In a career that has spanned more than 25 years of culinary excellence, Chef Stephen Ricci has prepared dishes for international celebrities, religious icons and political leaders.

As executive chef at Prego Della Piazza from 1999-2007, Chef Ricci hosted dozens of dignitaries and celebrities at one of Toronto’s most sought-after venues for gala events like the Toronto International Film Festival, where he worked closely with movie studio executives and VIPs. At the same time, he oversaw two other kitchens – Boston Club and Black and Blue, the first restaurant in Toronto to install a comprehensive dry-aged meat program.

In 2007, Chef Ricci took over as executive chef at the Windsor Arms Hotel, one of Toronto’s premiere boutique hotels, where he hosted events raging from 200-1,300 guests, including An Evening With Vice President Al Gore and a variety of political and entertainment VIPs.

Chef Ricci parlayed his experience into a executive chef/director of operations role at The Capital Event Theatre in 2009, where he was responsible for the daily operations of a large-scale fine dining production kitchen, overseeing food and beverage requirements for corporate functions, product launches and weddings.

As executive chef and corporate consultant at Black Marlin Group since 2014, Chef Ricci oversees the kitchen at Bistro 7501 — Toronto’s best kept secret — and consults on new restaurant development at Remington Group.