Chef Denis, a highly skilled and talented Executive Chef, is a hospitality and culinary expert, and an entrepreneur. With over 23 years of professional experience in diverse kitchens and multiple cuisines including French, contemporary American, Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican, Denis began his exciting culinary journey after moving from his small Mediterranean hometown of Monte Negro in Europe to NYC in 2001.

He graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in '05, New York, and spent the first decade of his career crafting culinary delights in Michelin-starred kitchens and some of the best NYC restaurants like The Modern, Nobu, Dovetail, BLT Fish, Craft, and Artisanal. Later, he took on roles as the Executive Chef of La Gamelle and Till & Sprocket, and was instrumental in the opening of G Cask and Kitchen in Delaware as well as the relaunch of the Greek Fine dining establishment, Karvouna Mezze, during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic.

Chef Denis' passion for cooking and his joy in making people happy through delicious meals are evident in his approach to culinary arts, always maintaining a high level of hospitality and customer service. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Serbo-Croatian, he combined his classic French training and Mediterranean heritage when he accepted the position of Executive Chef at Viva Cucina, an Italian restaurant in September 2022, where he endeavors to create a remarkable dining experience in the heart of East Village Manhattan.

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