At an early age, a passion for good food and a healthy appetite led Rocky into the kitchen serving as sous chef alongside his father. Rocky’s father (fondly referred to as the “Old Man”), often handled most of the cooking for their busy family of six and had a flair for inventing fabulous menus.

Aside from cooking for the ladies in their lives, Rocky and the Old Man have
enjoyed an active lifestyle; hunting, fishing and sailing on their “weekend passes.” Having achieved success in their own kitchens, they began testing a few of their gourmet creations on their usually grateful friends. “The guys” would then take these satiating menus home to their wives, who begged them to develop their own culinary skills.

Rocky and the Old Man enjoy a father-son bond that is still strong today. And, as much as Rocky enjoys experimenting with his extensive library of cookbooks and recipes, restaurants have been his true inspiration. He and the Old Man frequently enjoy dining in some of California’s top culinary destinations, where they have an opportunity to sample the creations of top executive chefs. Rocky will oftentimes, order unusual and interesting menu items, and if impressed, incorporate the flavors into his own simpler gourmet creations.

John “Rocky” Finocchiaro was born and raised in Arcadia, California, one of four children. Rocky attended Temple University in Philadelphia, where he earned his degree in Radio/Television and Film. Upon returning to Southern California, he participated in a Masters of Professional Writing program at University of Southern California, and later earned his MBA from California State University, San Bernadino.

Rocky and his fiancé, Danielle live in Irvine, California with their children Grace and Gunnar.