Chef Nelli Maltezos
Chef Nelli Maltezos began her culinary career at Charlie Trotter's after receiving a degree in Marketing from Loyola University of Chicago. Nelli spent 2 years honing her skills with Chef Trotter, eventually becoming his assistant sous chef during her last twelve months at his restaurant.
In 1994, Nelli moved to Manhattan and soon after began collaborating with Eric Stapelman at his Mediterranean restaurant Zucca. Nelli and Eric celebrated food and wine with Mediterranean influences in New York's Chelsea neighborhood for 3 years.
Next, Nelli headed to Santa Fe to partner with Eric as they ventured into country French cuisine with their restaurant Rociada. During its four year run Rociada received many local and national accolades for its food and wine program.
On March 13, 2004, Nelli and Eric closed Rociada and on March 15, 2004, reopened with Trattoria Nostrani - serving classic Northern Italian fare. At Trattoria Nostrani the team of Nelli Maltezos and Eric Stapelman adhere to a career long philosophy of providing their guests with the finest dining experience possible by way of memorable food, delicious wine and thoughtful service.
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Eric Stapelman
Eric Stapelman, chef/owner of Trattoria Nostrani has been at the forefront of the culinary scene in America for the past quarter century. Initially trained in classic French cuisine under Chef Richard Price in New York, Eric's practice of the martial arts fueled interest into Asian cultures and led him to formally study traditional Japanese kaiseki with Chef Yamamoto.
In the late 1980's Eric met Sommelier Thomas Johnson in Los Angeles. This marked the start of Eric's love affair with fine wines. Under Thomas Johnson's tutelage Eric become a serious student of oenology.
Eric's passion for food and wine is evident by the many accolades he has garnered. He was named as one of the Best Chefs in New York and his restaurant Zucca was listed as one of the top 50 restaurants by Gael Greene in New York Magazine. Ms. Greene also listed Zucca in her Black Book for two consecutive years. Eric has numerous Wine Spectator "Awards of Excellence" for his exceptional wine selections at Luma and Zucca in New York, Rociada in Santa Fe and one "Best of Award of Excellence" at Luma in Los Angeles. His establishment Rociada was recognized by the Mobil Travel Guide's Four Star Award and America's Elite 1000 for 2001.
