Chef Benny D’Epiro

Born and grew up within the walls of the Eternal City; Chef Benny took his first steps and fell in love with cooking at his grandma’s house in Rome, where he attempted to prepare fresh pasta, bread and cakes, kneading dough and dirtying himself with flour.  

Chef Benny played rugby at very high for over 10 years, always wearing the colors for the glorious A.S. Rugby Frascati. He attended the I.P.S.A.R. Culinary Institute of Rome where he graduated top of his class and completed internships at various prestigious hotels and restaurants in downtown Rome. He became the Head Chef of Ristorante Barberini in the historical heart of Rome and led the restaurant to become one of the top traditional restaurants in Rome, receiving mention in multiple restaurant guides. 

Chef Benny received during his career numerous national and international honors and awards, including the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best First Cookbook in Italy and 2nd Best in the World. He is Honorary Chef-Professor of Culture and Cuisine of Italy for the Milwaukee Area Technical College, and he is one of the very few Italian chefs to been awarded “Les Amis du Cordon Bleu” honor from the famous culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.