My Connection to Oxford, CT

Well first I would like to introduce myself: my name is Joe Bonavita Jr. I was born in Long Island, N.Y., before I moved to Derby, CT. In fourth grade, I moved to Oxford. Throughout my years in Oxford, going through the schools, I had many life changing experiences and gained some amazing friends. 

Two months after graduating from Oxford High School in June 2011, I moved to Chicago to continue my career and passion as a chef.

Throughout the years, I've worked with some very well known names in the restaurant industry such as the Lanam Club in Andover, Mass., working under Chef Ben Knack - a top finalist of “Hell’s Kitchen on Fox” - at Smith and Wollensky in Chicago, one of the city's most popular steak houses.

Currently, I am working under Chef Evan Percoco at TheWit Hotel in Chicago, which was named "Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the United States, #1 in Chicago" by Trip Advisor's Travelers Choice 2012.

As well as working at TheWit, I am the CEO/Executive Chef of Audentia Catering, which is a one-of-a-kind, upscale, high-end, private catering company. For information on my company, check out www.audentiacatering.com. 

People always ask me, "You are so young; how are you doing so much?" And I always answer, "It's because I am so passionate and determined." Anytime I answer this question, I think about how inspiring my English Teacher at OHS, Mr. Foster, or my Applied Research Teacher, Dr. LaBanca, were to me. They both always pushed me to do my best and always helped me succeed. 

In my blog, I will include different events I have going on for my company, as well as seasonal recipes, photographs of different dishes, etc. Also, if anyone has any requests for a food related blog, I will always be willing to look into it.