Rising chef features Italian dinner at LangeTwins Winery
Chef Pete Murdaca, a Lodi native, was the spotlight at LangeTwins Winery last Friday evening, declaring his menu would feature “the traditional recipes of our native Italy passed down through generations and paired with Italian varietal wines.” He did not disappoint. The cellar was filled with guests and an extraordinary menu that paired with Italian varietal wines grown and bottled by LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards. The dinner was opened by founding member, Randall Lange, who lauded Murdaca’s talents as a rising chef in Lodi and challenged the community to support the skills of our sons and daughters.
“LangeTwins is a fifth-generation family business, and we appreciate the opportunity to mentor and build the next generation of talent in this community.”
Murdaca, a third-generation chef, has followed on the heels of his father, Jim, and grandfather, Pietro, who emigrated to America and in 1957 opened his first pizzeria in Vacaville. The original restaurant has just celebrated its 60th anniversary and is now operated by Pete’s cousin, Joey.
Jim Murdaca opened his Pietro’s on Kettleman Lane in 1985. While introducing Chef Murdaca, Lange noted that Murdaca enrolled in a culinary school outside of Parma, Italy to learn how to build his technique and elevate it to the next level.
“Not an easy task for a kid from Lodi to be immersed in Italian culture and language, all while in a tough classroom environment,” Lange said.
Murdaca’s menu was thoughtful, unique and paired well with the LangeTwins Italian varietals.
“I want to make it my own — I am very sensitive to everything that is connected to a memory — a place, an experience and the opportunity to use the family recipe as my base and then put my own spin on it” Murdaca said. “Our generation — I’m 30 years old — my millennial friends and peers are foodies. They are keenly aware of Food Network shows, demonstrations, social media — it all projects interest and awareness.”
When asked if there was any one experience in life that helps in his day-to-day operation, Murdaca mentioned sports. Murdaca was a quarterback at St. Mary’s High School and went on to play college ball.
“Sports absolutely made me think fast, move fast, adapt and change, and work as a team.”