Chef Spotlight: GINO IOSSA of Roccos Tuscany Bar and Grill in Madison-NJ

Gino Iossa is the owner and Chef of Rocco's Tuscany Bar and Grill in Madison, New Jersey. Rocco's is a family business started in 1960 and was one of the first five pizzerias in Morris County. Twenty years later fine dining was added. In 2008, Gino gave Rocco's a new Tuscany look and feel but continues to serve exceptional food all his customers love to eat. Gino became acquainted with the family business at an early age making pizza. At the age of 17, he attended the Culinary Institute of America where he received formal cooking training. As many would attest, hands on training can't measure up to classroom setting. He worked side by side with his mother who he credits for teaching him to cook with heart and passion. Gino's customers come back weekly to experience authentic Italian cooking like their mothers/grandmothers use to make which bring back fond memories for them. Unfortunately that type of home cooking is quickly fading away as families become busier but Gino keeps it alive for all to enjoy.

We had the opportunity to interview Gino Iossa about his career and Rocco's Tuscany Bar and Grill.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

I was born into the restaurant business as my dad opened the 1st pizzeria in Morris County in 1960. At the early age of 8 I was serving garlic bread to our restaurant customers. My parents exposed me to every aspect of the business and as the years went on watching my mother in the kitchen is what intrigued me. Her passion for creating works of art made me want to learn to create such incredible dishes. At this moment is where the passion began.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My mentor is my mom, Janet. She has taught me techniques that no culinary school could teach. It's to cook with love and passion.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Italian style cooking is my devotion. Smelling the aroma of the spices and ingredients marrying together brings you back to an Italian grandmothers cooking not only for myself but for my customers.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

One of my distinguishing features as a chef as I mentioned is cooking with love and passion for the art of cooking. Creating masterpieces of food for people to enjoy and savor. Examples of my passion can be tasted in my Pescatore Dish made with shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, sea base, in plum tomato broth ,over ling or Pork Chop stuffed wtih fresh mozzarella, prosciutto de Parma over garlic mashed potatoes topped with a Madeira sauce

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is Linguine Pescatore with a bottle of my father's homemade wine and fresh garlic bread.

Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

Rocco's Tuscany Bar and Grill, located at 30 Cook Plaza Madison, NJ has a long history dating back to 1960 when my dad, Rocco Iossa, opened one of the first five pizzerias in Morris County. Twenty years later my dad added a fine dining restaurant. In 2008, I opened the new Rocco's Tuscany Bar and Grill. Rocco's has a Tuscan décor which is warm and comfortable for you to enjoy your dining pleasure. We serve savory signature dishes created and prepared by myself. We try to create an experience our customers will never forget.

For more information on Rocco's Tuscany Bar and Grill in Madison, New Jersey you can call (973) 377-7161 or visit their web site at www.roccostuscanybarandgrill.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rocco's