With a lifetime background in food, wine, housekeeping, restaurants, ho­tels, service and management, to say that No5 Cavendish Square 's new maitre d', Augusto Tramontano, has roots in the hospi­tality industry is a bit of an under­statement. As a matter of fact, for over two centuries most of his family has worked in various aspects of the industry. As long ago as the early 18th century, Augusto's great-grand­father bought and restored Sorren­to 's historic, luxurious Imperiale Tramontano Hotel.

At age 15, after having served as a busboy, Augusto began apprenticeships at fine hotels and restaurants throughout Europe, including the Excelsior's in Rome and Venice, the George Cinq in Paris, and the Casino Royale in Monte Carlo. Following four years of catering school in Lausanne , he became Chef Trancher (carving and flambé) at the Excelsior in London . Two years later he was chosen to be a part of that establishment's opening team in Hong Kong . Return­ing to London , he became Assistant Manager at the Inn on the Park and in only one month was given charge of the entire operation. But "the taste for Chinese food" that he developed in Hong Kong prompted him to accept the position of Manager at London 's famed Mr. Chow's. And when the opportunity to come to America presented itself, Augusto took over as Manager of Mr. Chow's, Beverly Hills , where he has greeted and served the City's finest for the past five years. After running his own restaurant for many years he has now joined the management team at No5 Cavendish Square where his vast experience and penchant for customer care is already being seen.