Chef/Owner Neil Fusco was born in Southern Italy in the famous town of San Marzano, best known for its world-renowned San Marzano Plum tomatoes.

Chef Neil began cooking as a little boy. His first lessons were from an experienced home chef, his mother! As first born in the large Italian family, Neil was given instructions from his mother on how to prepare the meals, using recipes handed down through the generations, and he took it from there!

Growing up on a farm, Chef Neil learned early on that only the freshest ingredients could be used. That lesson has remained with him over the years, and it is at the heart of all that he prepares. For years he ran a successful New York Times Very Good rated restaurant, serving only dishes prepared with the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Although he sold his restaurant to have more of a family life, the art of making sauce still flowed in his veins.

Chef Neil recently launched the Monte Bene^™ Pasta Sauces in response to the economic downturn.

With many households in a budget, pasta has become a staple on the menu. Chef Neil sought to bring to market a premium quality sauce at an affordable price, but without sacrificing the healthy, high quality, fresh ingredients and home-made flavor.

Hence, Monte Bene™'s Farm Fresh Pasta Sauce was born. Chef Neil searched for a good quality fresh tomato that would make for a high quality pasta sauce. He found the tomatoes right in his own backyard, New Jersey. In working with local New Jersey farmers, Chef Neil is able to use these fresh, vine ripened tomatoes, coupled with a splash of the Italian San Marzano tomatoes to make Monte Bene™ - the perfect pasta sauce for any pasta dish.