Upon graduating the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in 2000, his first foray into the culinary field began at the world renowned Windows on the World restaurant in the World Trade Center in New York City. There he trained with his mentor, Chef Michael Lomonaco for two years until the tragic events of 9/11. For a brief period in 2006, Chef Palmieri reunited with his former Windows on the World colleagues to help establish employee owned restaurant Colors.

Immediately following Windows on the World, Palmieri joined Pino Luongo’s team at Coco Pazzo as Sous Chef where honed his skills under Chef Marta Pulini. During his two years at Coco Pazzo he cooked for a host of celebrities and notable clientele and finished as acting Executive Chef.

Palmieri’s culinary interest was sparked at an early age by his mother’s Italian home cooking that was prepared with organic vegetables grown in their own garden. This started the path to his education at CIA, which included a culinary externship in Frankfurt, Germany.

At The Orange Squirrel, his innovative culinary style will be reflected in the contemporary American cuisine with European accents that will include hand- made pastas; ‘couture’ pizzas made with premium, fresh ingredients as well as a selection of main entrees with side dishes that can be personally chosen.

A multi-creative talent, Palmieri also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology for Interior Design, which proved beneficial as he personally designed and hand-crafted The Orange Squirrel. His inspiration for the décor was a modern, art deco style featuring a one-of-a-kind Wood Stone oven, a custom made “floating” Brazilian birch and limestone bar, and imported Italian furniture and lighting.

Palmieri is married to Elaine, a make-up artist and currently lives in his hometown of Bloomfield, NJ. A 21st century Renaissance man, he is passionate about applying his creativity in all his artistic endeavors.