Gino (Louis) Diaferia

Gino was a gentle, respectful man. He deeply loved his family, friends, good food and visiting Italy. He was a modest fellow who didn’t fully realize the extent of his accomplishments. He was a celebrated restauranteur, responsible for three innovative restaurants. The first, Luma, brought haute macrobiotic cuisine to Manhattan. Artists, celebrities, performers such as Michael Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Newman and Robert Redford were among the long list of interesting luminaries who flocked to this Chelsea neighborhood. Lennie Kravitz stored his wine in this restaurant and loved to visit.

The second iteration of the restaurant, brought in celebrity chef Scott Bryan. Gino nurtured Scott and helped pave the way for his ”Best Chef Food and Wine Award. An entire chapter in Anthony Bourdain’s book, Kitchen Confidential was devoted to chef Scott and Luma Restaurant.

Indigo, in the west village was another innovation in that it ushered in an era of distinguished chefs providing affordable menus.

The jewel in the crown was “Veritas” restaurant earning 3 NYTimes stars and One Michelin Star. This

restaurant had one of the best and and most extensive wine collections in the country, earning the coveted Grand Award of Excellence” for its wine list. Gino was the first to establish that private collectors could provide wine to restaurants. People travelled from all over the world to dine.

Another impressive feature of Gino is that he was as kind to everyone. He established rapport and was respectful of celebrities and billionaires as well as the dishwashers. He was at ease with such a broad range of people and always thought of their comfort and experience.

He came to the city in 1988 when he first met his wife and established his restaurants. Prior to this, he grew up in Poughkeepsie and originally began his career, helping his father grow his fuel oil business. He and his brother Dominick, grew it into a very successful business

. When younger, Gino loved fancy cars, sports , and then running. He ran marathons at quite a fast pace, in his 40”s.

Gino is survived by his loving wife, Elyse Goldstein Ph.D of New York City, His brother and sister-in- law, Dominick Diaferia and Sue, of Naples Florida and Candlewood Lake, and his sister Marie Polito. He was very fond of several nieces and nephews.

He will forever be in our hearts.