Known as the Maestro of Pasta, Scott Conant’s fresh varieties of pasta are mainstays on his menus, and he continues to elevate the simple mixture of flour, salt, and egg. Conant attributes his classic Spaghetti Pomodoro’s massive popularity to its classic simplicity. “It always goes back to the old da Vinci quote: ‘Simplicity is the ultimate luxury,’” he says.
Chef, Restaurateur, Author, TV Personality
Chef Conant is a chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality. In 2019, he began hosting the dessert-themed spinoff Chopped Sweets. He has been a regular judge on Chopped for over a decade, and has also served as the host of Best Baker in America, both on the Food Network. Chef Conant also frequently co-hosts Beat Bobby Flay.
Chef Conant’s restaurants include: Mora Italian in Phoenix, AZ; Cellaio Steak at Resorts World Catskill in Monticello, NY; and in October 2020, he expanded his Arizona restaurant portfolio after taking helm of The Americano, an Italian American dining destination in Scottsdale, AZ. A second location of The Americano opened in May 2022. He is the author of four cookbooks: Scott Conant’s New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, The Scarpetta Cookbook, and in 2021, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen.
Not Just Cooking
In 2018, Chef Conant partnered with Tuscany’s famed Sogno Toscano to debut his Sprezza line of cooking and pantry essentials. He recently launched SC Wines. Harvested, bottled, and imported from the finest winemaking regions in Italy, this trio of wines honors family tradition, paying homage to Chef Conant’s daughters—Ayla and Karye—as well as his wife and grandfather, Lupo. “My grandfather made wine and growing up there was always a bottle at the table,” explains Chef Conant. “I wanted my first collection to celebrate the idea of family coming together, which is why two of the bottles are named for my daughters.” The wines include the 2015 Ayla Pinot Grigio; the 2016 Karya Super Tuscan; and the 2015 Sprezza Barolo.
Plumbing Was an Option
Originally from Waterbury, CT, Chef Conant took cooking classes at the local community college at the young age of 11. He attended W.F. Kaynor Technical High School with the intention of taking courses in plumbing, however the class was full. “Culinary arts was my second choice,” says Chef Conant. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and interned at San Domenico in New York City. After graduation, Chef Conant spent a year in Munich, Germany studying pastry arts at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof.
Returning to New York City, Cesare Casella chose Chef Conant to be the chef de cuisine at Il Toscanaccio. “I learned a great deal about Italian food from Chef Casella, and owner Pino Luongo taught me how to run a restaurant,” he says. Chef then moved on to run the kitchens of Barolo and Chianti, and became the executive chef at City Eatery, earning great reviews for all.
Conant officially put his name on the map when he opened the L’Impero in 2002. It garnered a three-star review from The New York Times and the title of Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Restaurant Design from the James Beard Foundation. He went on to open Alto and, while no longer affiliated, in 2008 Scott opened Scarpetta in New York City, which was nominated by the James Beard Foundation in early 2009 for “Best New Restaurants in America.”
Culinary Inspiration
For Chef Conant, the culinary profession is all about continually educating yourself, a lesson he learned during his time at the CIA. “It’s nice to have fun in school but apply yourself. Get a mentor and ask questions,” he says. “Every moment is an opportunity. Learn to understand negotiating tactics, contracts, and the business side of things, and work hard to articulate a thought well. Learn to talk about food, taste, and your experience. The future is in front of you and, if you’re like me, you’ll never want to take your apron off.”