Today we’d like to introduce you to Diego Critelli
Hi Diego, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raise in Italy. I studied business at the University of Venice first and Trento after. I worked in the family restaurant since I was 15 as a server. I became one of the youngest sommelier in Italy at the age of 18y. I worked in Paris, France for almost 2 y as sommelier in a very busy wine bar named L’Enoteca in the Marais area. I owned the family restaurant for 14 y and we were rewarded in the Michelin Guide. Ai Porteghi in Padova was the name, I was the Executive Cef as well. Me, my wife and my three kids we moved to Wimslow, UK to open a small business named the ItalianLab where we served authentic italian food, with a market and where everyone had to speak italian.
In 2015 we moved to Iowa, USA for my job: Corporate Chef for Port of Des Moines a catering/event with multiple location and restaurant. Covid happened and I started working for a senior living community: Grand Living. After two years working there a recruiter contacted me offering a job as Executive Chef at Quixote Club in Sumter, SC. I took it expecially for the weather and after two years we decided to split avenues. Currently I am General Manager in a busy Hibachi Steakhouse in Columbia, SC and I do private dinner upon request.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy. I had to live by myself for some time far from my family. Getting the Visa is been a process and always hoping that everything was fine. After the Green Card it has been much easier at least we didn’t have to file a new application every year or renew the driving licence every six months
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Chef but I would say I am an hospitality creature. When I exit a restaurant I find myself thanking the host for coming in…ahahahah
I have a great passion for my job and I set my standard probably too high so I have sometimes problems with other peers or teammate that can’t reach them or don’t care about them
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Where I live now, Sumter I do like my home and my neighbours but the town doesn’t offer too much. But Columbia is only 30 minutes away and both me and my wife work in Columbia now
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefcritelli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diego.critelli
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKc-kWbPdxW1tyO8BlgxEdO-WvWhxv92i
