Stef originates from Puglia, one of Italy's most beautiful regions, and heel of Italy's famous boot. Stef is keen to tell me about the region. Stef says that Puglia is scorching hot in the Summer with mild winters. As the heel of the Italy, Puglia is surrounded by sea on all sides; the Ionian and Adriatic. Therefore, as you would expect, the area is famous for its seafood; as well as its olives, figs, almonds and prickly pears.
Background
In 1971, as a small boy, Stefano's parents emigrated to England, specifically London. Stef's love of food stemmed from his father; a head chef who once worked at the Royal Festival Hall! Aged 82, Stef's father can still be found in Stef's kitchen today, helping out. With a chef as a father, and coming from a traditional Italian family, meant that Stef was always surrounded by food.
Stef gained a degree in marketing before earning a Post-Graduate diploma from the City of London University. His first job brought him ever closer to food, selling food stuffs to local Italian restaurants including his beloved olives and olive oil. In the meantime, Stef married a lovely Italian lady from Parma. Although Stef originates from the south of Italy, his wife's family originate from the North. This opened up a plethora of new tastes including porcini and polenta.
After a stint of selling food stuffs, in 1994 Stef went to work for his Father-in-law at his sandwich bar just around the corner in Poland Street. In 1996, he started a new sandwich bar with his wife and soon they were selling English breakfasts and pizza and pasta. All was going swimmingly for over a decade, until the lease came up in 2006 and he was given 6 month's notice to leave.
Pizzeria Oregano
As the owner of a thriving restaurant, you'd think that Stef might take it easy and let his staff do all the hard work. Not so! Stef works 6 days a week, and often 13 hours a day! Stef is passionate about what he does and he has a real eye for detail which is second to none. All of Stef's staff are Italian which he thinks is necessary to add that all important authenticity.
Stef and his family still return to their beloved Italy every year to visit relatives of course, but also to pick up new tricks and tips. This means that Stef's menu is innovative and up to date. As Stef puts it himself, Pizzeria Oregano is full of ‘old favourites with modern flair’. So why don't you see what all the fuss is about for yourself and visit Pizzeria Oregano today!
