Becoming a Chef Chef, author, radio and television character Rocco DiSpirito was born on November 19, 1966, in Queens, New York. A rising celebrity in the 1990s New York City culinary scene, DiSpirito has broadened his reach beyond the kitchen area to become a successful cookbook author and television character. His occupation selection was strongly influenced by his mom Nicolina, an exceptional home cook. As a kid expanding up in Jamaica, Queens, DiSpirito found out the dishes for lots of st