DeGeorgio is now considered one of the most experienced Italian Chefs in New York City. Chef DeGeorgio's interest in cooking began as a child and later led him to the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America where he graduated with top honors. His years at Il Cortile have allowed him to perfect his style of classic Italian cooking.

"We've been hearing a lot of good things about the Mediterranean Diet these days. Nutritionists suggest that we may achieve a healthier lifestyle simply by adapting to a more balanced, Mediterranean style of eating that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, pasta, extra virgin olive oil, and beans. However, learning to incorporate what we read about Mediterranean cooking, which encompasses a wide range of cuisines from countries as varied as Italy, Spain, France, Morocco, Turkey, Israel and Greece, can be a difficult endeavor, even for an experienced chef. Let me suggest a simple solution. The most practical way to bring the Mediterranean diet to your table is to choose the Italian way of cooking. Basic Italian cooking, familiar to most of us, provides the recommended balance of nutrition shared by people living in the Mediterranean without having to restock our cupboards with exotic ingredients or experiment with new ways of cooking.