About me
I'm the chef-proprietor of Delfina, a nationally acclaimed Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s mission district. My wife, Anne, and I have garnered a loyal following for preparing delicious, soulful Italian food with a commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. The flavors are focused and the preparations are simple. A New York native, I have over 26 years experience in the restaurant industry.
Born into a food-obsessed family, I was exposed to a variety of restaurants, ingredients and cuisines early-on. In high school I took after-school jobs as a busser, dishwasher and prep cook where I was smitten by the excitement of the restaurant world. Hooked by the sensual experience of cooking, the camaraderie in the kitchen and the instant gratification, cooking school was an obvious next choice.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, I received a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management at Florida International University in Miami. In 1988, I headed West to work in San Francisco. For the next few years I gained experience at Campton Place under Bradley Ogden, Postrio, under David and Annie Gingrass, and Splendido, under Christopher Majer.
The pivotal point of my career came in 1992 when I was awarded a scholarship to attend the nascent ICIF cooking school in Torino, Italy. Daily cooking demonstrations by renowned Italian chefs and field trips to restaurants and artisan food producers exposed me to the best that Italy had to offer. My subsequent externship, working in the kitchen of Da Delfina, a one star Michelin ristorante in the heart of Tuscany changed my life and helped me define our cooking style. Delfina is named in honor of this special place.
After my return from Italy, I ran the kitchens of various restaurants, including Tutto Bene, Timo’s and Palio d’Asti where I continued to develop my repertoire. In 1997 I became chef at the Frog and the Peach in Mill Valley, CA. There I met Anne Spencer, manager of the Depot Café, across the street. Shortly thereafter we began dating, and then laying plans to open a place of our own. (We married in May, 2000!)
I currently reside in the Mission District of San Francisco with my wife and daughter, Lucy Rose.
Awards, Honors and Societies
Americas Best New Chefs (Food and Wine)
Best of the Bay Area (San Francisco Magazine)
United States Chef
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September 18, 2008Glad you joined, Craig! Can't wait to try one of your recipes once you've shared with us! Am planning to visit Delphina with friends in early Oct. Can't wait!
