Growing up in a food-loving household with a mom who loved to cook and experiment, Chef Eric Zuniga has long known his way around a kitchen and appreciated great food. By the time he found himself in a professional kitchen, the many moments in his family kitchen became the seeds of a blossoming career. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Eric had no shortage of great chef-driven restaurants to choose from at the start of his career. He worked his way through some of the very best, including Sandbar, the top seafood restaurant in the city, all the while earning a degree from the CIA campus there. He then continued his education and training at the CIA campuses in New York and California. His career has taken him to a number of restaurants throughout California, Hawaii, and Texas allowing him to acquire a broad understanding of not only culinary flavors and techniques but also management styles and hospitality philosophies. With the support and guidance of Bistro Don Giovanni’s chef team of Scott Warner and Hugo Ortiz, Chef Eric has made a real impact since joining Scala Osteria in the summer of 2023. He leads his team with integrity and sets a high standard for quality and consistency. His sincere love for the kitchen and cooking is infectious and can be felt throughout the restaurant.