Fabrizio was born in the heart of the Adriatic coast of Venice, Italy where he began his culinary career. Growing up in Venice, Chef Aielli nurtured a fascination for cooking at his mother's stove. After working in Venice, he moved away to gain experience in some of the best restaurants and hotels around the world. He eventually returned home to become executive chef of the renowned Taverna la Fenice next to Venice's opera house. His years of practice included fine restaurants in Italy, the Caribbean and Washington, DC.

In 1995 Chef Aielli and his wife Ingrid opened their first restaurant in Washington DC. Goldoni in 1995 was followed by Osteria Goldoni in 1998, and finally Teatro Goldoni in 1999. The latter was acclaimed as one of the best new restaurants in the country by Esquire magazine; and Gourmet magazine named Teatro Goldoni as one of the top twenty restaurants in Washington DC. Teatro Goldoni also was recognized by the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, and Food & Wine Magazine. Teatro Goldoni was a recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award and Diroma Award.

In 2007 Fabrizio and Ingrid moved permanently to Naples seeking a location for their next restaurant. Sea Salt opened in November of 2008 to high praise including Esquire Magazine's Best New Restaurant.

Chef Aielli launched Barbatella in 2012, a Spirited Italian Trattoria just steps away from Sea Salt on picturesque Third Street South. The popular trattoria highlights Chef Fabrizio's favorite classic Italian dishes. In 2015, Sea Salt St Pete opened in downtown St Petersburg featuring the same fresh ingredients and menu popular at their Naples’ location.
After establishing Sea Salt and Barbatella in the culinary landscape of Naples, Chef Aielli opened Dorona in 2018. This modern Italian Steakhouse features the finest custom cuts of beef available from select farms and also gives the dining experience an Italian touch through signature dishes and ingredients from the his homeland.

Chef Aielli's latest addition to his restaurant group is Grappino which opened in December of 2019. Chef Aielli's Venetian roots inspired the menu and wide array of Grappa.

The Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation announced Chef Fabrizio as honoree of the year 2018 for his "Venetian World" cuisine representing an imaginative combination of centuries of tradition coupled with current international influences.

As co-owner with her husband Chef Fabrizio Aielli, Ingrid Aielli is responsible for business operations and marketing. Ingrid is the force behind the corporate brand, and her philanthropic involvement has given the Aielli Group a solid reputation as a strong supporter of the community and many local charities. She has been recognized by several organizations for her outstanding involvement including major local publications like Naples Illustrated, Gulfshore Life Magazine and Gulfshore Business.

The couple's culinary journey started in the 90s in Washington D.C., establishing three highly acclaimed restaurants that were known for fine cuisine and stellar guest experiences. Their restaurants were frequently patronized by political, diplomatic, and celebrity clients from around the world.

After almost two successful decades in the D.C. area, the Aiellis decided to change the scenery and in 2008 they opened Sea Salt in Naples. Sea Salt's success encouraged them to expand and resulted in the addition of Barbatella, Dorona, Grappino and Sea Salt St. Pete.

Ingrid’s management skills and social acumen are a major key to the success of the Aielli Group. Ingrid oversees her management team and restaurants' operations along with her more public role as an active member of the Naples philanthropic community.

Her philanthropic engagements include board memberships on various charities like Youth Haven as well as organizing charity events which have benefited over 50 charities in Southwest Florida. In the past decade, the Aielli Group’s auction items helped to collect over $1million in donations, all benefiting the children in Collier County. Furthermore, Ingrid Aielli chaired Youth Haven's Starry Nights Gala 2022, raising over $1.5 million.

ACCOLADES AND HONORS:

• 2001 Women of the Year Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (DC)
 2011 Glass Slipper Recipient by Champions of Learning
• 2016 Leading Lady (Naples Illustrated)

• 2016 Woman of the Year (Gulfshore Life)
• 2019 Champions (Champions of learning)
• 2019 Honoree of the United Arts Council
• 2021 Naples First Ladies of Food by Naples illustrated
• 2022 Women in Business 2022 by Gulfshore Business Magazine
• 2022 Business Hall of Fame inductee by Junior Achievement of SWFL
• 2022 Woman of Initiative by Women's Foundation of Collier County

CURRENT BOARD MEMBER ACTIVITIES:

• Co-Chair of the Nane Kimijan Memorial Scholarship Fund (in memory of her late brother)
• Board Member and Vice Conseiller Culinary of La Chaine des Rotisseurs
• Board Member of Gulfshore Life Magazine
• Board Member of Youth Haven
• Ingrid and Fabrizio’s partnership and philanthropic endeavors in Southwest Florida are important to them. The hundreds of jobs they create along with their unwavering support of many charitable organizations demonstrate their commitment to the community.

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As General Manager for Sea Salt of St. Petersburg, Marlo provides direction and guidance to the dining room team to guarantee that our standards of hospitality are maintained. Marlo is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant and, above all, ensuring a wonderful experience to all of her guests.

Hailing from a small town outside of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Marlo moved to New York City at 23 to further her career in hospitality.
Her tremendous appreciation for fine dining stems from not only her love of guest relations, but her experience of working under the tutelage of some of the brightest lights in the culinary world.

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Chef Margaret LaVetty graduated from San Francisco's California Culinary Academy at the age of 19. She has embraced a wide range of culinary experience in several highly-regarded restaurants and has now landed here in Saint Petersburg, FL.

From her beginnings as Saucier at the original China Grill in New York, to Sous Chef at Campanile in Los Angeles, to Chef De Cuisine at Nemo in Miami Beach, Executive Chef at Miami's Anise Taverna, to Chef of St. Pete's beloved Mazarro's Italian market; LaVetty's comfort zone has always been the kitchen.

"For as long as I can remember I have been in the food industry. I've been cooking in professional kitchens since I was 14 – It's where I thrive. I been able to achieve command of a broad spectrum of cuisines due to the patience and skill of many accomplished chefs."

It was during her time in southwest Florida that she gained local fame as a master granola maker. (aka "The Captain of Crunch"; as per the St.Petersburg Times) and accolades in a number of regional publications.

"I love new challenges. It's my goal to channel my happiness into every dish that comes out of the kitchen. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than knowing my creations are being enjoyed, shared, and remembered."