If there’s anything I’ve discerned in my 46 years of life, it’s this:
Creativity is not dependant on talent, but rather where one’s own creative energy is directed.
Case in point: My dad was a musician, but he only learned to play the shepherds flute because he was talented as a wood carver….Mom was tone deaf, but had a brilliant sense of how to prepare a beautiful meal from whatever was available in the garden…..
We all channel the gifts we have and become proficient in what is available.
By choice, by circumstance and even by chance.
By choice (of my mom and dad), I began my creative career at the tender age of 8 – acquiring the skills and feeding whatever gift and talent I was given, as I learned how to play the piano. Over 38 years, I have managed to become an accomplished pianist, singer, songwriter and music producer – an acclaim that really belongs to my parents!
My first exposure to the food industry was when I turned 14. I worked as a bus boy at “Regina Pizzeria & Tavern” on College St. It was owned by my cousin Luigi Scanga – who also encouraged my parents to enrol me in the Royal Conservatory of Music for Piano. By circumstance, I learned the importance of connecting passion with vivacity – the perfect recipe for a young, explosive mind full of creative energy!!
After making a few stops on the hospitality train, my journey came to a sudden halt - at one of Toronto’s first and most well known Italian Patisseries, LA SEM. Here I had a wonderful opportunity to discover the “art of food” – sweet, savoury, genuine and exquisite in quality! Nick Ventola became my mentor and model of a chef that would not settle for anything but the finest ingredients. He was a passionate man, loyal to the quality that his family and customers deserved. He remains an inspiration to who I am today!
I embraced creating food ideas with the greatest of passion and dedication. Food ignited my wanderlust to return to my childhood…to the past of my parents and the fruitful lands that they (like so many others) left after World War 2! All our cultural food, its celebration and the wonderful moments spent in their preparation! Brilliant lessons of love, life, family…..I wanted to learn everything again and share it with my family, friends and every person that would give me a listening ear – over a plate of inspiring, glorious Food!!
By chance, I was introduced to a most unique, artisan and true Italian coffee house: B Espresso Bar (in the heart of downtown Toronto). This is where I refined my creativity and combined simplicity and ethnicity in everything I created. Armed with this formula, I have had the privilege to serve influential business people, actors, musicians, television personalities, politicians and everyday people….. To write for several magazines and be featured guest at Food events across the city!
Chance and Circumstance brought me to Natures Emporium. Here I have the freedom to express whatever talent I have, in order to make phenomenal food healthy and convey my passion to create foods from all over the world – it is indeed the greatest place to be “Food Director”.
Little wonder that Choice keeps me here!!
My name is Andy. Many call me Andrew. My last name is Muto which has been the greatest oxymoron I’ve yet come across. Muto in Italian means “mute” – a quality many will attest is far from what I really am!! See for yourself……Just read above!!
Welcome to Natures Emporium