Business & Tech

'Hell's Kitchen' Winner at Ciao Baby

Heather West moves into kitchens at Commack, Massapequa Italian restaurants.

recently welcomed Hell's Kitchen winner Heather West to its kitchen, and the Port Jefferson native is working like a former TV personality to change things up a little at the Italian restaurants in Commack and Massapequa.

"I'm trying to be like Magyver in the kitchen," she said with a laugh on Wednesday. "I don't want to bring in new products - I want to use what we already have."

West is looking specifically to add to the restaurants' Baby Ciao menus, which offer a lighter fare at the restaurants traditionally known for their large portion sizes - so much so, that

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She said the lighter menu, which will also have gluten free options, should be complete in a couple of weeks. As a small taste, she did say that mini potato pancakes with roasted tomatoes, prosciutto chips and ricotta cheese would likely be one option on the menu.

West said she ended up at Ciao Baby at the end of January after a relationship with owner Frank Cammarata opened up the door for a job.

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"He always liked my work ethic," she said. "Finally I was looking around for a change. I heard he was looking for me. And it worked out."


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