il Centro Alimentari/Catering

Chef Darren Atkins was born in Australia, moved to New York City in 1991 where he pursued a career in the fashion and entertainment business as a model agent. There, after working with Italian clients he developed an interest in Italian culture and food, his love for Italian food grew. In 2000 he attended culinary school at the famed International New York based Culinary Center ( formerly French Culinary Institute) such alums include Bobby Flay, David Chang and Dan Barber. After graduating in 2001, he followed his passion for Italian food and culture and went to work for celebrated Italian chef Cesare Casella at several of his acclaimed restaurants include Beppe, Maremma and Salumeria Rosi. Later he worked for Michelin Star Italian Chef Fortunato Nicotra and restaurateurs Lidia and Joe Bastianich at Felidia. He then continued his journey to work with Food and Wine’s Best Chef Jim Burke at Storico, owned by the Starr Restaurant group. Chef Darren recently moved to NC in 2014 , where he now resides in Burlington with his wife Jan and dog Bacon . Darren is the Chef/Owner of il Centro Alimentari-a specialty food store-offering salumi,artisanal cheeses, panini, prepared foods, fresh pasta and catering. il Centro Alimentari is proud to source from local farmers in North Carolina. He continues to be inspired by Italian cuisine through his travels and study and passionate to continue his culinary journey.