Chef Gino Rago
Gino Rago is a first generation Italian-American born in 1965 & raised in Chicago. Like any other Italian kid ,he woke up on Sundays to the smell of home-made Sugo (tomato sauce) from his home kitchen. The smells of his Moms focaccia bread, meatballs, neck-bones and braciole simmering in the sauce which would engulf his room physically rising him to wake up from his sleep. 

 

Growing up he spent many summers in Puglia ,( Mola Di Bari ) Italy amongst family. He was fascinated watching his Mother & Grandmother from shopping at the local markets to watching them prepare the daily meals .By the age of 12, & on the weekends Gino worked side by side with his father at a Pizzeria/Restaurant learning the trade and this is where his art & talent began.

 

In 1997 Gino along with his brother and cousin decided to try their hand at opening their own Pizzeria and called it Paninos Pizzeria. Several years passed and his success grew to 3 Pizzeria/Restaurants & winning awards with the local press which landed Gino a position in 2014 on the" United States Pizza Team" Culinary Division. His Travels and wins with the team brought home many American championship Titles and awards and from that success he was then recruited to be the Culinary Coach of the "United States Pizza Team'. In 2015 Gino & his team headed to Europe to compete in International competitions. Within the next few years Gino won Awards & Titles from Italy, Spain & London. In 2016 Gino was featured on the cover of the most famous Pizza Magazines in the United States PMQ magazines as the" Magic Man"-The Wizzard of the Windy city (Chicago).

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Gino is presently a 7x world Pizzaiolo champion. A VPN certified Neapolitan Pizzaiolo. A Brand Ambassador for Galbani Cheese ,Smithfield Foods (Margherita) brand & Via Pizzeria products .As of 2024 Gino has retired as Coach and competitor of the team and was Awarded a Purple Chef Coat and Plaque. He will remain on the team as Coach Emeritus of the U.S.Pizza Team as an advisor and bringing new ideas & hopes to share his passion and knowledge of Pizza and Italian cuisine to this wonderful site.

IM ready are you?

 

Gino Rago