Our Loyal Staff
Our Loyal and Dedicated Staff
Chef Jonathan Vlasic
Proprieter
Ever since I was 8 years old, I wanted to be a Chef. I knew at an early age that an office setting career was definitely not for me, plus I enjoy working with my hands. I wanted to be a Chef in the classic sense since this was before the cooking show era boom. A few guys in a hot kitchen, working over a range, plancha, or grill. Creating masterful cuisine, leading up to that ever gratifying trip to the table, to receive our accolades of our guests loving every bite you served them. I went to Culinary school just out of High School, graduated with honors, only because I enjoyed every minute of learning the specifics of classic technique. After working and Chefing at various clubs, and resorts here and south, I purchased Alla Famiglia in 2005, and my biggest dream came true. Cooking for just 8 tables in an open kitchen setting, being able to entertain, converse, and see my guests as I dazzled them with my creativity. I have since, with the assistance of my long tenured and dedicated staff, grown the Alla Famiglia brand into a lovely company to work for and raise a family on. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you so very much for the continued support and patronage for nearly 2 decades. 100 Years!
Mark Gadd
General Manager
Growing up in a family of small businesses owners i realized the value of hard work and dedication at a young age. My grandparents were small business owners so i grew up working there. At the age of 14 i started working at a small family restaurant and realized then that restaurants were my passion thus beginning my foray into restaurants. I then spent the next 15 years in a more corporate setting and worked for a casual Italian dining chain learning every inch of the operation. This in turn set me up to understand my true passion, management and from there i never looked back. I learned so much over the next years working with many different managers, good and bad and became a top performer for the company. I was sent to underperforming restaurants to salvage the brand therefore earning myself a top spot to train with our corporate chefs in Tuscany Italy. What a life changing experience! After many years in a high volume casual dining setting i wanted to try something different, fine dining. This transition eventually brought me to Alla Famiglia which felt like home to me bringing my many years of experience in all facets of the restaurant industry full circle.
As the General Manager of such an iconic brand i take pride in upholding the highest standards and providing our guests with stellar service and culinary excellence each and every time they walk through our door. This happens by having the best in the industry on our team and providing an atmosphere where our employees feel valued and respected every day. We are Alla Famiglia!
Chef Michelangelo Aliaga
Corporate Chef
Chef Michelangelo Aliaga was born in a small Peruvian town called, Celendín. As the second eldest of Italian immigrants, Aliaga grew up in a very traditional family and was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for family and cooking.
In the late 90s, Michelangelo attended Alma Culinary School in Milan and met various Italian chefs who helped him discover his love for Italian food. Upon graduation, Aliaga began his career in Tuscany before enduring his culinary journey in the United States. Prior to opening Primo Italia, Aliaga made his name in the Los Angeles culinary world at Cecconi’s West Hollywood and then Palm Desert’s La Spiga. Chef Michelangelo Aliaga, is passionate about Italian cooking and its deep history. He has created a rich, abundant menu using local purveyors and fine ingredients in making homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean fish dishes.
Brandy Vlasic
Director of Events
Brandy, our events coordinator is also the owner of Alla Famiglia with her husband, Chef Jonathan. Brandy is an absolute gem when it comes to making any event absolutely spectacular. Creative designs, thoughtful layouts, and tasteful decorating skills make her one of the best in the city. Brandy has over 15 years experience in any and all types of events from graduations, to coordinating full weddings from ceremony to dessert. Brandy will also be an expert in assisting with food selections as she is well versed in our entire world of offerings, on and off the menu. You will absolutely love working with Brandy from the first moment you talk to her, with her “yes” style personality, she genuinely enjoys making your next event exactly what you‘ve envisioned. When Brandy is not making your event your next favorite memory, she enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters Vivian and Vienna. Brandy can be contacted at events@allafamiglia.com. Please leave a phone number with your inquiry.
Chef Mark McManus
Chef Mark McManus came with the building back in 2005. He was 19 years old, incredible raw talent with no formal training. Chef Jonathan worked with Mark for years which pretty much turned into an apprentice program with Mr. Vlasic teaching him everything he knows. Chef Mark has been a tremendous asset to Alla Famiglia from the very beginning. Creative, loyal, hardworking and incredibly reliable. He has and still remains a pillar for the restaurant’s overall success.
Mara Beck
Pastry Chef
Meet Mara Beck, Alla Famiglia / Arlecchino Pastry Chef. Mara is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute and has been the Pastry Chef here for 2 years. Mara comes from a family who loves to cook and bake, and this passion is clearly displayed through her pastry creations.
Prior to joining the Alla Famiglia family, Mara has spent time in several notable Pittsburgh restaurants including the Inn on Negri, Park Brugge, Willow and Siempre Algo.
In her spare time, Mara enjoys spending time outdoors with her Niece and Nephew, kayaking, gardening and hiking with her Pug named Dexter.
Tony Romano
Bar Director
Meet Tony Romano, Alla Famiglia’s Bar Director/Chief Mixologist. Tony has lived in Pittsburgh and been with us for a little over two years. Prior to his tenure here at Alla Famiglia, Tony worked in nightlife for MGM Resorts in Springfield, Massachusetts. “Since I have joined the team here at Alla Famiglia, my life has changed. I have gained a whole new group of friends and family. The dynamic we strive to create here at Alla Famiglia is what really won me over. Both the front of house and back of house staff have taught me so much in my time here. Getting an opportunity to work under and learn from Chef Jonathan Vlasic, Chef Gary Klinefelter and the remainder of my management team has been so beneficial for my professional career.” In his free time Tony likes to golf, travel and try different dining experiences throughout the city. Make sure to ask for Tony when you make your next bar reservation!