Growing up in a large Mediterranean family, Teejay was surrounded by fresh, wholesome food. Inspired early on by his Nonna and Great Aunt, he still treasures their recipes today.

In his early 20s, Teejay turned his passion for food into a career, training as a chef at Westminster Kingsway College and earning a diploma in culinary arts. He started in corporate catering before moving to restaurant kitchens, where his talent and ability to work under pressure caught Jamie Oliver’s attention.

As part of Jamie’s team, Teejay served as a Sous Chef and helped open new restaurants. After several great years, he decided to start his own venture, creating ‘Cheeky Italian,’ which offers the best of Italian Street Food.

On a whim, Teejay traveled to France in search of a vintage catering van and found an old Citroen H van, which he brought back to the UK for restoration. Influenced by his childhood teachings and top UK chefs, Teejay added impressive twists to simple Italian dishes. He entered the street food scene, operating at top UK festivals and international events, including in the UAE.

As an Essex boy, Teejay knew he wanted to open a restaurant in his hometown. Developing a rural farmhouse in Waltham Abbey, he created The Farmhouse Essex, known for its rustic warehouse vibe and modern British food. It quickly became a popular hotspot, attracting visitors and celebrities alike.