Chefs Larry and Marc Forgione

Chef Larry Forgione has been called “The Godfather of American Cuisine” for his role in changing the way Americans eat today. He embraced the virtues of our national cuisine and used only seasonal, local ingredients, beginning the entire “Farm-to-Table” movement. So when The Culinary Institute of America was developing its American Food Studies: Farm-to-Table Cooking curriculum, it was only natural that the college teamed with Chef Forgione, who became the program’s co-founder and culinary director. The remarkable career of this legendary chef has been highlighted by many accomplishments and accolades. After graduating from the CIA and then working in some of the best kitchens in Europe and America, Chef Forgione opened An American Place in 1983, earning three stars in The New York Times. Both the CIA and the James Beard Foundation have named him “Chef of the Year,” and his alma mater presented him with an Augie Award for his far-reaching influence as a “Pioneer of American Cuisine.” Also, Life magazine named him one of the “50 Most Influential Baby Boomers.” An American Place received the prestigious Restaurants and Institutions Ivy Award and induction into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame. And Chef Forgione’s American Place cookbook won a James Beard Award for “Best American Cookbook” in 1996. 

Chef Marc Forgione is the chef/owner of Restaurant Marc Forgione and Peasant and is the co-owner/partner of Khe-Yo. Chef Forgione began his career at the age of 16, joining his father, Larry Forgione, in the kitchen at An American Place. With Marc Forgione, formerly known as Forge, Forgione's first restaurant, he has created an approachable place "that people walk by and are compelled to enter and where the ingredients are the star." Restaurant Marc Forgione was awarded its first Michelin star in 2010. In addition, Forgione received a two-star review from Sam Sifton of The New York Times, who noted, “Mr. Forgione’s food is sometimes sweet. Other times, it is salty, sour or spicy. Sometimes it is all four — and loudly so. The restaurant also earned the distinction of being named "Key Newcomer" by Zagat Guide, "Top 25 Restaurants in NYC" by Modern Luxury magazine and "All Star Eatery" by Forbes magazine. Forgione was awarded "Star Chefs Rising Star of the Year"; named "Rising Star" from Restaurant Hospitality magazine and mentioned "New Formalist" by Esquire magazine. In 2010, Chef Forgione won season 3 of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” at just 31 years old, making him the youngest chef to earn the title. In January 2020, Marc took over Peasant, an Italian restaurant specializing in handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and Italian wines served in a warm and refined setting.