Emmett's fascination with food began in Memphis, TN at the age of 18 working at John Grisanti's. After graduation from The Culinary Institute of America, he worked at Cafe Annie in Houston. In 1985 Emmett moved to Boston, MA as chef of The Wild Goose in Fanueil Hall. During his following experience at BNU and Arturo's Ristorante, he discovered his niche for Italian cooking. It is also where he met fellow chef and wife to be, Lisa.

Cooking has been a passionate hobby for Lisa since she received her first cookbook at age 8. After college she decided her commitment was in the restaurant business and opened her own catering company. She turned her interest to restaurant cooking and was educated at Boston's famed, Icarus. It is here that she gained her confidence and creativeness in all areas of cooking.

Emmett and Lisa moved to Austin in 1992. Emmett's jobs included an Executive Chef job overseeing BitterEnd, Mezzaluna and Granite Cafe, and serving on the board for the Hill Country Wine & Food Festival. Lisa gained a reputation as one of Austin's top pastry chefs while working at 612 West, Coyote Cafe and Sardine Rouge.

Opening ASTI Trattoria in 2000 was the sweet culmination of twenty years of culinary passion. Emmett and Lisa continue their love of travel and frequent trattorias, vineyards, bistros and 4-star restaurants all over the Mediterranean. FINO opened in 2005 to reflect the culinary expereinces from their travels. The concept favors their style of dining, offering small plates for the sharing and experiencing of different flavors.