Chef Antonia Lofaso’s cuisine is an invitation to explore the depths of her interior world. Her food elicits a curiosity that ... developed from stepping outside the suburbs of Long Island, and into the culturally diverse landscape of Los Angeles. Inspired by her Italian-American heritage, Lofaso opened Scopa Italian Roots in 2013. Lofaso’s interpretation of old-school Italian is hailed as one of the most compelling restaurants for Italian cooking in Los Angeles. P Lofaso apprenticed under culinary legends and absorbed their sophisticated techniques, but she was not afraid to take extraordinary risks to honor her instincts. She rose quickly through the ranks at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and went on to transform various kitchens in Los Angeles while working closely with many high-profile celebrities. In 2011, Lofaso partnered with Sal Aurora and Mario Guddemi to debut Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City. This collaboration would foster the creative freedom Lofaso longed for. Black Market is not constrained by one definitive direction and that is the intention. Throughout her career, Lofaso has measured her success by her innate ability to understand her audience, while staying true to her own personality. Her memorable performance on Top Chef: Chicago and Top Chef: All-Stars celebrated her individuality outside the kitchen, and her talents continue to shine in front of the camera as a judge on NBC’s Restaurant Startup, and recurring roles on The Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, Man vs. Child, and ABC’s Real O’neals. In 2012, Lofaso released The Busy Mom’s Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, Home-cooked Meals, which also tells the story of the challenges she overcame while studying at the elite French Culinary Institute, and simultaneously raising her daughter, Xea. Lofaso insists that the drive behind all of her accomplishments comes from the heart of the kitchen, and it is in this vein that she continues to have a firm finger on the pulse. She is revolutionizing her industry’s aesthetic by redesigning chef wear for style and functionality, through her brand Chefletics. What matters to Lofaso is staying true to your vision⎯with this intention she is launching Antonia Lofaso Catering, which will convey a more tailored approach to providing clients with a distinctly personal experience. read more