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After graduating from ICE’s Culinary Arts career program, Vic Casanova made his way up the line in some of New York City’s leading kitchens, including Gramercy Tavern and Beppe, before relocating to the west coast. There, Vic found success as the chef de cuisine of Culina, Modern Italian at the Four Seasons LA, noted for its celebrity clientele and—after Vic’s arrival—a fresh, California-inspired take on Italian cuisine. He was highlighted as one of LA’s 2010 “Rising Star Chefs” by Modern Luxury.

While at the helm of Culina, Vic competed in the premiere episode of Iron Chef America’s tenth season, battling against Geoffrey Zakarian. With his talent now widely broadcasted, he eventually left Culina to open his own L.A. restaurant, Gusto. Named Esquire’s Best New Restaurant 2012, Gusto has been a great success. Additionally, he has been working on a project with actress Jessica Biel: Au Fudge, a kid-friendly restaurant with “comforting, approachable, relaxing fare that shows off [ingredients from] California.”