Raphael Berry –

was born and raised in Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Italy. His childhood centered around festive family gatherings over home cooked meals and the surrounding architecture of his hometown. He began his career as an interior designer graduating from L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts in Paris. Shortly after graduation at age twenty-one he formed Deco Services, a company that designed restaurants and nightclubs in Paris, Marseille, St. Tropez and Cannes. Throughout his travels over the years, from SouthEast Asian, the Middle East, Europe, and Italy he discovered a variety of culinary cultures where he experienced the beauty of diversity in taste, texture, aromas, and context. Inspired by many different cultures he quickly learned that food is the international language that satisfies not only a need but also creates a fulfilling experience that brings people together. After a twenty year career as an interior designer in Europe he relocated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles in 1986. Raphael continued his work consulting various restaurants in Los Angeles. He helped open many nightclubs and restaurants.