ALBERTO CANDIVI, Il Granaio owner, proprietor, and head chef, was born and raised in the Italian town of San Columbano al Hambro, just outside of Milan. At the age of fourteen, he decided to pursue his love of cooking, and began his formal education at a culinary academy in nearby Carpi.

After graduation, Alberto gained professional and creative experience throughout Italy and Scotland. He later moved to California in 1984, wanting to experience life in America. It was there, in Beverly Hills, that he had the honor of overseeing the grand opening of Emporio Armani Express, fashion designer Giorgio Armani's first venture as a restauranteur.

Eventually Alberto decided to work toward his ultimate goal of owning his own restaurant, away from the fast pace of Southern California. The landscape and climate of the Skagit Valley reminded him of his home in San Columbano al Hambro, and the newly renovated Grainery Building was the perfect unique setting. Il Granaio opened for business in 2001, and has been thriving ever since.

Alberto truly enjoys his work, which is evident in the quality of Il Granaio's cuisine. Besides working behind the scenes in the kitchen, Alberto occasionally shares his expertise as a guest instructor at Gretchen's, the Mt. Vernon gourmet culinary store.