In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Fabio Trabocchi, the Michelin-starred Italian chef and visionary restaurateur behind a growing empire of acclaimed restaurants including Fiola, Fiola Mare, Del Mar, Sfoglina, and Seta su Ilma.
We dive into Fabio’s culinary roots in Italy’s Le Marche region, his early training under the legendary Gualtiero Marchesi, and how French techniques and global travel shaped his approach to modern Italian cuisine. You’ll hear why hospitality always comes before hype, how to create a culture that drives loyalty in the restaurant world, and what it takes to grow from one fine-dining restaurant into a globally respected brand.
This episode is packed with personal stories, sharp insights, and timeless advice—from how childhood foraging still inspires Fabio’s dishes to what he’d tell his younger self about ambition, balance, and learning through travel.
What you’ll learn from Chef Fabio Trabocchi
2:56 – Growing up in a sharecropper family and discovering farm-to-table before it was a trend4:29 – The culinary richness of Italy’s Le Marche region6:40 – A legacy ingredient: the story behind Formaggio di Fossa7:49 – How returning to Italy after 25 years reignited Fabio Trabocchi’s culinary DNA9:05 – The revolutionary impact of Chef Gualtiero Marchesi on Italian cuisine10:31 – Why French culinary technique changed his approach to traditional Italian cooking13:07 – The evolution of Fiola and what inspired its reinvention13:57 – How one restaurant blossomed into a six-concept hospitality group14:41 – Understanding the distinct DNA of Fiola Mare, Del Mar, and Sfoglina15:28 – Honoring Italian culinary tradition through Sfoglina’s pasta focus17:21 – The challenges of being both chef and CEO in a growing company18:55 – Fabio Trabocchi’s vision for scaling with soul21:24 – Why hospitality—not hype—is the heartbeat of his group’s culture22:20 – The subtle but vital difference between satisfying guests and making them feel special23:15 – The role of guest loyalty in long-term restaurant success24:48 – Rethinking work-life balance in a post-pandemic restaurant world28:04 – How the pandemic shifted public appreciation for the hospitality industry29:02 – Seasonality and regional cooking: how Italy’s geography guides his menu development32:10 – How childhood foraging memories continue to inspire creativity33:29 – What he’d tell his younger self about learning, risk-taking, and travel34:33 – Why living in a country—not visiting—is the only way to truly understand its cuisine35:56 – Balancing obsession for craft with maintaining healthy relationships36:23 – Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s top five restaurant recommendations in Washington, DC39:00 – His very Italian guilty pleasure food39:49 – The top 3 mistakes home cooks make—and how to fix them39:49 – Why stress is the biggest enemy of home cooking43:34 – Why he still dreams of cooking alongside Paul Bocuse44:50 – The worst career advice he ever received—and what he’d say insteadI’d like to share a potential educational resource, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”, my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.
Get the book here!
Links to other episodes with the chefsfrom the DMV area
Don’t miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with Chefs from the DMV area.
Interview with Chef Will Fung
Conversation with Chef Opie Crooks
Conversation with Chef Matt Conroy
Interview with Chef Masako Morishita
Conversation with Chef Declan Horgan
Conversation with Private Chef Chris Spear
Covid-19 – Top Chefs Respond (with Chef Ian Boden)
Conversation with Chef Hari Cameron
Conversation with chef Johnny Spero
Interview with chef Drew Adams
Interview with chef Edward Lee
Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)
Chef Sheldon Simeon
Chef Andy Doubrava
Chef Chris Kajioka
Chef Suzanne Goin
Social media
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Links mentioned in this episode
Chef Fabio Trabocchi website
Restaurant Fiola Mare in D.C.
Restaurant Del Mare in D.C.
Restaurant Sfoglina in D.C.
