More importantly Chef Tony learned early on that preparing fresh food items from raw ingredients makes all the difference in the end product taste. Culinary shows were not only a way for his team to ‘Show Off”, it was a lesson in discipline and endurance as well. He remembers events and culinary shows where the entire team would go without sleep for entire 24 hour periods , working on masterpieces, so that the end result would be “Gold Medal” medallions all around ! Post Military, Chef Tony dabbled in restaurant management while developing bakery/coffeehouse recipes. So in 1996 Chef Tony married the love of his life Michelle and they opened First Fruits Bakery and Catering. At the time, was a successful coffeehouse/restaurant wholesale bakery.