Giancarlo Ferrara, Amalfie - Recipe for Success

Giancarlo Ferrara, Amalfie

Giancarlo Ferrara gained all of his culinary dreams in beautiful Salerno, Italy. From his childhood observances of a culinary family to his formal training at Centro Professionale Albergiero in Salerno, Giancarlo built the culinary foundation for a life in the world's finest restaurants. Graduation with honors for his accomplishments in his studies he finished first in his class. Further training in Masters courses at Scuola Arte Culinaria Etoile rounded out his education.

Upon completion of his studies and apprenticeships Giancarlo worked at some of the finest resorts and restaurants in Italy receiving such awards as Finalist in Barrila's Prima d'Italia contest and spurring the recognition of the Best Restaurant in Veneto in 1998's Veronelli Guide.

Giancarlo left Italy to pursue other cuisines that influenced the flavors in his creations. He spent a year at the Michellin 2 Star Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin perfecting the nuances of French cuisine with accents of his original style. Upon his arrival in the United States in 2001, Chef Ferrara took the helm at Primadonna a leading restaurant in Florida.

Since joining the Arcodoro family in early 2003, Chef Ferrara has quickly become a fixture in the Houston culinary scene. Giancarlo represented Arcodoro at the prestigious James Beard House 2003. Giancarlo has participated in the Share our Strength Taste of the Nation and captured the "Peoples' Choice" award for the 4th annul Risotto Festival.

2018 Chef of the Year
Kevin Naderi, Roost

Chefs Advisory Board

Beginning in the late 1990's Chef Monica Pope joined in Gracie's efforts to establish a group of concerned chefs who were willing to get involved in a hands on way to teach kids to cook. Twenty-four answered the call and in 2006, we established our Chefs Advisory Board, a working committee with Monica as its Chair. Through the years, more and more chefs have joined our founding members, and today we have over 100 members in Houston and across the country. Monica Pope continues to lead the team as Chair Emeritus.

These busy professionals donate their time month after month, year after year, bringing their unique insight and perspective of food to the children, turning on their taste buds and opening their minds to new foods. It's a Recipe for Success! Would you like to join us? Get in touch and get started today!

The Foundation's Chefs Advisory Board served as inspiration for the White House campaign for Chefs Move to School! Six members of our Chefs Advisory Board joined members of our Board of Directors at the White House in June 2010 for the kick-off of Chefs Move to Schools! where Recipe for Success was featured as a national model and resource. See pictures here. And read about the trip here and here.