Amy Brandwein is the owner and chef of Centrolina, a combined seasonal Italian restaurant and market that opened in CityCenterDC in spring 2015.

Prior to opening her own restaurant, Chef Brandwein was the opening chef de cuisine at Alba Osteria in Washington, D.C. in 2013. Previously, Chef Brandwein launched Casa Nonna, the BLT Restaurant Group’s first Italian concept in Washington D.C and New York. She has also served as the chef de cuisine at Bebo Trattoria, and was the executive chef of Galileo da Roberto Donna in Washington, D.C.

Chef Brandwein’s culinary passion is regional Italian cooking in conjunction with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Throughout her career, Chef Brandwein has earned many accolades and honors, including recognition as a 2017 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, 2016 RAMMY Award nominations for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) Chef of the Year and New Restaurant of the Year, a 2007 RAMMY nomination for Rising Culinary Star, and scholarships from the James Beard Foundation and International Association of Culinary Professionals. She has appeared on numerous local and national live television programs, including a victorious battle against Chef Morimoto on Iron Chef America. Chef Brandwein is a strong supporter of charities to support healthy eating and hunger, including So Others Might Eat, DC Central Kitchen, and Martha’s Table. She is a longtime member of Les Dames d’Escoffier and Women Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Chef Brandwein graduated from L’Academie de Cuisine Culinary School. She lives in her hometown of Arlington, VA with her husband, Jeremy, and their fluffy cat, Bailey.