Bio

Executive Chef Michael Galata joined Osteria del Circo in January 2010, where he is dedicated to delivering a menu that boasts the finest that classical Italian cuisine has to offer as well as his own seasonal specialties that feature a Tuscan twist.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Galata developed his passion for cooking while growing up in the kitchen of his family’s restaurant, Galata’s, where he began cooking at the tender age of 11. At 18 years-old, unable to imagine pursuing any other career, Galata earned his Associates Degree at the Culinary Arts Program at Hudson County Community College. During this time, he further developed his understanding of the culinary industry by taking over the kitchen at his family’s restaurant and assisting with business development and management. He went on to work at the Stage House Inn under Chef and owner David Drake, where he immersed himself in French cuisine and honed his skills in the aft of fine dining.

It was in 2000 that Galata began his career with the Maccioni family at Le Cirque in New York City. Starting under Chef Peirre Schaedelin, Galata was promoted to the position of Sous Chef. When the restaurant reopened at its current location, Galata was again called upon to bring his talents to the new Le Cirque. In the interim, Galata worked as a kitchen consultant for a roster of clients including Martha Stewart and the Gold Family (of Gold Foods International) to expend the breadth of his culinary knowledge. Beginning once again at Le Cirque in 2006, he worked under Christophe Bellanca and eventually, current chef, Craig Hopson. Galata departed Le Cirque in 2010 to join Osteria Del Circo where he currently holds the position of the Executive Chef. Galata carries over the elegance, finesses and artful presentation from Le Cirque to each Tuscan dish he creates at Circo.

Galata has received national attention from his special Easter appearance on the Martha Stewart show and is currently filming segments that cover Italian cooking for the website eatitalian.com. When not in the kitchen perfecting his craft, Galata enjoys skateboarding, bike riding and spending time with those that matter most -- his family. He also enjoys traveling the world and capturing each adventure one photograph at a time. His favorite destinations include: Nepal, Cambodia, India, Brazil, and Thailand.