Meet the chef

 CHEF ALFREDO A. ESPOSITO CONOCCHIOLI

For nearly 130 years, the Esposito, Loretoni, and De Cecco families have been deeply rooted in the world of food. From the legendary Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito, creator of the iconic Pizza Margherita, to Zio Nicola De Cecco, renowned for producing the finest flour in the region with his ancestral stone mill, their culinary legacy spans generations. Chef Alfredo Esposito, a direct descendant of this esteemed lineage, hails from Giulianova, Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy, born in 1960. His culinary journey encompasses a wealth of expertise, from crafting signature dishes to overseeing large-scale food production.

Affectionately known as CHEF NONNO ALFREDO among those who have savored his cuisine, Chef Alfredo made his mark in Caracas, Venezuela. Co-founding the MARCO POLO restaurant in the late 1980s, he and his partner, Amadeo Mazzucato, curated an elevated Italian gastronomic experience until 1997. Their establishment became a haven for connoisseurs, offering a tantalizing array of traditional dishes rooted in ancient Italian recipes and techniques from diverse regions.

Transitioning to advisory roles, Chef Alfredo lent his expertise to renowned Italian restaurants in Venezuela: IL VECCHIO MULINO, D’SANDRA, IL RUGANTINO, LA STRADA DIL SOLE, CASA VECCHIA, LA MONTANARA, SPIZZICO, LA STREGA, IL PATRIARCA, among others. His contributions garnered accolades in Italy and Venezuela, marking him as a luminary in the culinary realm.

In 2005, he founded his personal brand, "LA BUONA TAVOLA," later operated by INVERSIONES T.P.12, C.A. This venture excelled in creating products for the food service and mass consumption markets while upholding the exceptional quality cultivated over the years. Their product lines ranged from fresh pastas and authentic pasta sauces to ready-made items like Lasagna, Cannelloni, and traditional Italian preserves, along with an exceptional range of industrial pastries.

Under INVERSIONES T.P.12, C.A, Chef Esposito's commitment to excellence propelled the company to become a frontrunner in food manufacturing. Collaborations with international giants like LGS Sky Chef and esteemed hotel chains such as Meliá, EuroBuilding, Marriott, and Intercontinental solidified its position in the market.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Chef Esposito has garnered numerous awards and accolades. His influence extends beyond accolades, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring chefs during his tenure as an educator at esteemed institutions like ALMA Scuola Internazionale Di Cucina in Milan, Italy, and EDELWEISS COOKING SCHOOL in Lenz, Austria.

Chef Esposito has been bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Puerto Rico since 2019, first through La Casa Nostra and now with Ombra Italian Eatery in Santurce. The restaurant has gained a reputation for authentic Italian cuisine and has become a go-to destination for anyone looking for a premium culinary experience.