George Stella:  

Chef George Stella George Stella's career in the food industry started at a young age while living in Deerfield Beach, Florida and although his first job was as a dishwasher at the age of 13, George quickly found himself working at some of Florida's leading restaurants. In the early 80's he worked as an Executive Chef for the Philips Petroleum Company showcase restaurant, 'Windows on the Green' located in the Pier 66 Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. George would then go on to work with the owner of the famous 'MARK'S' restaurants, Chef Mark Militelo. Together in 1984 with Dennis Max they brought the first California Cuisine menu to the state of Florida opening 'Café Max' in Pompano Beach; still open today. Chef George Stella had no way of knowing that by the age of 40 he would reach the weight of 470 pounds. Being obese, George experienced serious heart problems that took him out of the kitchens and threatened his life and his career. After trying and failing every other diet, George turned to the then somewhat controversial Dr. Atkins low-carb approach and with his experience as a chef he was easily able to leave processed and sugar laden foods behind opting for colorful healthy fresh food choices that lead to an astounding 265 pound weight loss. By 2002 George was healthier than ever and returned to his passion for the kitchen as a Disney chef at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort. During his time there, he catered fairy tale weddings and practic...Expand for more