Owner,Chef Gino D'Acampo

Education : Gino entered the Luigi de Medici Catering College at the age of fifteen, inspired by his grandfather who was a head chef. He continued to develop his skills through many European kitchens, including Perignon in Nice and Sylvester Stallone's Mambo King in Marbella before coming to England at the age of 20. Career : A major Italian food supplier, experienced head chef and colourful TV personality, Gino D'Acampo is one of Great Food Live's most popular guest chefs. After head chef assignments in various London restaurants, including Pane Vino and The Orchard in Belsize Park, Gino's easy manner and skills in Italian cookery were noticed and he started appearing as a guest on Great Food Live. His wide knowledge and passion for traditional Italian food and recipes led him to be invited to shoot a series of short videos for Great Food Live on essential ingredients. Appearances on Ready, Steady Cook soon followed, starting with three straight wins! In 2005, Gino set off on a culinary adventure in Central America for his own series An Italian in Mexico, the success of which led to a second series. Gino now runs his own import and distribution company, Bontà Italia, and continues as a development consultant chef for ready-meals manufacturers including Tesco's Finest. He also has his own range of oils and sauces, which are distributed through independent delis.