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Appetito

Michael Politto Jr. is a retired Italian chef and accomplished journalist whose life’s work bridged the passionate artistry of traditional cuisine with the storytelling power of the written word. Born into a proud Italian-American family, Politto developed his culinary foundation under the mentorship of master chefs in Italy, refining his craft in some of the country’s most revered kitchens. His early career took him through the historic halls of Osteria Francescana, the elegance of Le Calandre, and the legendary La Pergola, where he became known for his disciplined technique and deep respect for regional Italian traditions. Over decades, Politto cultivated a reputation as a chef who could elevate rustic dishes into refined experiences, earning admiration from peers and critics alike.
In the later stages of his career, Politto transitioned seamlessly into journalism, bringing the same authenticity and depth to his writing that defined his cooking. As a contributor to leading culinary publications across Europe and the United States, he documented the evolving landscape of Italian gastronomy, profiling iconic chefs and preserving disappearing regional recipes. His work captured not just food, but the culture, history, and people behind it cementing his legacy as both a craftsman and a storyteller. Now retired, Michael Politto Jr. is regarded as a respected voice in the culinary world, a man whose life embodied the spirit of Italy’s kitchens and whose words continue to inspire a new generation of chefs and food writers.

Michael Politto Jr.

Features

An Italian Chef’s Mission to Change the Hospitality Industry

Richard is the co-founder of Appetito. He is also co-author of the book series Preserved, former U.S. editor of La Cucina Italiana, and former editor-in-chief of the website Food Republic and the magazines Manhattan, Miami, and Complex.

Richard Martin

Mister Charles in Dallas Shakes Up Fine Dining

hospitality