Carmen Quagliata

Now at the Union Square Café, Chef Quagliata continues to cook the Italian cuisine he became known for in Napa.

 

By Jennifer Treuting

Photo Credit Michael Harlan Turkell

Chef Carmen Quagliata

Specialty: Italian cuisine

After spending his childhood in upstate New York feasting on his family’s traditional Italian dishes, Carmen Quagliata left for the Culinary Institute of America, where he graduated in 1988.

Having gained professional experience in the kitchens of some of the country’s most luxurious hotels, Quagliata moved to the Napa Valley, taking a sous-chef position at Tra Vigne. In the heart of the wine country, Quagliata was able to grow his skills, combining the traditions from his family with the flavors of true Italian cuisine. With promotions as proof of his talent, Quagliata left Tra Vigne as executive chef/partner.

When Quagliata left Napa in 2001, it wasn’t for a run-of-the-mill kitchen job. He flew to New York for the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to work under Lidia Bastianich, the Italian chef and empress of a burgeoning restaurant collection. Quagliata joined the kitchen at Felidia’s, her flagship eatery, founded in 1981.

At this point, Bastianich had published numerous cookbooks and produced a television series. Times were good, and there was much to learn for a young chef starting out. Despite Quagliata’s relatively short tenure at Felidia’s, those seven months defined and shaped his growth in ways Tra Vigne could not.

Boston was Quagliata’s next stop, working at the Vault and earning it a three-star review from both the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald.

Quagliata came back to New York City in 2005, joining restaurateur Danny Meyer’s team at the Union Square Café. Currently serving as the executive chef, Quagliata has continued the restaurant’s tradition of great cuisine and famous hospitality. During his tenure, Union Square Café was named the second favorite New York restaurant by Zagat's from 2005 to 2007, and in 2008, it took the gold medal and was named the number one favorite.

Fun fact: Chef Carmen Quagliata loves cheering on the Yankees with his kids.