I just read a fantastic article on Donatella, the attorney-turned-culinary mogul who has become one of the most successful women in the world of food.

Donatella opened her first restaurant, Bellini in 1998 and then subsequently opened a string of flourishing and highly acclaimed restaurants in New York City including Mia Dona –which was re-opened in late 2009 as a tribute to the “cucina povera” of her mother’s native Puglia.

In April 2010 Donatella Arpaia unveiled her prowess in the kitchen with her first cookbook, DONATELLA COOKS: Simple Food Made Glamorous.

Taking cues from her personal style that is more Missoni and Marni than “mamma mia,” Donatella has rolled up her sleeves in the kitchen to serve up straightforward, beautiful recipes designed to add sparkle to a dinner table.

Donatella is currently developing her own food television show, having become well known for her regular appearances as the “tough but fair” judge on the Food Network programs Iron Chef America, The Next Iron Chef, and Bravo’s Top Chef. I ordered her cookbook today and will let you know what I think.

Who is your favorite chef?

Related posts:

1. Icon Case Study – Giada De Laurentiis
2. Icon Case Study – Ivanka Trump
3. Icon Case Study – Jenna Lyons
4. Icon (in training?) Case Study – Taylor Swift
5. Grilled Peaches and Bocconcini