Chef Louis Prpich is one of the bright culinary lights who has emerged in Northeast Ohio in recent years, turning the region once again into a hot destination for foodies. Each month we’ll be shining our own light on one of these worthy chefs beginning today with Prpich, 44, who brought his talent and his family back home after stints in top Boston restaurants.

After jumping out of planes for awhile as an Army paratrooper, Louis studied at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute and headed up a number of Akron restaurants including Treva and Edgar’s at Good Park before settling in a year ago at his quirky little Cuyahoga Falls restaurant, Chowder House Café. There, in unpretentious surroundings, he whips up creative but moderately priced specials such as brown sugar-rubbed pork chops over lobster mashed potatoes, and Sicilian seafood caponata.

Louis’ wife, Kerry, runs the dining room while he cooks. Despite their hectic schedule, they strive to put their three daughters, ages 12 to 18, first. That will become even more difficult when they open a second restaurant this month (March). Sugo, at 2485 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls, will have a modern Italian menu, reflecting Louis’ ethnic heritage.

“My idea is to use local ingredients and create dishes that are somewhat traditional but that I put a modern twist on,” he explains.

“I am super excited about the local farm movement,” he continues. “It’s how I grew up. I highlight local farms on my menu and use their products exclusively. It’s so much fun working with the farmers.”

Despite his success, Prpich hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He grew up in Akron and learned to cook from hi grandmother, who was from the South.

“I wish I could have one more day with her sitting on that porch shucking corn,” he says.

His website is www.chowderhousecafe.com.