Meet the team that makes Italia what it is today!
Doug Amaral
Chef ~ Proprietor
I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and began pursuing my dream of opening restaurants. Italia began in my mind after attending the “Naples Winter Wine Festival” a few years back, I shared a FEW glasses of fine wine with (famous chef/restaurateur) Mario Batali. During our conversation (and subsequent lift home in his limo) I asked for his advice on Italian cuisine. He said, “Take your 7 ingredients, drop them to 5, then make them the best and freshest you can buy – keep it simple, clean, and fresh, “That’s Italian” I’VE TAKEN MARIO’S ADVICE WITH ITALIA at River City Grill!!
Stephen Ladevaia
Corporate Executive Chef
I planned on being an architect. In college I worked in a restaurant because it offered flexible hours that accommodated my class schedule. That’s when I made an important discovery. Once I got in the kitchen I realized that’s what I really wanted. I left school to pursue my calling and I’ve never regretted the move. Before being brought on as executive chef at the opening of River City Grill, Stephen was enjoying success as the head chef of the Mangrove Cafe. Mangrove Cafe is River City Grill & Italia’s sister restaurant in downtown Naples. Under his leadership River City Grill has been named best restaurant by readers of The Charlotte Sun every year consecutively since 2003. “Being a chef is definitely a journey”, he said. His responsibilities include many things these days but, Stephen still spends part of each day cooking on the line. Looking back on what was to be his previous career, he said, “Although as an architect I would make more money, I’d have less stress and not work 16 hour days, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Doug Woodward
Italia Chef
I started in restaurants scooping ice cream at Disney World; since then I have never looked back. I’m a culinary lifer. I attended and graduated from Culinary Institute of America. I have high standards for myself to only serve the best food. I’m excited to to be at Italia, where we create awesome delicious dishes!
Meet Our Corporate Chef: Stephen
Growing up in a big Italian family, food has always played a large and important role in my life. I have seen how food can bring people together in good times and bad. It can create bonds, tell stories, and pass on traditions. The professional kitchen has become an extension of my own kitchen, and the people whom I’ve met there are an extension of my own family. In fact, most of my friends are cooks. Both of my sisters, both my brother in laws work in restaurants, and it is where I met my wife.
Starting in the hospitality industry at 15 years old in 1990,
I have been fortunate to work with and learn from many amazing people – from my early days as a waiter, to traveling the country with Tommy Bahamas’s, to my eventual landing as Head Chef of The Mangrove Café in Naples, FL. This business can teach you something everyday, as long as you are willing to learn. All of those experiences and lessons have led me to my present position of overseeing all of our company’s kitchens, and yet I can still find ways to be inspired every day.
My personal style has continued to grow, now focusing on my love for local, ethnic cuisines with bold flavors governed by the Italian philosophy of using pure ingredients with simple presentations while always allowing the food to speak for itself. Our partnership with Worden Farm (USDA Certified Organic), in Punta Gorda, has allowed me a great opportunity to put part of that food philosophy into action while being connected to the process and source of our products.
There are many rewarding aspects of working in the restaurant business – one of the nicest being the opportunity to really reach people. We host many celebrations, from birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings, to the everyday celebration of life.
By choosing River City Grill, our guests invite us chefs to be a part of their memories. I feel fortunate to work in a field which involves pursuing my passion, and I am very proud to have been a part of the re-birth of Downtown Punta Gorda and its dining scene. Since 2003, we have been Charlotte County’s restaurant of choice, and we hope to preserve that distinction for years to come.