David Catapano

David Catapano
Catapano on Food Networks Chopped
Nickname(s)	Mugsy Mugsy Russo One Step Chef Catman
Residence	Queens, New York

David Catapano (born July 28, 1973) is an American celebrity chef, American professional poker player, and reality television personality. He is known for his mastery in Italian Cuisine and his self-developed "Twisted Mediterranean" style. However, he is most notable for having appeared on a wide variety of cooking TV shows, including the long-running FoodyTV show Italian Style with Chef Catman and Food Network shows such as iron chef and chopped. Over the years he pioneered several catchphrases, including "My Kitchen, My rules!" , "Bada Bing!" and "Why, No?" Catapano is an avid poker player and has played professionally and for large charity events. Sometimes billed a Celebrity Poker Player because of his chef profile.

Catapano's style of cooking is called "Twisted Mediterranean", which uses local ingredients in his own interpretation of Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, strongly influenced by Italian, Portuguese, Greek, and other cultures which were a part of growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood in Queens, New York. However, his natural style and influence is of rustic Italian-inspired fare.

Catapano is a distinguished and successful poker player. Catapano grew up playing poker with his family and friends, learning the game at 9 years old. In his Early 20's he established himself in some of New York City's most notorious underground poker clubs, most notably he was a regular at the now defunct Mayfair Club in New York City. Sometimes billed a celebrity poker player because of his celebrity chef Status.

Catapano has appeared on Good day America, The Food Network, Taste This TV, Kara's Healthy Cook Off, The Vegas Snoop, FoodyTV, Poker School, season 17 of Chopped, Iron Chef, WPFL, XFL Football League and more. and has been credited as writer for CSI: NY.

Catapano has also published 2 books under the Pseudo name Mugsy Russo Catapano has published several cook books and articles about cooking in multiple magazines.