From Pot Washer to Culinary Champion
By Office of the President | Nov 13, 2023
Ernest “Ernie” Sgaglione, a Brooklyn native and culinary expert, has been deeply rooted in the food service
industry since his humble beginnings at the age of 15, washing pots in a local restaurant.
His talent and passion for food quickly caught the attention of others, propelling
him to work alongside seasoned chefs and eventually pursue a career in culinary arts.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Ernie’s journey took him from being a chef trainee at the Tarrytown Hilton to the dynamic realm of Columbia Pictures, where he catered for both executives and film crews. He also managed executive dining rooms for major corporations such as IBM and Phillip Morris, sharpening his skills and leadership abilities and eventually launching his own catering business, La Mirage Catering.
Now, he operates Café 101 at SUNY Downstate, known for elegant, high-quality catering services. Ernie and his team can be seen daily going back and forth across campus for catered events, delivering delicious meals and tasty desserts!
Beyond his professional successes, Ernie is deeply devoted to his community and enjoys simple pleasures, especially exploring gourmet markets and a growing interest in Russian and Turkish cuisines. Ernie exudes a spirit of love and care; as an animal lover at heart, he also rescues stray cats.
Along with our own Dr. Jenny Libien, Ernie was recently honored at the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s 29th Annual SportsBall Gala for his commitment to community service, highlighting his dedication to culinary arts and making a positive societal impact.