Carlo Cracco
Carlo Cracco | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 8, 1965 Italy |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, television personality |
| Known for | Owner of Cracco restaurant; co-host of MasterChef Italia; host of Hell's Kitchen Italia |
Carlo Cracco (born 8 October 1965) is a renowned Italian chef and media figure.
Located in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, his restaurant Cracco in Galleria boasts a Michelin star, three "forks" awarded by Gambero Rosso, and is recognized among the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Biography
Cracco completed his studies at the Pellegrino Artusi hospitality school in Recoaro Terme. Following graduation, he gained experience at "Da Remo" in Vicenza and began working with chef Gualtiero Marchesi in Milan starting in 1986. He also held a position at "La Meridiana," a resort located in Savona, and dedicated three years to mastering French culinary techniques in France.
Upon returning to Italy, Cracco took on the role of chef at the two-Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. He reunited with Marchesi to launch "L'Albereta" in Lombardy, where he served as head chef for three years. Afterwards, he opened "Le Clivie" in Piedmont, which earned a Michelin star under his leadership.
At the invitation of the Stoppani family, proprietors of Milan's Peck marketplace, Cracco established "Cracco Peck," now simply known as "Cracco." Since 2018, the venue has operated as Cracco in Galleria within the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
His establishment has been highly rated by Gambero Rosso and included among the world's top 50 restaurants by la Repubblica. In 2014, Cracco opened a bistro named "Carlo e Camilla in segheria," situated in a former sawmill in Milan.
From 2011 onward, Cracco has co-hosted MasterChef Italia alongside Bruno Barbieri and Joe Bastianich, with Antonino Cannavacciuolo joining the panel since 2015. He has been president of the nonprofit organization Maestro Martino since 2012 and made an appearance at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2013. Additionally, he led the first two seasons of Hell's Kitchen Italia aired on Sky Uno.
In 2019, Cracco was honored with the America Award by the Italy–USA Foundation.
He created both business and premium class menus for the Milan–Paris Frecciarossa train service launched in December 2021. Despite a €18 price point, the menu encountered criticism regarding its quality, which Cracco publicly addressed.
Family
Cracco is father to two daughters, Sveva and Irene, from his initial marriage. He is presently married to Rosa Fanti, with whom he has two sons named Pietro and Cesare.
Television
- MasterChef Italia, broadcast on Cielo (2011) and later on Sky Uno (2011–2016)
- Hell's Kitchen Italia (2014–present)
- The Final Table (2018), featured in episode: "Italy Challenge"