Francesco Buitoni hails from Rome, Italy, where food is life’s barometer. He is the chef and owner of Mercato, which he opened in 2006. A seventh generation pasta maker and two time James Beard nominee, Buitoni started out in NYC at neighborhood spots Al Bacio, Teodora and Bettola; as well the famed San Domenico on Central Park South. After a stint as sommelier at Mario Batali's Otto he made a move north and continued to hone his skills in the kitchen at Stony Creek in Tivoli and Ca’Mea in Hudson. Mercato continues to be a Hudson Valley favorite, bringing the Italian lifestyle and all its charms to the those that know and love it.