Everything about Stephen Asprinio is eccentric. This borderline obsessive-compulsive personality has had a passion for cooking from a very young age, and always knew he wanted to establish himself as an influential person in the hospitality industry. After graduating from high school in Palm Beach, FL, Stephen went straight to the Culinary Institute of America. To get an edge over the competition, he continued his education after culinary school and earned his degree from Cornell University. Formerly the Sommelier for Nob Hill at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Stephen was one of the youngest Sommeliers in the country, but desperately wants to get back in the kitchen. He describes his cooking style as being light years ahead of traditional chefs and feels his background as a Sommelier only makes him a more valuable chef. Stephen's next venture is to launch his own restaurant concept, named FoodReal, "gourmet" quick-service restaurant and epicurean lifestyle boutique opening in late 2006.