Cristiano Bassani was born in Bergamo, Italy, and has served in some of the best kitchens across the world during his 36 years in the restaurant industry

From Italy to New York to the Virgin Islands to Chicago, Cristiano has traveled the world pursuing his passion and life’s work of being a chef. He dedicates himself to finding the freshest of ingredients and infusing our family recipes with some of his favorite Italian recipes. He is a perpetual student of the kitchen who seeks to evolve both himself and the menu while protecting and honoring the legacy that Gene & Georgetti started in 1941. When he’s not working, you will find him on a golf course, cheering on his Chicago Cubs, or watching his favorite Atalanta soccer game, the team from his hometown of Bergamo.

“Gene & Georgetti is proud to participate in the Grand Chef’s Experience, a multi faceted event that celebrates the rich tapestry that is the Chicago restaurant scene. We are also proud to support the ongoing efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as they continue to be the leader in the search for a cure for CF, while supporting a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles. We are forever grateful for all that they do, and it is our pleasure + privilege to support them annually at this really awesome event."