Chef James Baselici
Biography
My culinary career started at a young age working in my parent's restaurant, Pep's Place, in Deal, NJ. I was introduced to cooking by my mother, Gloria, who was an avid fan of Julia Child and used her cookbooks as a reference point to all things delicious. My father, Pep, was a career bartender with a charming personality and a strong work ethic. My father was introduced to restaurant work by my grandfather, Matteo at his Asbury Park bar, Matty's Bar on Bond Street. As you can tell, a pattern developed and the love of hospitality has been passed down from generation to generation. I now continue on this path with the hope of reaching even greater heights in my culinary career.
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After attending college at Rutgers University and briefly contemplating a career as a physical therapist, I was drawn back to my roots and started pursuing a career as a Chef. I graduated from the Institute for Culinary Education, NYC in 1997. Over the course of the last two decades, I have developed my skills as a chef and manager, working through kitchens in New Jersey and Florida. My varied background has included working for the famed Fromagerie Restaurant in Rumson, NJ, the ultra exclusive Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, NJ, D'Jeet Restaurant, Red Bank, NJ and my own restaurant, Catch 22 in West Palm Beach, FL.
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In 2011, I relocated to Sarasota to start the next chapter of my life and culinary career. Over the past decade, I have contributed to the successful openings of multiple food concepts in the Sarasota/Tampa market. These include Libee's Sports Bar & Grill, Englewood, FL, Eliza Ann's Coastal Kitchen inside the Waterline Marina Resort, Autograph Collection by Marriott, Anna Maria, FL and Louie's Modern, Downtown Sarasota. I currently operate Red Sauce Mafia as a Private Chef, Content Creator and Culinary Consultant. I specialize in restaurant openings, remodels, food service construction management and concept start ups.
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I currently reside in Sarasota, FL, but I am a self described "Jersey Boy". When not working, I spend my time cooking, sitting on the beach, working on my car and being the best father I can be.
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