Mario Rizzotti

Stats
From: Illinois, originally Italy
Profession: Italian Culinary Specialist
Interests: Family, travel, educating people in US about Italian food and how to distinguish a real Italian product from the millions of imitations
Ideal secret ingredient: Parmigiano, reggiano and balsamic vinegar
Culinary inspirations: My mom's cuisine, Nicola Bindini, Lorenzo Boni and real Italian chefs
Favorite restaurant: Spiaggia, Spaccanapoli, Bice, Volare, Gioco (all in Chicago)
Favorite food: Risotto all'amarone
Food you won't go near: Indian
Weirdest thing you've ever eaten: Snake, fried spiders and animal testicles
Favorite food destination: Parma, the food capital of the world
Alternative dream job: TV personality