Chef Sam "Sammy D" DeMarco exploded onto the NYC culinary scene in 1994 at age 29 with his first restaurant, appropriately named First, in the East Village.

At First DeMarco became known as "The King of Casual" and "Chef to the Chefs" for serving up eclectic late night fare to the heavy hitters of the NYC restaurant scene after hours.

After a few successful NYC projects DeMarco moved to Las Vegas to open Sam's American and Sam’s Snacks in partnership with Steve Wynn at the Bellaggio.

He recently founded his own restaurant concept development company, The Ingredient Group, out of his passion for being part of culinary evolution.

Sammy D's is DeMarco's ode to his East Coast roots, with inspiration drawn from all along the Eastern seaboard.

DeMarco's culinary know-how stems from growing up in Brooklyn in a large Sicilian household.

He trained under David Burke at The River Cafe and under Gray Kunz at Adrienne.

Famous DeMarco Dishes: Lollipop Wings, Goat Cheese Soufflé, Tiny Tinis

Culinary motto: FTP... For the People

When he’s not in the kitchen he's spending time with his wife Ellen and two daughters.