Presenters

Ken Arnone

Chef Arnone began climbing the culinary ladder at the age of 14 where he had to rise at 4:00 am just in “time to make the donuts”. During high school and college Ken worked in various eateries. While earning his BS in Economics at SUNY Albany, Ken’s early talents garnered him the “best buffalo wings championship’ contest 3 years running.

In 1990 Chef Arnone attended the Culinary Institute of America where he graduated with honors. His quest for knowledge led him to several prestigious hotels and restaurants across the country including: Actuelle, Dallas Texas, the Salish Lodge and Ray’s Boat House in Seattle Washington. Returning back home to NYC he landed the Executive Chef’s job at the Marriott Marquis’ View Restaurant, the chain’s number one grossing operation. After receiving numerous accolades and reviews, Marriott promoted him to run all food production at the Marquis - a $72 million dollar food and beverage machine. He returned to his alma mater in 1999 where he taught many classes and inspired over 3,000 young chefs. The CIA called upon Ken to take the helm of its newest restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de Medici, three years later they received an Ivy Award from Restaurant and Institutions Magazine.

In February of 2003 Chef Arnone went after his dream and passed the grueling 10 day Certified Master Chef exam. He joins a very exclusive group of only 61 CMCs in the United States.

Chef Arnone is currently bringing his passion for food to corporations and individuals via consulting and catering. His vast knowledge base, attention to detail and creative style have attracted many prominent clients including: The Culinary Institute of America, Colavita USA and International, Darden Restaurant Group, GRS Restaurant Group, Pepsi Co., Panera Bread, Ernst and Young, Marriott International, Renaissance Hotels and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Career highlights include: the Culinary Olympics in Germany and England, Heisman Trophy Awards Dinner, Grammy Awards, James Beard Awards, ACF National Convention Demonstrations, Restaurant and Institutions Ivy Awards Dinner, Wine Spectator’s Wine Experience, North Fork Merlot Barrel Tasting and the Pacific North West’s Greatest Wine Auction.

Chef Arnone is very involved with local charities and often volunteers his services for benefit dinners.