"This is simple stuff, our neighbors are hungry and we have to help."
Rocco DiSpirito's passion for cooking began at the very young age of 11 and he has never looked back. At 16 he entered the Culinary Institute of America, and at 18 began working for legendary chefs worldwide. After graduating from Boston University with a degree in business, Rocco immediately jumped into the New York restaurant scene. At Gray Kunz’s Lespinasse, Rocco began to find his voice as a chef. In 1995 Rocco opened Dava and quickly earned 2 stars from Ruth Reichl at the New York Times. At 31, Rocco opened Union Pacific and received 3 stars from the New York Times. In 1999, Rocco was named one of Food and Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” and in October 2000 graced the cover of Gourmet magazine as “America’s Most Exciting Young Chef.” Rocco has authored five cookbooks and starred in the 2003/2004 hit series The Restaurant on NBC. In 2008, the cooking series Rocco Gets Real! was launched on A&E. Rocco is a regular contributor on The Biggest Loser and judge on Top Chef, and recently was seen on the ABC mega-hit Dancing with the Stars. He competes in triathlons nationally and lives in NYC.