The globetrotting chef who conquered America with the taste of tradition
There is an invisible thread that binds the kitchen of Gaetano Ascione to his native Naples. It is the memory of the smell of a ragout muttering for hours, of warm bread freshly baked, of good oil glistening on his hands. But there is also a hunger for discovery, a desire to go further, to explore, to measure himself against new cultures and traditions. That same hunger that has led him, over the course of an extraordinary career, to cook for presidents, celebrities and distinguished guests in every corner of the world.
But his is not just the story of a great professional: it is the story of a man who has been able to create deep connections with the people and places he has passed through. Speaking six languages has enabled him to connect with every culture, while his innate ability to teach has made him a reference point for young chefs and culinary students, even at the Culinary Institute of America.
Today, in the United States, continues to pursue his mission, opening and leading restaurants that speak the language of authenticity and quality. From New York to Albuquerque, from Pittsburgh to the Caribbean, his cuisine is a sensory journey that tells the story of someone who has seen the world but has never forgotten his roots.
From Campania to the United States, via Asia and Africa: the extraordinary career of chef Gaetano Ascione
Chef Gaetano Ascione is a true citizen of the world, an ambassador of Italian cuisine who has taken his talents to the four corners of the planet. Originally from Naples, he began his culinary career after earning a master's degree in hotel training at the’Salerno State Hotelier Institute. Since then, his path has been marked by high-level international experiences, which have led him to work in the best restaurants and exclusive clubs among Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States.
A journey between continents and flavors
After taking his first steps as chef de partie in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Bahamas, Gaetano Ascione quickly climbed the heights of luxury dining. His talent and versatility have led him to prestigious roles in exclusive settings such as the NATO Allied Officer's Club of Naples, the Paradise Beach Hotel and Casino Busan, South Korea, and the Palace Hotel and Casino of Sun City, South Africa.
One of the highlights of his career was his role as Chef de Cuisine at the Georgetown Club of Washington DC, where he had the honor of cooking for two U.S. presidents, Jimmy Carter e Ronald Reagan. But international recognition came in 2001, when he was a finalist in the prestigious Chef of the Year competition at the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore.
His most prestigious achievements include serving as executive chef for the president's inaugural banquet Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, a history-making event in South Africa that featured Ascione behind the stove.
The master of international cuisine
In addition to being a great chef, Gaetano is a true polyglot: he is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, German, and French, a skill that has enabled him to work with multicultural teams and pass on his knowledge to up-and-coming chefs around the world.
Over the years, he has also made his mark in the most exclusive private clubs, such as the renowned Tanglin Club of Singapore, the city's oldest and most prestigious private club, where he led the kitchens bringing innovation and Italian tradition.
Love of family and cooking
In addition to his stellar career, Gaetano has always maintained a strong bond with his family. A Chicago, in the famous restaurant Game, has found a new chapter in her life alongside her three beautiful children.
Although his travels have taken him to work on five continents, the heart of his cuisine remains deeply tied to his Italian roots. In his dishes you can find the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean, a passion for quality raw materials and that unmistakable touch that only a true Italian chef can give.
From his Naples native to the most exclusive international restaurants, Gaetano Ascione is the perfect example of how Italian cuisine can conquer the world. With a career studded with successes, the ability to adapt to different cultures and an innate talent for teaching, he has been able to make his mark wherever he has gone.
Whether in a private club in Singapore, a restaurant in Chicago, or a European starred kitchen, one thing is certain: Chef Gaetano Ascione will continue to serve “only good food.”, because , as he likes to repeat , “quality has no boundaries.”
