Massimo first started as a steward, then a pasta cook mastering the art of Roman Cuisine. In 1990 he moved to the north of Italy as chef de partie working at the “Grand Hotel Trieste Vittoria,” a Luxury Hotel in Abano Terme, in 1992 he moved back to Rome and worked as chef tournant at the “Relais le Jardin” a two-star MICHELIN restaurant with Chef Antonio Sciullo in the Hotel Lord Byron. In 1994, after two years, he moved to Campania following his love for the South at the “Don Alfonso 1890” where he spent 3 years working with two-star MICHELIN rated Chef Alfonso Iaccarino as chef tournant and pastry chef until opening the “Baby” of Don Alfonso in the Aldovrandi Palace Hotel in Rome. The next year, the team achieved a one-star rating in the MICHELIN guide. Don Alfonso taught Massimo the love of ingredients and the importance of living in harmony with Mother Nature. During his tenure at Baby Massimo had the opportunity to travel and spend 4 months in the pastry kitchen of Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris in Monaco.
In February 2001, Massimo accepted a position as the Executive Chef at the legendary Roman restaurant, Harry’s Bar where he matured his culinary skills achieving Three Forks on the Gambero Rosso Guide in 2006 and a MICHELIN One Star. In December 2006, Massimo began traveling in the Middle East and Southeast Asia working for Hyatt & Conrad Hotels with a brief stop back in Sicily in 2008 to open La Plage Resort in Taormina in front of Isola Bella. In 2009 Massimo joined Ferrari Spa to open the first Ferrari theme park “Ferrari World Abu Dhabi” along with a 5-star hotel and the Paddock leading a team of 220 chefs and stewards.
In 2011, Massimo moved to the United States, a promise he made to his family, and in March joined the Waldorf Astoria Orlando as Executive Chef leading a team of 61 chefs and stewards in 4 acclaimed restaurants including the five-diamond rated Bull & Bear serving distinctive cuisine.
Following his lifetime commitment to quality and excellence of service, in March 2014 Massimo joined Four Seasons Resort Hualalai leading one of the largest culinary operations in North America for the company in one of the best resorts in the world.
Since day one Massimo strengthened the relationship with farmers and the community, he was active with schools about nutrition education programs and charitable events. The first year, Massimo launched the Food & Wine Hualalai Festival “Chef Fest” which brought the F&B and culinary program of Hualalai to where it is today – Chef Fest is now in its third iteration.
In March 2017, Massimo joined Solage as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection in the iconic Napa Valley following his lifetime commitment to the respect of the ingredients and the terroir. At Solage, Massimo oversaw the culinary operation of Solbar, a 13-time MICHELIN-rated
restaurant, as well as the Boutique ultra-luxury resort, Calistoga Ranch.
In August 2018, Massimo joined Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to open the “one of a kind” Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, CA under the incredible leadership of Rick J. Caruso, the visionary Los Angeles Developer. In February, Rosewood Miramar Beach opened the door
with 4 Restaurants, Bars, and 161 luxury rooms. During the Pandemic between March and May 2020 with the support of ownership, Massimo and his team provided more than 100,000 meals to communities in need.
In 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, Caruso’s made the discovery section in the MICHELIN Guide California Central Coast. The next year 2022, Caruso’s was awarded a one star in The MICHELIN Guide California as well as a Green Star for its sustainability program. That same year, Massimo oversaw the conceptualization, design, and opening of AMA Sushi at Rosewood Miramar Beach, making the MICHELIN Guide selection after 3 months of opening.
In 2023 Caruso’s Retained the MICHELIN One Star and Green Star. On the 1st of January 2024, Chef Massimo became a Partner in the MICHELIN Star and Green Star Restaurant “Caruso’s” with Rick J Caruso.
Massimo lives between Napa and Santa Barbara with his wife Danielle their daughter 15-year-old daughter Evelyn, and their 8-year-old son Enea.
