Gennaro Contaldo is a London-based chef and restauranteur who rose to fame through his association with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Known for his passion for cooking and Italian cuisine, Gennaro has made a name for himself through his self-titled YouTube channel and television show Two Greedy Italians, which he co-stars in with fellow chef and restauranteur Antonio Carluccio.
Gennaro Contaldo was born on January 21, 1949, in Minori on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Growing up, he developed a love for food and cooking as he spent time hunting with his father and grandfather, collecting herbs with his mother, and working at local restaurants from a young age. In 1969, Gennaro moved to London where he would later marry in 1974 and have three children. He later had two more children with another partner.
At the age of 20, Gennaro made the move to London and briefly dabbled in the Italian antiques business. However, his true passion for food led him to find a job in a popular restaurant in the city. It was at Antonion Carluccio's restaurant Neal Street where he crossed paths with Jamie Oliver and began to make a name for himself in the culinary world.
In 1999, Gennaro opened his own restaurant Passione, which quickly garnered attention for its authentic Italian cuisine. Despite facing challenges, including the financial crisis of 2008, Passione managed to win major restaurant awards before closing its doors in 2009. Alongside Antonio Carluccio, Gennaro has been instrumental in developing menus, training chefs, and serving as a business partner in Jamie Oliver's UK-national restaurant chain, Jamie's Italian.
In addition to his successful restaurant ventures, Gennaro has also found success as an author. He has published several cookbooks, including Passione and Gennaro's Easy Italian, sharing his love for traditional Italian dishes with a wider audience. Gennaro's infectious personality and passion for food have made him a beloved figure in the culinary world.
Gennaro Contaldo's charismatic presence has translated well to television, where he co-stars with Antonio Carluccio in the BBC Two show Two Greedy Italians. The duo's culinary adventures and delightful banter have captivated audiences both in the UK and abroad. Gennaro's self-titled YouTube channel, where he shares recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his culinary world, has also gained a loyal following.
Throughout his career, Gennaro Contaldo has remained dedicated to preserving the traditions of Italian cuisine while also embracing innovation and creativity in the kitchen. His impact on the culinary world can be seen in the success of his restaurants, the popularity of his cookbooks, and the devoted fan base he has cultivated through television and social media. Gennaro's love for food and cooking continues to inspire aspiring chefs and home cooks alike.
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