For George, it was an easy transition to go from being a published research scientist at the bench to an accomplished and regarded Chef in the kitchen. As he was honing his skills in professional kitchens, it was only natural for George to exploit the scientific techniques that he had developed in the lab and apply them to his passion for cooking. Having utilized circulating waterbaths, rotary evaporators, desiccators, fermentation tanks and liquid nitrogen in his day to day activities, his attraction to Molecular Gastronomy was immediate. This attraction has afforded him a unique perspective and approach to modern regional cuisine. George’s philosophy with food parallels the philosophy of his Greek heritage…everything in moderation, nothing in excess. As a Chef, he strives to impart this balance and philosophy upon his creations by responsibly incorporating modernist techniques into classic preparations. As a mentor, he enjoys sharing his expertise and provides training in molecular gastronomy to fellow Chefs helping them elevate and revitalize their menus. George has shared his knowledge with Chefs from across New York and New Jersey including Chefs from the Food Network and Bravo-TV. Primarily, George presents his cuisine at Pop-Up dining events, through private catering and VIP functions but as a local supporter of many community based organizations, he is frequently featured at local Farm to Fork events, Vineyard Dinners as well as exclusive culinary fund-raising events in Manhattan and the Hamptons. His unending support for the community was also evident in how he responded to the recent disaster involving Superstorm Sandy. Inspired by the sights he was witnessing on TV, George reached out to his fellow Chefs and openly invited those in his broad network of supporters, farmers and food purveyors to join him in delivering culinary relief to those suffering from the immediate effects of the event. Within 48 hours of the devastation, his culinary relief organization, Storm Chefs, was born and George and his team were delivering food, clothing and household items to those most in need in Hudson County and the Jersey Shore. Since its inception, Storm Chefs has help prepare and distribute over 1200 meals and hundreds of pounds of goods and supplies to individuals and community kitchens in the effected areas. Beyond the public recognition he has received through his community involvement, George has also been featured on ABC-TVs The Chew when he was crowned as the winner of the World’s Greatest Sandwich Contest.
So armed with a lifelong vision, a cache of award-winning recipes, a cadre of scientific and culinary techniques, respect for traditional cuisine and a passion for creating innovative flavors, George has developed a food service company with line of unique, wholesome and natural food products as well as an arsenal of exciting catering and dining menus. He knew his vision for this company was one of innovation…and it was then that he knew…his company would be Innova Cuisine. |