Our Chefs
FRANCESCO FALASCHI
I was born in Lucca in 1996. I took my first steps inside my maternal grandmother’s restaurant, where she cooked for over 40 years. My mother is a chef, my brother a waiter, I don’t see how I could have chosen any path other than hospitality.
My passion for cooking began as a child, so I studied at Istituto Alberghiero in Montecatini Terme, graduating in 2015.
I immediately began working in two local restaurants, then moved to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the new environment, ideas, and techniques enriched me with experience that I hope will bear fruit here at REFETTORIOinFondazione, where since September 2022 my/our new adventure has begun.
LEONARDO CRISTOFARO
I was born in Soverato in 1998. Since childhood, watching my grandmother and mother at the stove sparked my interest in preparing and choosing ingredients.
I enrolled in a two-year professional course, which then allowed me to enter the world of work.
I spent several “seasons” in Montecatini Terme, then continued my journey to places like Lignano Sabbiadoro and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Since then, I’ve lived with my loyal sourdough starter, which I care for every day and which allows me to bake bread, breadsticks, and focaccias daily. After four years away from home, I looked to return closer, and the opportunity materialized with the POMA Foundation project, which I joined immediately with the goal of growing and helping REFETTORIOinFondazione grow.