Leroy Sam, Executive Chef at Bertolini's King of Prussia

Any day of the week or weekend, Executive Chef Leroy Sam can most likely be found preparing delicious Italian dishes for the guests of Bertolini’s King of Prussia Mall. This self-taught kitchen whiz believes in new flavors and fresh ingredients and takes pride in creating imaginative dishes to complement the classic Italian Bertolini’s flair.

Chef Leroy says that it takes a passion for food, creativity, and dedication to make a great chef—and his work at Bertolini’s fits this description to a tee. He began to learn the profession back in 1979 from his brother, who operated the famous Cotton House in the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. Leroy once prepared a meal for the Queen of England when she chose to dine at this establishment! By 1982, Chef Leroy’s reputation had grown and he was enticed to move to the United States to begin working in a series of restaurants in Chicago and then New York.

Currently at Bertolini’s, Chef Leroy enjoys creating daily specials to complement the regular menu offerings. He notes that quality ingredients, texture, flavor combinations and presentation all help to create the perfect dish. His culinary influences from France, Italy and the Caribbean are evident in the special touch he provides to everything that leaves his kitchen. His favorite dishes? Certainly the signature Lobster-Crab Cakes, and the popular Chicken Scallopini with pancetta, artichokes, capers, pinenuts, and lemon butter sauce.

Chef Leroy is married with two children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, he can be found spending time with his family or practicing on the golf course. And even though he may not always score a hole in one on the golf course, he’s always an "ace" in the kitchen.