Chef Josh Herlihy is the beating heart of Cornicello's kitchen, bringing a remarkable culinary journey and a deep passion for authentic Italian cuisine to every dish he creates. A native of Dover, New Hampshire, Josh's path took him far from home, but it was always leading him back to his roots and to the beautiful Seacoast. After honing his skills at the prestigious California School of Culinary Arts (Le Cordon Bleu), Josh began his career in the bustling, competitive culinary scene of Los Angeles. He spent six years at the acclaimed The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, CA, a restaurant that was recognized by GQ as the 4th best new restaurant in the country. During this time, he worked alongside some of the industry's most respected chefs, even cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. His talent and hard work earned him the role of Chef de Cuisine at the Hotel Figueroa in DTLA and the Kimpton La Peer Hotel, where he led large teams and created innovative, ever-evolving menus. Josh's passion for southern Italian cuisine deepened throughout his years in Los Angeles, where he learned techniques and refined his craft under some of the country's most respected chefs. While he was incredibly successful, he felt a pull to return home to New Hampshire. He knew his true culinary home was in southern Italian cooking, and he was determined to find a place where he could bring that passion to life. In 2020, he made the pivotal decision to return to the Seacoast, and by divine providence, he found Cornicello. It was here that he discovered a kitchen perfectly suited to his skills and vision. Josh’s culinary genius goes beyond raw talent. He is a master of technique, a meticulous manager, and a true mentor. His kitchen is a place of learning and growth, where he patiently trains and coaches every member of his team, from the dishwashers to the seasoned sous chefs. This dedication to his craft and his team has earned him a reputation that draws talented chefs from all over the region who are eager to work and learn alongside him. His love for food is so profound that he has a full sleeve tattoo depicting his favorite food groups and culinary inspirations. Every day, Josh hand-makes the pasta at Cornicello and dreams up new additions to the menu, honoring the traditions of southern Italy while infusing each dish with his own unique flair. When you look through the window into the kitchen, you’ll often see him at his old wooden pasta making table, working with his team and bringing his culinary vision to life. While the ownership of Cornicello has changed, its legacy has never been more vibrant. Chef Josh, alongside the new ownership, is committed to upholding the restaurant's cherished traditions and elevating its cuisine to new heights. His presence ensures that Cornicello is not just in good hands, but in the hands of a culinary virtuoso. ______________________ The Genius at Work Josh's day doesn't end when the kitchen closes. After a long, demanding night of service, you'll find him at his desk in the downstairs storage area, lost in thought. This is where the magic truly happens. Surrounded by the day’s work, he meticulously reviews notes, plans the next day's menu changes, and places his food orders with the precision of a true master. He is a culinary genius at his desk, constantly dreaming up new flavor combinations and techniques. But his passion isn’t limited to the food alone. It's about his team. One of the most telling moments is when a young intern—who will be going to culinary school in the fall—sits down in the chair next to him. Without a second's hesitation, Josh stops what he's doing to engage in a deep, passionate discussion about foods, herbs, flavor profiles, and techniques. He views every moment as an opportunity to mentor, teach, and share his love for the craft. This is the heart of Chef Josh Herlihy: a brilliant mind dedicated to his work, and a kind soul committed to nurturing the talent around him. He is a gift to Cornicello, and his desk is where the future of our incredible cuisine is born.