Nunzio Citro

2004 graduate of Fifteen 

Smoking too much weed with his mates, Nunzio’s life after school was a bit of a dead end. His mother submitted an application to Fifteen without his knowledge. He turned up for the interviews and was offered a place.

“Fifteen taught me what a hard day’s work is. There was always something new happening in the kitchen and I found myself more disciplined and I enjoyed the team work.”

College wasn’t so good for him. “At Fifteen you’re working in a quality environment, serving real customers. Going to college wasn’t the same. It was like driving a top sports car and then being asked to ride in an old banger!”

Nunzio began to outgrow the Fifteen experience. He grew frustrated by the constant issues with other apprentices and staff. The rumours, moaning and conflicts in and around the kitchen.

“I couldn’t see myself in the restaurant – I felt restrained.”

Nunzio did graduate in 2004, and went to work at Cecconi’s in central London where he stayed for a year and a half. Each day he walked past an art gallery and would stop to admire the artists working there. He began to envy the freedom they seemed to have which he didn’t working long hours in the same kitchen.

“Fifteen had given me direction, but my heart wasn’t in being a chef and I realised I’d have to get out while I was still able to.”

He now works on his painting and photography full time. “I’ve got much less money than when I was cooking but I’m much happier. I’m enjoying life like never before.”

The first exhibition of his photography and painting ‘minimalisetomaximise’ was organised with the support of staff of Fifteen Foundation in October 2007 and was a great success. He sold eleven pieces.

Check out Nunzio’s work at www.youseenunzio.com