Stars of One: Gino D’Acampo of Gino’s Italian Escape

On “Gino’s Italian Escape,” chef Gino D’Acampo takes you through Italy in an attempt to share with you the people, scenery – and most importantly, the food – that makes this one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

When it comes to food, Napoli’s own D’Acampo learned very young that being around food was a passion he couldn’t shy away from. At the age off 11, D’Acampo entered his grandfather Ciro’s restaurant and decided then and there that cooking was something he had to do.

“My grandfather said that a good recipe doesn’t need many ingredients,” wrote D’Acampo on his official website. “Because if the ingredients are good quality and full of flavor, why do you have to cover up or change their taste?”

From Ciro’s, D’Acampo went on to train at the Luigi de Medici Catering College. After completing his schooling, D’Acampo headed to London, England at the age of 19 to work at The Orchard Restaurant, followed by Cambio. Next up was a gig at Tesco, an opportunity that led to D’Acampo’s first television appearance: “Great Food Live” on UKTV Food. The rest, as they say, is history!

Eventually, this big-break would lead to the “Gino’s Italian Escape” TV series, the authoring of numerous best-selling cookbooks, as well as D’Acampo’s eateries – My Restaurant and My Pasta Bar – both of which have multiple locations overseas.

-Adam Grant

Be sure to join us on One for the tasty eating and travelling series, “Gino’s Italian Escape” with chef Gino D’Acampo! Click here to find out when you can watch it.