Autentico will serve meals that are made with only the finest ingredients, farm fresh and locally sourced. Our menu will change seasonally. We strive for a perfect synchronicity of food, season and climate. Chef Pecoraro believes in a synergistic relationship between Chef and client to raise the dining experience to a new plateau. He delights in creating original recipes that challenge the clichés of typical restaurant fare.
Clients can expect the unexpected, meals that are - as visually beautiful as they are delicious - innovative yet traditional - simple yet complex - authentic with the flavors unique to Chef Pecoraro.
Buon appetito!
My name is Francesco Pecoraro and I was born in Filaga, a small Sicilian village.
There are three very special women in my life; my grandmother Ciccina, my mother Mela and my sister Maria. Growing up, I had the immense pleasure of watching these ladies in the daily meal preparations in our home. A great part of their day was – and still is – dedicated to working in the family kitchen. It was through them that my great love of cooking was born.
From an early age I was determined to become a chef. As a boy, I apprenticed in my brother in law’s restaurant. Following that, I attended the Istituto Professionale di Stato a Pallavincino and after an intensive five year program graduated as Chef.
Working both summer and winter seasons, I have been able to travel throughout Italy, which offered me the opportunity to compare the various traditions of the many cities I worked in. Before long I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and studying under two great Italian Chefs: Gino Agnelini and Mauro Uliassi.
Working with them was like discovering a different world, full of new flavors, creativity and startling originality. This encouraged me to start experimenting myself and moved me away from a traditional style cuisine toward a more interpretive Mediterranean style.
It is during this time that I opened my own restaurant Castello di Albereto , located in an 16th Century Medieval Castle in the town of Montescudo in the Province of Rimini, Italy A dream come true, full of incredible experiences, joys, and success - a professional milestone. In 2010, I received: Premio Rimini Restaurant of the Year, which I share together with my collaborators: Davide Gostoli, Manager, and Giorgio Pecoraro, Sommelier.
Wishing for new challenges, in 2011, I became the personal Chef to singer/songwriter Anna Oxa and was responsible for preparing vegan meals for her and her entire staff. During this time, we remained in Sanremo, renowned for its famous Sanremo Music Festival.
I am now ready to begin a new chapter of my professional life, and hope to bring my own personal style of Italian cuisine to America.