Armando has worked in restaurants for most of his life. At the age of 14 he began working in his family’s restaurant in Naples, and was encouraged by his father to work for other restaurateurs.

He came to Australia in 1972 and joined his father, Mario, at Arriverderci in East Sydney. Seven years later, he and his father opened Pulcinella restaurant in Kings Cross where he established his reputation amongst Sydney diners for both his food and his ability to create a vibrant dining atmosphere.

In 1987 Armando opened Buon Ricordo, which has gone on to become a landmark of the Sydney dining scene. Armando’s strong principles of service and excellence permeate everything he does.

Armando champions the return to classical Italian cuisine. His menu includes cucina povera – the food of the poor - unpretentious dishes that shirk flamboyance for emphasis on flavour and taste.

Armando's professional achievements have been acknowledged by the Italian Government who in 1997 awarded him the ' Insegna del Ristorante Italiano ' for his contribution to Italian food outside of Italy; and the Australian Restaurant and Catering Association, who inducted him into 'The Hall Of Fame' in 1999.

Armando states his reason for getting involved with the PCFA as a simple one: “There is a lot of awareness about the different kinds of cancers out there that affect women and children, but unfortunately prostate cancer is rarely given a second thought.  All four of us felt very strongly about working together to raise awareness for this cause,” he said.

Armando will be presenting the second entrée at Sydney’s Secret Ingredients – a secret dish fit for a queen, and in fact served to the Queen of the Screen, Sophia Loren, during her recent trip to Sydney.

On weekends, Armando can be found at his HunterValley farm, cooking in a more relaxed atmosphere and tending to his olive trees.