Trained in Bergamo, Italy, by some of the region's most distinguished chefs, South Philadelphia native Marc Vetri brings a bold, contemporary sensibility to the classic Italian cuisine served at his three Philadelphia restaurants: Vetri, which has been called "possibly the best Italian restaurant on the East Coast" by Chef Mario Batali; Osteria, nominated for the 2008 James Beard Best New Restaurant award; and Amis, "one of the top 10 places for pasta in the country" (Bon Appetit). Winner of the 2005 James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic Award, Chef Vetri created his Foundation for Children in 2009 to promote healthy eating and lifestyle choices among at-risk youth. In Rustic Italian Food, he celebrates the handcrafted cuisine of Italy, advocating a hands-on, back-to-the-basics approach to cooking.

In conversation with Ashley Primis, food writer, the Philadelphia Inquirer