Marcello Russodivito -Suffern – New York- USA

Marcello  Russodivito was born in Campobasso—the capital city of the Italian region of Molise. His family originates from Riccia which is one of the largest towns of the province where he spent his infancy and childhood.

Born the youngest of five children, after the sudden death of his father, he began working in restaurants when he was just 13 years old. At the age of 14, he traveled to study at the “Hotel Institute of Montecatini Terme” in Tuscany for three years until he graduated. To improve and refine all that he learned, Marcello worked the next six years around the world to perfect his culinary talent in Switzerland, Germany, France, England and, finally, in Bermuda. In Bermuda, he met his wife, Carolyn, and they both moved back to the United States. Here he perfected his art, working for some of the most famous restaurants in New York and New Jersey. This experience led him to understand what the American customer wants and expects from a good restaurant.In 1986, Marcello realized his dream as a chef and opened his first restaurant in  Suffern, Rockland County—New York State.

In 1993, Zagat appointed Marcello’s Ristorante as “One of the 50 best restaurants in the Tri-State area.” “Crain’s New York Business” ranked Marcello’s Ristorante as“one of the best Italian restaurants outside of Manhattan.”In 1996, Marcello opened “Caffè Dolce” Trattoria, referring to the Italian and European tradition of meeting friends and hanging around over a bite to eat.

In 2005, Marcello published his first cookbook and wine guide entitled, “Sale, Pepe, Amore e Fantasia”
(“Salt, Pepper, Love and Creativity”) with great success.

Over the years, Marcello has been a major contributor of his talent as well as of his food to organizations such as “Taste of the Nation,” “Menu of Hope,” “ARC of Rockland,” “Good Samaritan Hospital” plus many others in need of help and support.

Marcello is also a guest chef every Monday morning on radio Rockland WRCR AM 1300 from 8.45 am to 9.00 am – www.wrcr.com.

 In 2005, he filmed a video program for local television channels called “Brindiamo! A Toast to the Finest Italian Restaurants,” hosted by Ornella Fado, producer of the television show “Brindiamo.”In 2010 he participated with Ornella Fado, (www. Brindiamotv.com), in a cooking competition sponsored by the  Hotel  School  Piemontese (IFSE— Italian Style Food Education – Culinary Institute) as a judge and instructor. The event was held at the Astor Place in New York. During the competition, Marcello helped American students in the creation of special dishes made with Asti Spumante.Again in New York with Ornella  Fado  (www. Brindiamotv.com) he participated in the Columbus Day parade on 5th Ave with Italian chefs representing the Italian cuisine in the USA.In October 2011, Marcello walked the Columbus Day Parade with Ornella Fado of the New York Life TV station, “Brindiamo”.

In November 2015, Marcello formed “Chef Marcello Gourmet Imports.” The website features only the finest products handpicked by Marcello himself from different regions of Italy. They have products ranging from the best olive oils, pasta, tomato sauces, balsamic vinegar, gluten-free products and Italian biscuits.

In February  2016, attended the launching of the “Uomo Moderno” magazine with a guest star of the former prince of Italy, Prince Emanuele di Savoia.
The prince was featured on the cover with an exclusive interview at the Lincoln Square Steakhouse. After the magazine interview, Marcello and the prince then filmed a cooking segment, at the same location, for Ornella Fado’s TV special “Brindiamo!” (Let’s toast!).

Upon returning, he was happy to announce the arrival of his first shipment of OLEA olive oil from
the Terrasacre Vineyards which were purchased by all 21 Inserra ShopRite supermarkets and are proudly displayed in the gourmet sections of each store.