Join Simon Zatyrka of Culinary Mechanic in this engaging conversation with Jason Balestrieri, a restaurant chef with a wealth of experience, who shares his journey from his humble beginnings as a teenager in Milwaukee to running his own restaurant, Cantinetta Luca. Jason initially developed a passion for food during family gatherings in his hometown, eventually learning to prepare meals as a latchkey kid. He further honed his skills at a trade school before venturing to Los Angeles, where he worked in different restaurants. The turning point of his career was when he opened the Italian restaurant, Cantinetta Luca, in Carmel by the Sea, which specializes in house-made products, capturing the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. Despite the obstacles encountered, including the global pandemic, Jason credits his firm commitment, grounded work ethic ...