Sidelined jet leads chef to his destiny

Local chef Neil Thibodaux, who is also known in the catering industry as Chef Nino, has found his niche giving his Italian cuisine a Louisiana flavor.

The longtime Lafourche Parish resident came in contact with Italy and Italian foods when a jet needed repair on the island of Sardinia. Then, Thibodaux was an airplane technician.

“There was a real chemistry that transpired between me and Italy when I came to Sardinia to work on the airplane,” he said. “A real love and passion was created in my heart.”

In all, Thibodaux said the Italian eateries enlivened every sense, reinvigorated every passion and inspired him to “new levels of intensity.”

“The aroma of fresh espresso roasting and brewing mixed with the luscious scents of freshly-baked pastries filled my senses while I walked down the roads, peering at buildings dating back to the ‘before Christ’ era,” Thibodaux recalled.

He describes the area as being cool and breezy, infused with the delightful scent of jasmine and orange blossoms. Recalling that early encounter, Thibodaux said he felt transported back in time.

From that point on, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life in Italy. Preparing for his transition from fixing planes to fixing meals, Thibodaux completed his education in Florida and made his way to Italy. There he spent nearly 13 years cooking and teaching culinary arts.

“My main objective when I first arrived in Italy was to learn the language, culture and customs and to be totally immersed at every level into the Italian culture,” he said. “Their ways became my ways, as I was changed at every level to better be colloqualized to earn their respect and attention.”

He added, “I went to Italy to teach, but I wound up being taught.”

For more information, contact Chef Nino at (985) 226-0093.

Sidelined jet leads chef to his destiny