From a humble start selling instant coffee, Larry Mindel went on to build a restaurant empire that revolutionized the industry, especially Italian cuisine in America. Along the way, he shared a table with countless entertainment and business luminaries.

Chianti, MacArthur Park, Harry's Bar and American Grill, Ciao, Prego, Il Fornaio, and Poggio are just a few of the establishments Larry-aka Lorenzo-conceived and ran. On the forefront of innovation, he introduced one of the first exhibition pasta-making stations in America, as well as the open kitchen-dining floorplan concept.

The first American to receive the Caterina de Medici medal from the Italian government, Larry has been recognized with the American Institute of Wine & Food Achievement award and induction into the California Restaurant Hall of Fame.

The little Jewish boy from Toledo has come a long way-and he's still going strong. At eighty-seven Larry hasn't "let the old man in." His indomitable entusiasmo per la dolce vita remains unbounded. This is his story.