Italian Chef & Culinary Innovator; Founder of Lucciola; Brand Ambassador for Parmigiano Reggiano; Co-Founder of I Wonder Pictures

New York, NY, USA

Michele Casadei Massari Biography

Michele Casadei Massari is an Italian chef, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador whose career blends culinary expertise, scientific knowledge, and a commitment to Italian heritage. Massari initially pursued medical studies at Università di Bologna before shifting his focus to the culinary arts. His approach to cooking is defined by a rule of using no more than five ingredients per dish, a philosophy that has led to his recognition as the "five ingredients chef" in New York. After serving as general manager and executive chef at a holiday resort restaurant in Sardinia, Massari moved to Manhattan, where he and a partner began by selling coffee from a kiosk in Union Square before opening a café specializing in traditional Italian cuisine.

Together with Alberto Ghezzi, Massari founded Lucciola, an 18-seat restaurant designed to deliver a distinctive dining experience. Lucciola is known for its "Hi-Fi Cooking," a concept inspired by the precision and emotional resonance of high-fidelity sound, focusing on ingredient purity, seasonality, and minimal intervention. The restaurant operates with a "no menu" format, offering dishes based on the best available ingredients each day. Lucciola's wine list has received "Two Glasses" from Wine Spectator, and the New York Restaurant Association named it Best Restaurant in New York.

Massari's culinary philosophy emphasizes that food should communicate values through minimalist presentation, careful sourcing, and sensitivity to cultural and dietary needs. He serves as brand ambassador for the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium in the U.S., culinary director for Accademia Felicetti, and executive event chef for Ferrari North America. Massari was selected as the chef for the United Nations 80th Anniversary Gala, becoming the first external chef to design and execute the dinner, highlighting his belief in cuisine as a means of fostering international connection.

Massari is also co-founder and board advisor of I Wonder Pictures, a leading film distribution company in Italy, known for bringing films such as "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "The Whale," and "The Zone of Interest" to cinemas. He serves as culinary director of Casa I Wonder, curating gastronomic experiences at major film festivals, including Venice and Sundance, and crafting menus for filmmakers, producers, and artists. Massari is a columnist for Il Sole 24 Ore, a frequent guest on RAI Italia, and a contributor to Italian radio programs such as Radio 2. Through his work at the intersection of food, culture, and media, Massari continues to shape the global conversation around Italian cuisine and culinary innovation.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/29/2026.

Michele Casadei Massari Speaking Topics

  • The simplicity of the perfect ingredient

    A high-quality, fresh ingredient doesn't need much adornment or complex preparation to shine in a dish. It emphasizes the importance of sourcing the best ingredients because they can stand alone in their natural state, showcasing their inherent flavors and qualities. It's a philosophy often found in cuisines that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and minimalist preparation to let those ingredients speak for themselves.

  • 10, 100, 1000

    Dive into the simple rule of pasta

    • a culinary guideline indicating the proportion of pasta, salt, and water. This fundamental principle not only serves as the backbone for perfect pasta but also provides a window into Chef Michele's unique perspective on talent and passion. He believes, "Talent has the exhilaration of speed", underscoring the thrilling and exhilarating sensation one experiences when witnessing raw talent in full flourish. Just as a dish can enrapture the senses, so too can the sheer force of talent, propelling forward with the momentum and impact akin to the adrenaline rush of great speed. Join Chef Michele as he intertwines the art of pasta-making with profound reflections on the nature of talent and its electrifying essence.

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Michele Casadei Massari Videos

Scaglie presenta: l'american dream dello chef Michele Casadei Massari

Scaglie presenta: l'american dream dello chef Michele Casadei Massari

Quando lo chef Michele Casadei Massari è partito per New York, con sé aveva una valigia piena di sogni e, nel cuore, l’Italia. Il suo sogno...

  • How do I book Michele Casadei Massari to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Michele Casadei Massari

    Speaking fees for Michele Casadei Massari, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michele Casadei Massari are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michele Casadei Massari, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Michele Casadei Massari speak about?

    Michele Casadei Massari is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Consulting, Business Leadership, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneurship, European Heritage, Health & Wellness, Hospitality, Inspirational, Motivational, News & Media, Nutrition, Storytelling
  • Where does Michele Casadei Massari travel from?

    Michele Casadei Massari generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Michele Casadei Massari’s agent?

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Michele Casadei Massari is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The simplicity of the perfect ingredient, 10, 100, 1000, Merging Medicine with Culinary Artistry, Cinema, Cuisine & Collectibles: Crafting Narratives and Urumboro & Ethical Epicureanism: Navigating Zero-Waste & Conscious Choices. The estimated speaking fee range to book Michele Casadei Massari for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Michele Casadei Massari generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Allen Campbell, Douglass Williams, Ford Fry, Christine Ha and Peter Diamandis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michele Casadei Massari for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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