EXCITING NEWS FROM MAZARA TRATTORIA!  

The Mazara Trattoria family is growing and we are honored to introduce highly esteemed Chef, Luigi “Gino” Buonanoce.

Gino was born and raised in Mola di Bari, Italy, a quaint fishing town on the Adriatic in Southeast Italy known for seafood, focaccia, orecchiette, brasciole, and many other regional delights.  Gino’s interest in cooking began at an early age.  His mother very often held him over the stovetop as he insisted on adding various ingredients and stirring the pot--no pun intended!  Throughout his career, Gino has taken many of these hometown recipes with him, including an incredible Pugliese-style focaccia bread that reminds him of the Old Country.  

Gino attended culinary school in Bari, Italy, where he obtained his professional degree.  As his passion continued, he became a Sous Chef aboard a Mediterranean cruise line and later Chef aboard other cruise ships.  His first stop in the U.S. took him to Parma Ristorante in New York City at the age of 22.  Shortly thereafter, Gino arrived in California, where he became acquainted with Antonio Cagnolo of Antonello Ristorante. Gino joined the Antonello team, spending a cumulative tenure of 23 years with the restaurant.  More recently, for the last 12 years Gino was the Executive Chef at Antonello Ristorante, where he was able to incorporate many of his culinary talents and ideas.  Gino has also owned several Italian restaurants in Orange County.

We are excited to welcome Gino to the existing talent at Mazara Trattoria as a partner/Chef.  Please feel free to come by and welcome him on this exciting new adventure.

Grazie, a presto!!!