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Luca Annunziata
Executive Chef | Owner“To create beauty is to search… There is no sweet whispers of inspiration that warm and comfort the soul. It is a quest to capture the small flickering light the shines deep within yourself. It can only be harnessed with fortitude, struggle and sacrifice and even then it is illusive if you are not wholly devoted to it.”
Chef Luca began his culinary career under his mother’s tutelage where he grew up in Naples, Italy. Signora Filomena was a tremendous influence on her young son whose passion for cooking was evident early on. Through cooking Luca was able to express himself in a way he had never been able to before. Food was the vehicle that would lead him to later travel the world and discover his own unique cooking style.
Chef Luca is known for his innovative juxtaposition of complex flavors that contrast creating a modernist’s interpretation of cuisine. With over 20 years experience in hospitality Luca has worked in such venerable establishments with Four Stars Five Diamond Restaurants and Hotels around the world.
During his travels Chef Luca has worked in many different countries including finishing his training in San Moritz, Switerland at the Suvretta House a Five Star Leading Hotel of the World. After spending 3 years in Switzerland it was then on to the Dorchester Hotel in London one of the world’s most prestigious hotels. Germany, France, and eventually New York came calling where he worked for Hearst Corporation with Good Housekeeping Magazine in the test kitchen as well as being responsible for preparing private luncheons for the cover models.
Prior to coming to Charlotte he worked for Don Alfonso’s 1890 in San A’gata Italy a two star Michelin Relais Chateaux restaurant considered one of the finest restaurants in the world. He has been a recipient of many awards but what he is most proud of is receiving the esteemed Zagat Platinum Award for Excellence as well as the Passion8’s being named “Top 25 Best Restaurants in Charlotte” from Charlotte Magazine as well as the 2012 and 2013 AAA 4 Diamond Award.