In 1999, Food & Wine named Rocco DiSpirito as one of its Best New Chefs—a vote of confidence in the future of a brilliant young cook who earned the esteem of his peers as well as a rabid fanbase of diners captivated by the handsome fella who quickly became a staple of the gossip pages. Just a few years later at the height of his fame, DiSpirito walked away from the restaurant world, leaving colleagues and fans scratching their heads and spinning theories. DiSpirito shared his story with Food & Wine last year after returning to the restaurant world, opening up about his physical and emotional struggles, and taking care of his mother in the years before her death. A lot has changed in the months since the article came out, so we got on the phone with DiSpirito for a very frank and open conversation about the importance of mental health care (and how to get it), weathering loss and change, and feeling like a chef again even if circumstances are keeping you out of a restaurant kitchen right now. Learn more about Rocco https://roccodispirito.com/ Where'd You Go, Rocco DiSpirito? https://www.foodandwine.com/chefs/rocco-dispirito-standard-grill Keto Comfort Food https://www.amazon.com/Keto-Comfort-Food-Diet-Pounds/dp/1984825216/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=fwpodcastroccoketocookbook1220-20&linkId=0a7887496506e23e6fbcf22777df3442&language=en_US The Food & Wine Guide to Mental Health and Sobriety https://www.foodandwine.com/fwpro/the-food-wine-pro-guide-to-mental-health-and-sobriety Food & Wine Pro https://www.foodandwine.com/fwpro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices