Rocco DiSpirito

Rocco DiSpirito is a James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and television personality known for his Italian-American cuisine and innovative fusion cooking. At age 16, DiSpirito began formal studies at the Culinary Institute of America and trained in France at Le Jardin des Cygnes with Dominique Cecillon and Gray Kunz. After graduating from Boston University with a degree in business, he worked with chefs around the world before returning to the United States to work for Gray Kunz at Lespinasse, a restaurant that received four stars from The New York Times.

DiSpirito's culinary reputation grew with the opening of his Manhattan restaurant, Union Pacific. He became the first chef to appear on the cover of Gourmet magazine as "America's Most Exciting Young Chef" and was named "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine magazine. He was also recognized as a "Rising Star" by Restaurant Hospitality. In a three-star review, New York Times critic Ruth Reichl praised DiSpirito's culinary approach. He received the James Beard Award for his cookbook "Flavor" and has earned recognition as a chef whose success extends beyond the kitchen.

DiSpirito is the author of 14 cookbooks, including three New York Times bestsellers. Three of his titles have reached the New York Times No. 1 bestseller list: "Now Eat This!", "The Pound a Day Diet," and "The Negative Calorie Diet." His cookbook "Rocco's Keto Comfort Food Diet: Eat the Foods You Miss and Still Lose up to a Pound a Day" highlights his commitment to making healthy eating accessible. DiSpirito is known for his approach to flavor and his dedication to demonstrating that healthy and delicious food can coexist.

On television, DiSpirito debuted the Food Network series "Melting Pot," NBC's reality series "The Restaurant," and the A&E series "Rocco Gets Real." He has served as the Healthy Food Coach on ABC's "Extreme Weight Loss," hosted "Restaurant Divided" on Food Network, and starred in "Rocco's Dinner Party" on Bravo. DiSpirito has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC's The Biggest Loser, and was the first chef to compete on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." He is also a frequent presence on Food Network's "Chopped," "Guy's Grocery Games," "Beat Bobby Flay," and "Wildcard Kitchen."

Outside the kitchen and television, DiSpirito has overcome significant health challenges, including emergency spinal surgery that required him to relearn how to walk. This experience deepened his commitment to health and wellness, influencing both his cooking and advocacy work. DiSpirito serves as an ambassador for HealthCorps, encouraging students nationwide to build healthier habits. He also launched "School of Rocco," a social media-driven cooking series that has reached millions, continuing to engage new generations of food enthusiasts and maintaining his influence in the culinary industry.