Family-run, fine-dining Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar has welcomed its third generation of chefs to the kitchen. Nico Ferraro, 11-year-old grandson of Owner Gino Ferraro and son of Executive Chef Mimmo Ferraro, has signaled his interest in carrying on the family’s culinary tradition by learning to prepare the family’s authentic, signature recipes.
Nico first learned to cook at home, then began shadowing Mimmo at Ferraro’s since late 2020. Today, he can be spotted in the kitchen or strolling through the restaurant and graciously greeting guests. Nico has not only been learning the family’s treasured recipes from his father and grandfather, such as Pappardelle Mimmo, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Lasagna alla Gino and Osso Buco, but also seeing firsthand how demanding the restaurant business can be.
“Having a work-life balance in the restaurant industry is notoriously difficult,” says Mimmo. “Being able to work surrounded by your family is a tremendous gift. Family means everything to us.”
Other Ferraro’s family members continue to frequent the restaurant most nights of the week. Gino’s wife of 47 years, Rosalba, can be seen socializing with guests almost nightly, and their other children, children’s spouses, grandchildren and extended family also stop by regularly.
“Nothing brings me greater joy than to have my family an ongoing part of the Ferraro’s experience,” said Gino Ferraro, owner, Ferraro’s. “It’s beyond incredible to see Nico developing a passion for Italian cooking, just like his father and grandfather!”
For more information about Ferraro’s or to make reservations, call (702) 364-5300.
