While most kids were playing with action figures, Eric was in the kitchen testing and tasting recipes. As a youngster growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Eric found excitement, challenges and passion in his favorite place—the kitchen.
His childhood love became his career path and purpose. He studied at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and soon after graduation, worked under celebrity chef David Burke at the River Café. He credits this experience with sparking his creative artistry with food.
Chef Eric believes that food speaks a universal language. To become a truly accomplished chef, one must be aware of the styles from other cultures. Working with Chef Jean-Louis Le Massion from Le Petite Café , he learned how to finesse the romance of a dish. From his tenure with Chef Giovanni Brunell from Il Tratattoire da Familia, he learned how to infuse passion and robust flavor into his cooking. From there, he studied with Master Chef Lee Ho of Otani where he learned how to meld old-world practices with modern cuisine.
The world took notice, as Chef Eric became Chef de Cuisine at the famed Marriott Marquis in New York City. Chef Eric continued to incorporate internationally flavors while introducing new techniques to his preparation and presentation.
The James Beard Foundation, world famous for re-establishing the American way of cooking and the technique of using only fresh, indigenous ingredients, recognized Chef Eric for his contributions to the gastronomic culinary scene in the United States. Chef Eric has been invited 6 times to host a dinners at the James Be¬ard House in New York, the first internationally recognized catering chef to be given this prestigious opportunity.
The superlatives continued when The International Chef’s Association named Chef Eric Creative Caterer of the Year and Chef of the Year—the only American chef to receive that distinction.
Complimenting the industry recognition was the tremendous media attention Chef Eric has received. He has twice featured in Wine Spectator Magazine with an Award of Excellence. USA Today recognized him as one of the Top Ten New Chefs and The New York Times honored his restaurant, Pleiades, with a three-star rating.
Food Art Magazine named Chef Eric one of the Top Ten Chefs. He was featured in Jezebel Magazine in the Top Twenty Chefs of Distinction. Catering Magazine, Cater Source Magazine and Chef Magazine all recognized him for his creative small plate creations and trend setting approach.
He has made numerous repeat network appearances across Kelly Live, Fox and Friends NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox5, PIX11, and The Food Network where he became the 2011 Champion of Chopped, the network's highest rated show, appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped Champions + the Last Chef Standing on Alex vs America
His first cookbook, Stick It, Spoon It, Put It in a Glass, fast became a culinary “must” for caterers, restaurateurs and home chefs alike, as did his latest cookbook, SMALL BITES BIG FLAVORS has become for home cooks of all capabilities. Chef Eric’s new Cookbook Burgers, Bowl and Jars is now available at his restaurant 317 main street, Vico, The James Room, The Market Place, The Nutty Irishman + Stage 317, where he is Chef/Partner.
Chef Eric’s New Cookbook Burgers | Bowls | Jars
Chef Eric has recently Received the Restaurant Guild International Chef of the Year 2013/ 2015.
Recipient of the Restaurant Guild International, Career Achievement Award 2017
Recipient of The 2016 VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD by the Housing Partnership for his impact and leadership in the local and national community helping others. 19WINE S
Recipient of the 2017 Inspiration Award by Cook for Your Life
Chef Eric also works closely with Family reach, American Cancer Society, Employment Horizons and Autism Speaks to name a few.
Recipient of the RGI “Who’s Who in America Food & Beverage” Who Exemplifies their Craft in American Cuisine 2018
Best restaurants on Long Island 2020, Newsday
2021 Innovation Award, Restaurant Guild International
2023 Best Chef Long Island, Best of Long Island.com