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95 Charlotte Street Fitzrovia, London W1T 4PZ 020 7636 5609 |
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Franco (born in Palermo, Sicily), ever
independent, broke from the family tradition of becoming a cabinetmaker,
and went on to make his mark in the age old art of culinary cuisine. He first realised his love for the art back in Palermo in his early teens, where the local restaurateur, a family friend, took him under his wing and taught him how to prepare many traditional dishes. These were to set him in very good stead for his future. The Graziano family moved to Switzerland and Franco soon found himself working in the most popular restaurant in Lugano, progressing quickly to Chef De Rang and eventually moving to Klosters at the Hotel Silvretta in their prestigious Grill House. Franco, destined to travel and further his skills, moved to Germany, working first in Frankfurt and then in Hamburg, before returning to Rome. From there, he spent a short time in Forte Dei Marmi, the luxury seaside resort, before launching himself on the London “scene”. He quickly took up various Maitre’d roles in famous hotels, such as The Mayfair, The Piccadilly (now The Meridian) and The Carlton Tower. His dry humour, open personality and culinary experiences from his travels enabled him to have an easy and relaxed rapport with people, which led him in to management in two of the best known restaurants in Knightsbridge; where he stayed for some five years. It was here that he met Angelo Formaggi, who, being of similar background and experience, made the perfect partner with whom to create their own authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of “adland”, Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. The restaurant, Il Sorriso, opened in 1986. After 17 years it is still part of the local scene, fraternised by many famous faces from Saatchi’s, McCann’s and the many TV companies that surround it. Franco can be contacted by email at: franco@ilsorriso.co.uk.
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