Chef Joseph De Paola is an assistant professor of Culinary Arts at CIA’s New York campus, where he teaches Cuisines of the Mediterranean and Cuisines of the Americas. With a rich background in fine-dining establishments across the United States and Italy, he brings a global perspective and deep culinary expertise to the classroom.
A native of Long Island, NY, De Paola’s culinary journey began when he started working his first job at a poultry farm when he was 15. While earning his bachelor’s degree in History at Niagara University in Niagara, NY, he worked nights as a line cook. It was then he realized his passion for food and travel. Shortly after graduation, he applied and was accepted to CIA in Hyde Park, NY, where he earned his associate degree in Culinary Arts.
After CIA, his travels began. De Paola cooked in Rochester, NY; Boca Raton, FL; San Francisco, CA; and New York City, with notable roles at Rubicon in San Francisco, CA, and Bouley Bakery, San Domenico NY, and Gramercy Tavern in New York City. His time at Gramercy Tavern also included front-of-house experience, adding a valuable dimension to his understanding of restaurant operations.
De Paola and his wife moved to Italy for a year, where he honed his craft at several prestigious restaurants, including Don Alfonso 1890 in Sorrento, La Mora in Lucca, Carlo Magno in Brescia, Europa ’92, Antika Moka in Modena, and Taverna del Colleoni in Bergamo.
Most recently, he served as co-executive chef at Can Can Brasserie in Richmond, VA, where he co-led the culinary team with passion, creativity, and precision.
In 2007, he returned to his alma mater as a faculty member, driven by a passion for mentoring the next generation of culinary professionals.
Outside of the kitchen and classroom, he can be found hiking, swimming, boating, making wine, and live-fire cooking with friends and family. While his children were growing up, most of his free time was enjoyed watching them play various sports and getting together with friends. His volunteer work includes cooking for high-school sporting events and annual fundraiser auction private dinners for Family Services and the Boy Scouts. He can also be found volunteering for many CIA on-campus student events.