Celebrity chef best recognized for his frequent appearances on several Food Network shows including Guy's Grocery Kitchen and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives which featured Marie's Italian Specialities which was the New Jersey Deli he ran with his then-wife Marie Riccio. He is also known for having opened La Cubana in the Chelsea neighborhood. 

Before Fame

He attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and started his career working as a dishwasher before he moved his way up to serving as executive chef at Sabor in North Bergen. He then worked for Cuban Pete's in Montclair before opening Marie's Italian Specialties. 

Trivia

He is also known for having established the Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation through La Cubana who agreed to carry out the scholarship in his honor. 

Family Life

He was born and raised in New Jersey and was inspired to cook by his Cuban mother and grandmother. 

Associated With

He often appeared on several food network shows alongside fellow chef Guy Fieri including on his Grocery Kitchen Games series. 

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