La Ventana Culinary School
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About Marcello
My 35-year career sprouted in my grandmother’s garden during childhood visits to Sicily, Italy. That's where I learned how to make the most out of my surroundings, carefully nurturing seedlings that would one day become the dishes that brought friends, families and neighbors together. I've carried that passion to meaningfully connect with others through the power of food throughout my 35-year career. I'm a graduate and ambassador of Le Cordon Bleu. I've worked as an apprentice in fine restaurants and cafes and in executive roles in kitchens at ski resorts, cruise lines, restaurant groups and hotels in 38 different countries.
I'm also teach culinary arts to seasoned professionals, students and everyone in between — whether they’re deep into their careers or just starting to plan for life after high school graduation. Some of my proudest career moments are:
Building and implementing the inaugural Spanish-language diploma program in the United States as the lead instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Leading the “Savoring the Americas” gala dinner at the James Beard Foundation in New York
Opening Green House Organic Restaurant in Miami and designing and developing healthful, avant-garde cuisine
And, of course, embarking on my newest venture with the opening of the nonprofit La Ventana Culinary School in 2022
About Sara
Sara has spent her 15-year career in the nonprofit sector helping the causes she cares about most maximize their impact. As a marketing, communications and fundraising professional, Sara has had the great privilege of elevating the stories and experiences of people who are not often represented on screens and in newsfeeds. Plus, Sara loves to learn from fellow go-getters and has a few good tips of her own to share from leading organizational rebrands, navigating burnout, planning international summits, writing $1 million grants and everything in between. Sara grew up in La Porte, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Griffin, and good boy, Wally.
Site | Instagram | Facebook | Contact
About Marcello
My 35-year career sprouted in my grandmother’s garden during childhood visits to Sicily, Italy. That's where I learned how to make the most out of my surroundings, carefully nurturing seedlings that would one day become the dishes that brought friends, families and neighbors together. I've carried that passion to meaningfully connect with others through the power of food throughout my 35-year career. I'm a graduate and ambassador of Le Cordon Bleu. I've worked as an apprentice in fine restaurants and cafes and in executive roles in kitchens at ski resorts, cruise lines, restaurant groups and hotels in 38 different countries.
I'm also teach culinary arts to seasoned professionals, students and everyone in between — whether they’re deep into their careers or just starting to plan for life after high school graduation. Some of my proudest career moments are:
Building and implementing the inaugural Spanish-language diploma program in the United States as the lead instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Leading the “Savoring the Americas” gala dinner at the James Beard Foundation in New York
Opening Green House Organic Restaurant in Miami and designing and developing healthful, avant-garde cuisine
And, of course, embarking on my newest venture with the opening of the nonprofit La Ventana Culinary School in 2022
About Sara
Sara has spent her 15-year career in the nonprofit sector helping the causes she cares about most maximize their impact. As a marketing, communications and fundraising professional, Sara has had the great privilege of elevating the stories and experiences of people who are not often represented on screens and in newsfeeds. Plus, Sara loves to learn from fellow go-getters and has a few good tips of her own to share from leading organizational rebrands, navigating burnout, planning international summits, writing $1 million grants and everything in between. Sara grew up in La Porte, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Griffin, and good boy, Wally.
Site | Instagram | Facebook | Contact
About Marcello
My 35-year career sprouted in my grandmother’s garden during childhood visits to Sicily, Italy. That's where I learned how to make the most out of my surroundings, carefully nurturing seedlings that would one day become the dishes that brought friends, families and neighbors together. I've carried that passion to meaningfully connect with others through the power of food throughout my 35-year career. I'm a graduate and ambassador of Le Cordon Bleu. I've worked as an apprentice in fine restaurants and cafes and in executive roles in kitchens at ski resorts, cruise lines, restaurant groups and hotels in 38 different countries.
I'm also teach culinary arts to seasoned professionals, students and everyone in between — whether they’re deep into their careers or just starting to plan for life after high school graduation. Some of my proudest career moments are:
Building and implementing the inaugural Spanish-language diploma program in the United States as the lead instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Leading the “Savoring the Americas” gala dinner at the James Beard Foundation in New York
Opening Green House Organic Restaurant in Miami and designing and developing healthful, avant-garde cuisine
And, of course, embarking on my newest venture with the opening of the nonprofit La Ventana Culinary School in 2022
About Sara
Sara has spent her 15-year career in the nonprofit sector helping the causes she cares about most maximize their impact. As a marketing, communications and fundraising professional, Sara has had the great privilege of elevating the stories and experiences of people who are not often represented on screens and in newsfeeds. Plus, Sara loves to learn from fellow go-getters and has a few good tips of her own to share from leading organizational rebrands, navigating burnout, planning international summits, writing $1 million grants and everything in between. Sara grew up in La Porte, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Griffin, and good boy, Wally.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
La Ventana Culinary School offers a variety of nonprofit services to aid the region’s budding hospitality industry, create employment opportunities and inspire community connection through the preparation and sharing of food.
MARCELLO’S FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY
Sailing
MARCELLO’S PARTY TRICK, USELESS TALENT, OR FUN FACT
I speak five languages — English, Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese.
SARA’S FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY
I love playing volleyball, exploring new cities, listening to podcasts and drinking beer on patios.
SARA’S PARTY TRICK, USELESS TALENT, OR FUN FACT
My first job was a counselor at an outdoor summer camp, and my favorite camp kid was allergic to grass. :)