Profile of Mr Riccardo Ferrarotti

Title of the Talk at the Rotary Club of Pudu: Italian Cheeses, July 27, 2015

With over ten years in culinary management, this young professional is an up and coming star chef. Having kindled his passion in the family business in Italy, he moved on to gain experience in the USA, UAE, China, and Malaysia. Has in the past two years as a consultant conceptualized and executed five different Italian outlets in Malaysia and China.
Riccardo was born in Biella, a small mountain village in northern Italy between Milan and Torino. From an early age, he was immersed in the Italian culinary world. His father, also an accomplished chef, ran his own restaurant, where, in the busy kitchen, Riccardo learnt his craft. After five years of culinary school and with invaluable guidance from his father, Riccardo toured Europe to master the delicate subtleties of regional Italian cooking. His passion took him to Venice, Rome, Sardinia and Switzerland, before he accepted the challenge of working in the United States.

He spent two years in Florida, opening a number of Italian restaurants. There, his ability to produce
flavorsome and authentic Italian food gained huge recognition. After his success in the States, Riccardo found his next challenge in Dubai as Head Chef of the 5 star Italian trattoria, Al Fresco, in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Riccardo won several awards in this role. He was then recruited to open Frankie’s Restaurant in Shanghai
Riccardo came to Malaysia in March 2008 to join the Nero Group. He quickly revolutionized the kitchens in both Nerovivo and Neroteca and took a central role in the planning and opening of Nerofico and Nerodeli in early 2009.
Riccardo combines a nuanced understanding of Italian cuisine, with a vibrant and enthusiastic attitude
Riccardo is set over the coming years to lead The Island Group Hospitality to start greater success in hospitality management business, Lately started the new company Bottega Mediterranea, importing niche product into Malaysia.