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Ruggero Gigli was born in Borgo San Lorenzo, Tuscany, Italy to Dina and Lorenzo Gigli.
Ruggero graduated from the "School of Hard Knocks," having survived World War II as a child. He worked in a bakery as an apprentice from the age of 12, ultimately becoming the head baker at Forno Sartoni in Firenze at the age of 23. When Ruggero was 26, he emigrated to the United States, becoming a U.S. citizen at age 30. He owned Ruggero's Spa in Carson City, Nevada, where he served lunch; Ruggero's Markleeville Creek, where he served lunch and dinner in the '70s; he catered breakfast, lunch and dinner in Napa Valley vineyards and wineries, and established Villa Gigli Collection in Markleeville in 1993, where he became famous for his "Al Forno" - cooked in the oven - homemade pasta and pizza. Being truly Florentine, blending colors and becoming Gina's printer and agent comes naturally to him. |
