Vinum Executive Chef and restaurateur Massimo Felici’s passion for food started as a young boy growing up in New York. He started his career in the restaurant business in Manhattan. Through the following years, he moved up the ladder in many fine Italian establishments in New York such as Cipriani's, Giambelli, Da Umberto, Canastels, and more.

At only 22 years old, Massimo traveled to Florence, Italy where he honed his skills in a few local trattorias. Soon after he opened his own restaurant in Florence, "Il Canapone," a very quaint and authentic trattoria with only 35 seats and located near the beautiful Palazzo Pitti and one of his most cherished restaurants. After 2 years, it was named one of the best trattorias in Florence where locals eat in the "A Tavola" magazine.

He then returned to New York to practice his art in fine restaurants. Massimo helmed the kitchen as executive chef and partner at "Da Vittorio" (which was owned by Da Umberto's Restaurant family). Soon after, he opened his own trattoria around the corner called Ribollita and received praises from NY Times, Eric Isimov, New York Magazine, Time Out Mag, and many more.

Later in the year 2000 he opened La Nonna, a Tuscan restaurant. He got reviewed by William Grimes with great accolades, but sadly had to close after 9/11 and was forced to sell Ribollita due to lease bought out by large development company.

In the past 10 years, Massimo has become one of the best New York City restaurant consultants helping dozens of restaurants create their own story. He worked with places such as Nino's Tuscany (2.5 stars from Crains magazine) and DeGrezia restaurant (3 stars from Crains magazine) where he led a successful culinary class program for the Italian cook enthusiasts of New York City.

Later on, he moved to Staten Island and fell in love with it because it reminded him of his old school Brooklyn Italian neighborhood.

Aside from Vinum, Massimo is currently the Sole Owner and Executive Chef of Don Cheech, as well as Partner Owner and Executive Chef of both The Richmond and Belvedere Dining Club at Casa Belvedere. All four restaurants are located on the North Shore of Staten Island.

So, he proudly introduces you to Vinum where he is the Executive Chef and Owner. His concept is to offer a fun menu with small dishes, appetizers and an extensive wine list by the glass program. When he goes out to eat with his family, they enjoy sharing small dishes and appetizers, like tapas. He has noticed that others enjoy the same dining experience. With Vinum, he wanted to combine a family inspired experience and a true Italian Cuisine by offering tapas style appetizers, fresh pastas, etc. Massimo felt Staten Island was missing a place like this, so he's confident that Vinum will satisfy this concept.