Episode 66: Luca Annunziata of Luca Modern Italian Kitchen
b'Chef Luca Annunziata of Luca | Modern Italian Kitchen (formerly Passion8) began his culinary career under his mother\\u2019s tutelage where he grew up in Naples, Italy. Signora Filomena was a tremendous influence on her young son whose passion for cooking was evident early on. Food was the vehicle that would lead him to later travel the world and discover his own unique cooking style. He is known for his innovative juxtaposition of complex flavors that contrast creating a modernist\\u2019s interpretation of cuisine. With over twenty years experience in hospitality, Luca has worked in many of venerable Four-Star/Five-Diamond restaurants and hotels around the world. Prior to coming to Charlotte, he worked for Don Alfonso\\u2019s 1890 in San A\\u2019gata, Italy, a two-star Michelin Relais Chateaux restaurant. He has been a recipient of many awards but what he is most proud of is receiving the esteemed Zagat Platinum Award for Excellence as well as the Passion8\\u2019s being named \\u201cTop 25 Best Restaurants in Charlotte\\u201d from Charlotte Magazine as well as receiving multiple AAA Four Diamond Awards.'