"CHEF GIANNI PUTS HIS HEART AND SOUL INTO EVERY DISH"

 

Though he owned restaurants in Miami and Los Angeles, Chef Gianni knew he was home the moment he arrived in San Francisco. In 1982, he became Executive Chef of Fior d’Italia, and in 2012, he and his wife Trudy proudly took ownership. For more than three decades, “The Fior” was his labor of love, a place where tradition, family, and passion came together at the table.

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Chef Gianfranco “Gianni” Audieri believed that true Italian cuisine carries soul. He embraced the finest local ingredients while remaining deeply committed to authenticity, crafting dishes that reflected the heart of Italy and the spirit of Fior d’Italia. Every plate he created told a story of heritage, care, and unwavering dedication.

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Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Gianni discovered his love for cooking at an early age, inspired by his mother, Giustina. He trained at a culinary academy in Milan before continuing his studies in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he refined his skills in French cuisine. This marked the beginning of a remarkable culinary journey that spanned the globe.

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From the Channel Islands to London, where he learned English, to working aboard an Italian cruise ship as a sauté cook and steward, Gianni’s experiences shaped both his craft and character. He spent 12 years at the Four Seasons in New York City, rising through roles as a waiter, captain, and cook. He also served two years in the U.S. Army as a medic, demonstrating the same commitment to service that defined his life.

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His travels took him across South America, Aruba, and Grand Cayman, but it was in San Francisco where he built his legacy.

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Chef Gianni’s warmth, generosity, and passion live on in every dish served at Fior d’Italia. His legacy is not only one of exceptional cuisine, but also of family, resilience, and love, values that will continue to inspire generations to come.