Rockwood's Michael Dei Maggi gets cooking at Ciao Bello

Fans of the late Rockwood Room don't need to travel far to find chef Michael Dei Maggi's culinary prowess.

Dei Maggi has been quietly installed as the new executive chef at Ciao Bello, the popoular Galleria-area Italian eatery by Tony Vallone and Jeff Vallone.

"We brought him in for an interview and really liked him — it was an easy decision," Tony Vallone says.

"Everything is a collaboration, but Michael is very talented and we're really happy to have him. Everything's stronger now."

Dei Maggi will be tweaking the summer menu with his personal touches, and Vallone points to the new homemade cavatelli and fish dishes as particularly exciting.

In addition to a new chef and expanded menus, Ciao Bello served its inaugural Sunday brunch last weekend. Local artist John Palmer also recently completed the restaurant's vibrant patio mural.

• chefs, Ciao Bello, The Rockwood Room
• Jeff Vallone, John Palmer, Michael Dei Maggi, Tony Vallone

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