Salvatore Luppino, Executive Chef - Over 49 years of passion and dedication

The job story of the Executive Chef Salvatore Luppino

In a recent interview with Carlos Salemme , HR Director, and Claudia Pasetti , Learning Officer, Salvatore shared his inspiring career story

Carlos & Claudia: “Chef, how and when did you start your career?”

Salvatore: “I began at just 15 and a half years old on December 12, 1975. I took a train to Genoa and met a chef from Ischia who guided me like a father. We traveled to Luxembourg and then flew to Nassau, where I started as a Kitchen Assistant on the Costa Flavia the next day. I spent my first 7 months there, then returned for another 10 months on the Costa Carla.”

C. & C.: “Who was your first mentor?”

S.: “An Executive Chef from Bolzano who taught me not just how to cook, but the history behind each dish and why they have their names, like Filetto alla Wellington or alla Rossini.”

C. & C.: “And after these early experiences?”

S.: “I did my military service and continued cooking, even arranging better equipment for cooking pasta for my fellow soldiers! Afterward, I went to Australia, got married, but missed working on ships and returned. I was on the Costa Enrico and have since been involved in the launch of 13 ships, with the latest being Costa Favolosa. I’ve been an Executive Chef since 1991.”

C. & C.: “What advice do you have for young professionals starting out?”

S.: “Put your hands into your work, do it well. It takes the same time to do a job right as to do it poorly. Remember, we don’t live off things but from the satisfaction others give us.”

Salvatore’s career is a remarkable testament to dedication and passion, and we are proud to have him as part of our Costa community.