Francis Casciato is the executive chef for the Sarasota-based TableSeide Restaurant Group that includes Libby’s Café + Bar, Louies Modern, Muse at The Ringling, Oak & Stone, Banyan Cafe, The Francis and Modern Events. He grew up in a culinary-minded Italian-American family and studied his craft in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida and working for various award-winning restaurants. Now, his vision influences the inventive TableSeide menus across the board.

Q: How did your upbringing inspire you to become a chef?

A: I come from a large family in Philadelphia full of Italian cooks. After high school, I went to Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, where I earned a management degree. The only other thing I really knew and enjoyed was cooking, so I decided to take that path. I then attended the University of Pennsylvania and earned an associate degree in restaurant management.