Joe grew up in Long Island, NY, and from a young age, he fell in love with the art of cooking. When he wasn't fishing with his father, he was helping prepare some of the freshest seafood in the kitchen. By a very young age, he knew cooking was his true passion and that the sea was his source of endless inspiration.
Chef Bonavita has worked in the kitchens of Todd English, Grant Achatz and Graham Elliot. With experience in Boston, Chicago’s ultra-modernist, Michelin starred Alinea, Miami Beach, New York City and Palm Beach. Currently, Joe is the chef de cuisine at Izzy's Fish and Oyster in Fort Myers Florida.