PALAZZO ZUCHERI

Located at the pinnacle of the Spanish Steps in Rome, along the picturesque Via Gregoriana, stands the historic Palazzo Zucheri, constructed in 1590 by Federico Zuccari. While this elegant building boasts a prime location today, with its close proximity to the renowned Spanish Steps, it's intriguing to note that the iconic staircase wasn't erected until 1725. However, the splendid Trinità dei Monti church, which serves as the centerpiece at the top of the steps today, has graced the area since as early as 1503.

Yet, the roots of this site run even deeper into history. In 60 BCE, the esteemed Roman statesman and general, Lucius Licinius Lucullus, established his opulent villa and gardens here. At that time this was the very edge of Rome, still undeveloped, the Gardens of Lucullus ran down the hill where the Spanish Steps are today. Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Lucullus symbolized luxury beyond his contemporaries, and the term "lucullan" in fact, denotes extreme opulence. The villa's slopes were home to his prized thrushes, considered the finest in Rome, and he is credited with introducing the first cherries to Europe from his conquests near the Black Sea. Even today, the name “Lucullus” is still used on menus today, I once had a Foie Gras with Gelee Lucullus which is a recipe from Auguste Escoffier. He is also credited as bringing my favorite leafy green, Swiss Chard, to Rome.

My first restaurant job in San Francisco was as a junior Sous Chef at Vivande Ristorante in 1997, that’s where my strange connection with the Palazzo Zucheri began. San Franciscan sculptor Michael H. Casey was tasked with recreating the mouth doorway of the Palazzo Zucheri for the entrance of the restaurant.

I entered these strange doors to interview for the position with Chef Carlo Middione, beginning a fruitful apprenticeship that would last 11 years, but in many ways, shaping the rest of my entire life.