's Recipes :

Trofie served with Arugula Pesto, Baby Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

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