Chef and owner of Ristorante Tosca, was born in Lecco, a town located in the stunning Lake Como region of Italy. As a young child, Cesare’s grandmother was his main culinary inspiration and role model; she was one of the area’s first restaurateurs and innkeepers. Cesare began his culinary career at age 15 working with his grandmother and other family members while he attended culinary school.
Following culinary school, Cesare worked in some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Italy and England, including Hotel Slendido in Portofino, Gualtiero Marchesi in Milano (Italy’s first three star Michelin restaurant), San Lorenzo restaurant in London, England and also had two years' experience as managing partner in his family-owned hotel in Lake Como’s region.
Realizing the possibilities for a more creative and interesting approach to authentic Italian cuisine in America, Cesare moved permanently to the United States after his experiences as a chef consulting at The Lodge of Vail in Vail, Colorado; as head chef at the opening of Café Milano in Washington D.C.; and Trattoria al Sole also in Washington D.C.
In 1995, Cesare began work as Sous Chef with Roberto Donna’s Galileo restaurant. Soon he was promoted to Executive Chef and was a prominent force in Galileo’s award-winning establishment before opening his own Ristorante Tosca.
Cesare’s claim to fame is perhaps his genuine passion for creative Italian cuisine. He enjoys sharing his favorite family recipes as much as introducing and reinventing dishes reminiscent of his native cuisine.
Cesare is an active member of the Washington area culinary community. He is involved in organizations such as Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani, S.O.S., DC Central Kitchen, Food and Friends, L'Academie de cuisine, C.I.R.A., ramw and The James Beard Foundation in addition to other groups who have called on his culinary hand to lend support to Washington based charities. In 2001 Cesare was recognized “Chef Of The Year” at D.C.Central Kitchen annual Awards celebration.
Cesare is married to Christiana and is the father of three girls, Tosca, Tea and Caterina with whom he is looking forward to pass on the passion of cooking and in life.