Stefano Quaresima comes to Boston via France

Petit Robert, South End, at 480 Columbus Avenue, welcomes chef Stefano Quaresima an Italian of French descent to Boston.

Born in Anzio, 35 miles south of Rome, Stefano knew from an early age that his career would take him into the kitchen. After graduating from culinary school in Italy, he worked in restaurants both in Italy and France and luxury hotels in the Maldives, Crete, Greece and the UK. He is fluent in Italian, French and English.

In France, Stefano worked at the famed two Michelin star La Tour D'Argent in Paris, the one Michelin Star Hotel Chateau de Bagnols in Lyon and restaurant Quai Ouest in Lorient. He also worked at Raymond Blanc's two Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat'Saison in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Chef Stefano, who's taken up residency in the South End already feels a part of the close-knit neighborhood. "Here at Petit Robert Bistro we have many wonderful guests who have been coming regularly for years," he says. "They are what makes this bistro feel like a family restaurant and are what makes it great to work here."

Chef Stefano debuts his inaugural menu just in time for Boston bitter-cold winter with creative French fare such as Roasted cod filet over wok vegetables in a ginger lemon sauce; coq au vin - chicken thighs braised in red wine with fettuccine; and Duck Magret with a honey sesame crust with parsnips and carrots.