Growing up between the Midwest and summers in southern Italy, he had no chance of escaping his family’s infectious love for food. At 17, he found his calling in a certified Neapolitan pizzeria, mastering the art of dough, handmade mozzarella, and wood-fired ovens. That passion took him to culinary school in Tuscany and into the kitchens of Michelin-starred Chef Philippe Leveille in northern Italy. From there, he made his mark in NYC, working at Chef Missy Robbins’ renowned fresh pasta restaurants before earning the title of Saucier at the legendary Le Bernardin under Chef Eric Ripert.
Jimmy thrives in the heat—literally. He’s most at home by a wood-fired grill, trusting his senses over recipes to create dishes full of heart and flavor. His talent has landed him in kitchens cooking for stars like Dua Lipa, LeBron James, Jonah Hill, and Robert DeNiro—Dua Lipa even called his pasta “heaven.”
Despite his fine-dining background, Jimmy’s approach to food is rooted in comfort and nostalgia. Whether it's chasing the exact flavor of his nonna’s eggplant parmigiana or perfecting a rich, velvety sauce, he believes the best meals are the ones that make you pause, savor, and mmmm your way through every bite.