I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am 1 of 5 children, I have 4 younger brothers. At a young age, I knew I wanted to be out of North Carolina and go into culinary school. I went to CIA (Culinary Institute of America) in New York for Pastry, and stayed for Bachelors in Management. I later moved to Beverly Hills and worked for Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons. I moved to Vegas to work for the Cosmopolitan from 2015 – 2017 and did a lot of work with the Young Life organization. I then did some traveling through Mexico before moving to Maine and meeting my husband Nickolas. We met in 2018 and were married 6 months later. We lived in Portland for a while working in an Italian Restaurant prior to moving to Vegas last July to start our business, Rizzo Hospitality NV.
https://privatechefrizzolv.com/
My husband, Nickolas and I of 4+ years have a 10 month old daughter, Constance. We want a large family with at least 4 kids. My parents are still in Maine. I have 1 brother in Reno working for Tesla, 1 in medical school in Winston Salem, NC, 1 in the medical field in Pennsylvania and the youngest attending USM in Maine and working as a fisherman on a lobster boat.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As mentioned, from Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons to the Cosmopolitan to a 5 star restaurant in Maine working as a water girl. This was the only position available at the time. It was quite an adjustment to go from managing 300 people to pouring water from a sterling silver pitcher. However, I did meet my husband and later moved up as bartender and server. What I love most about our business now is teaching kids how to cook healthy and being able to invest in our kids futures by helping them take care of their health.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bagel Café, I love a New York style deli.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Previously for 3 years but currently since July of 2021
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
Chef Jeff Walter. He was the Executive Chef for the Cosmopolitan. He was such an inspiration to me. As a female in the restaurant/casino business, he gave me great advice and support. He treated me equally, allowed me to do what I needed, and pushed me to be better. He was a great mentor and person to look up to.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy, so Constance can meet her grandparents.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is the Sound of Music, definitely!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Positivity is key in day to day life. We can always find something and some way to bring positivity into the ups and downs.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Cruise to Alaska
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Justin Bieber radio station
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Farmer’s Market. It feels so nice to have that environment of people serving what they love.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y'all meet for this lunch?
Audrey Hepburn. I would take her to Café Lola
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
he trails and hiking through Summerlin. It’s so homey and comfortable. It doesn’t feel you are in Vegas.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
With a more established business, franchises with cooking classes and courses throughout the US. Teaching is an opportunity to give back to our communities.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I visited China for a month. It's so eye opening to see what other countries live like. The mentality is so different than in the US. The people were very nice. It’s a unique culture and stunning views.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
In winter – the trip from Seattle to Whistler, Canada viewing the water, snow and cliffs. In summer – Hawaii is unlike anything I’ve seen before. My dad was in the Reserves and we spent a summer there.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A big family beach trip!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband. We balance each other out and work really well together.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Roasted garlic and Coco Mademoiselle Chanel
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Food, Smiles, Laughter
