Rapid Fire: Thomas Ciszak of Chakra & Blue Morel

by Melody Kettle


Thomas Ciszak is one of the Northeast’s most acclaimed chefs. Born in Germany and trained at top schools and restaurants in his home country, Chef Ciszak came to the United States in 1994.  His work grew noticed and he gained great popularity first at The Manor in West Orange, then at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan. From there, he joined The Fireman Hospitality Group as opening Executive Chef at Shelly's New York. 

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Rapid Fire: Todd Villani of Terre a Terre

by Melody Kettle


Chef Todd Villani, owner of Terre a Terre in Carlstadt, grew up in a kitchen alongside his grandmother who prepared 3-course meals every day for most of her adult life.  

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Rapid Fire: Josh Bernstein of Spuntino

by Melody Kettle


Joshua Bernstein is pioneering a new generation of authentic, creative and scratch-to-table cuisine as Executive Chef at Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas in Clifton, NJ. Bernstein’s work at Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas reflects his 20+ years of experience in the kitchen. He graduated first in his class from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in 1999 and honed his craft at restaurants up and down the East Coast, including Nantucket’s Jared Coffin House and New Jersey’s Rosemary and Sage. 

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