Moxietalk With Kirt Jacobs

Creativity in food, atmosphere and service fuel John Varanese in his career as chef and restaurant owner. After an impressive food and restaurant background, Varanese opened Varanese on Frankfort Avenue in 2007. Eight years later, he announced his second restaurant, River House, located on the riverfront. Later that year, Varanese announced another restaurant at the River House location, Levee, which would feature live entertainment and a unique cuisine, a completely separate experience from River House. Starting at age 14 in Cleveland, Ohio, Varanese credits Dino De Franco as his mentor and teacher for what it takes to be a good chef and business owner. He learned the business side of the restaurant, discipline and from scratch cooking. His first executive chef position was at Azeala restaurant in Louisville, Ky. Within three years, Varanese began making plans to open his own restaurant. He is passionately committed to sourcing local food for his restaurants. Varanese has won numerous awards and was invited