Sola Hospitality Group is happy to welcomeChef Luigi Speranzaas new Executive Chef. You might have met him before, as he has been with the Sola family for a while now, but let’s get to know him a little better.
Q. Chef Speranza, you just took on the role of Executive Chef in the Sola Hospitality Group which includes three restaurants: Sola Pasta Bar, Sole Lab and Pastagram. Technically though, you have been working with the group for a long time: which roles have you covered up to today?
CS. I started as a line cook at Sola Pasta Bar and have worked my way up through the Sola Hospitality Group to Executive Chef. It’s been a nice journey, comparable to climbing a mountain and trying to reach the top! I am so thankful for every single person in this company and grateful for entrusting me with their brand. I hope to be able to give back everything they’ve given to me, one day.
Q. As mentioned, you are now the Executive Chef, how do you plan to change the menus of the three locations? What will your main contributions be?
CS. I’d like the menus to involve seasonal ingredients and reflect a mixture of my personality as well as the brand’s personality. The challenge is to always strive for better and offer our customers a unique experience.
Q. When did you discover love for food and how did your journey start in the kitchen?
CS. My mother and I share the same passion for cooking, so I have to blame her for this. I’ve always known I wanted to cook. At 14, I left my family to go to The Culinary School of Rocarosso.
Q. What is a restaurant for you?
CS. A restaurant for me is what the church is for a priest, I think that’s clear enough.
Q. What are the most representative dishes of your kitchen?
CS. I’d say dishes that revolve around the Mediterranean cuisine.
Q. What is your opinion of NYC and the world of restaurants in the big apple?
CS. I visited NY several times over the years before moving permanently to the United States and I can say that throughout the years the quality of food has been and continues to improve a lot.
We cannot wait for you to meet him and taste his delicious recipes!
Sola Hospitality Group includes Sola Pasta Bar (in Soho: 330 W Broadway) Sola Lab (in the Seaport area: 45 Beekman Street) and The Pastagram (in the Financial District: 241 Pearl Street).
