Tuesday, December 19, 2023
During the 6th annual “A Taste of Piemonte” Italian celebration at Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, which took place on December 7-8, 2023, Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi received a prestigious honor. Ravello was bestowed with the “100 Percent Italian Taste Certification” at the highest Platinum Level, making it the first restaurant in the United States to achieve this recognition. This exceptional accolade was presented by the ITA0039 100% Italian Taste Certification organization, based in Milan, Italy, and accredited by ASACERT for assessment and accreditation purposes.
Raffaele Trovato, the Director and Vice President of Italian Food Style Education (IFSE) Culinary School, had the privilege of personally presenting Chef Fabrizio Schenardi with this esteemed award at Ravello. Trovato expressed his deep admiration for Chef Schenardi’s dedication to bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the United States and praised the unwavering support of Four Seasons Resort Orlando in this culinary endeavor. He emphasized the significance of Ravello achieving the Platinum-level certification, highlighting it as a testament to the exceptional work of Chef Schenardi and his team. Notably, Ravello stands as the sole restaurant in the entire United States to attain this distinguished recognition, further underscoring its exceptional status. Trovato also commended Fabrizio as a global ambassador of Italian cuisine, a role that ITA0039 has now officially certified.
Over the past few months, Ravello underwent a meticulous inspection process encompassing its menu, ingredient sourcing, wine list, and staff qualifications. To secure the 100 percent Italian Taste Certification, Ravello had to meet stringent criteria, including the use of Italian-origin flour, olive oil, sauces, dairy, and meat products, a traditional Italian menu with bilingual descriptions, a wine list predominantly featuring Italian wines, the presence of at least one staff member of Italian origin fluent in the language in the kitchen, and a demonstrated effort to promote both Italian cuisine and Italy as a destination.
Chef Schenardi expressed immense pride in Ravello receiving the highest recognition for Italian Taste Certification, acknowledging the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to providing patrons with an authentic Italian dining experience since its opening in 2014. He celebrated the global acknowledgment of Ravello as one of the foremost Italian dining establishments worldwide, appreciating the support of the IFSE team and Italian officials who affirmed Ravello’s authenticity through this prestigious Platinum Level certification.
Hailing from Torino, Italy, Chef Schenardi has cultivated strong relationships with renowned culinarians and suppliers in his home country. Many of Ravello’s ingredients, including flour, olive oil, cheeses, tomatoes, and wines, are sourced directly from Italy. Each year, Chef Schenardi collaborates with IFSE to host “A Taste of Piemonte” events, featuring staff education, industry seminars, and a special dinner spotlighting the coveted white Alba truffle. His dedication to promoting the Piemonte region has not only raised awareness of its cuisine but also its allure as a destination. In addition to staff training and an industry event, the team organizes a six-course dinner showcasing the white Alba truffle from the Piemonte region. This annual event has become a highlight for both Resort guests and locals who eagerly anticipate the extraordinary white truffle celebration.
Fabrizio Capaccioli, CEO of ASACERT and creator of the certification protocol ITA0039, emphasized that Ravello’s certification underscores the commitment of Italian restaurateurs worldwide to the quality and authenticity of Italian cuisine. The recognition reflects a growing awareness among international Italian restaurateurs about the importance of representing their cuisine authentically. Capaccioli pledged to continue certifying establishments worldwide that invest in Italian cuisine, promoting Italy as a universal cultural hub, including through Italian restaurants globally.
Thomas Steinhauer, General Manager and Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resort Orlando, noted that culinary excellence has always been a cornerstone of the Resort’s guest experience and identity. He expressed confidence in Chef Fabrizio Schenardi’s vision, drive, passion, and leadership in creating an exceptional culinary culture at Ravello. The Resort is honored to receive such a prestigious award for Ravello, recognizing the remarkable culinary culture nurtured under Fabrizio’s guidance.
Ravello’s culinary talent extends beyond Chef Schenardi, encompassing a skilled team of culinary professionals. Ravello Sous Chef Mario Angel Arredondo, originally from Mexico City, brings extensive Italian cuisine expertise, having worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and Tavola, the signature Italian restaurant at The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia.
Executive Sous Chef Matthew Vonderembse, a long-standing member of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando team, has risen through the ranks to his current position. He now collaborates closely with Chef Schenardi, overseeing restaurant and banquet operations.
Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, is renowned for his chocolate artistry, intricate chocolate sculptures, and delectable desserts, including the Tiramisu Classico and the Stracciatella Tortoni Cake in Ravello.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
