Originally from Italy, a little town in Northwest Italy between Milano and Torino called Oleggio. I traveled the world as a chef working in fine dining Michelin star restaurants. I moved to the states in 2014, it had been my biggest dream since I was 5 years old. In 2018, living in Maine, I met my now wife, Katie while working in the fine dining hotel industry. We moved to Vegas in July of 2021 and started our own business, Rizzo Hospitality NV. We are private chefs specializing in private events and cooking classes.
https://privatechefrizzolv.com/
I met my wife on Easter of 2018, and we were married 6 months later. We complete each other personally and professionally. Our daughter, Constance is 10 months old. I am an only child, my parents are still in Italy. Family is very important to me. My plan is to bring them here so we can all be together. My grandmother taught me to cook at a young age with ingredients from her garden. She inspired my passion for cooking and my love for fresh ingredients. Family recipes are a big part of my culinary creations.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always been in the Culinary Industry. Every day a challenge, giving my best every single day. Now, having our business, I love being able to spend more time with my family. And its exciting to build the business and meet new people all the time.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Settebello Pizzeria, Saint Honore, Bagel Café and Café Breizh
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since July 2021
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
Matteo Ferdinandi, he is an inspirational local entrepreneur. My job has enabled me to meet wonderful people worldwide, I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for Queen Elizabeth at the Waterside Inn and George Bush at his private residence In Kennebunkport, ME.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. It has been almost 4 years since I’ve seen my family.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite TV show is King of Queens
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Work hard, have the right people in your life and persist your dreams. It will happen!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Develop a product to brand with Formula 1
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
90’s and early 2000’s electronic dance music
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Settebello because it reminds me of home. Pizza is a statement.
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?
Ross Brawn of Formula 1. I would cook for him at my home.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Downtown Summerlin during the holiday season.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Established in the local Summerlin community and throughout Las Vegas. Have an elegant space for private events with a franchise of cooking classes throughout teaching about quality and fresh food.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I am actually a pretty shy person.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I am always impressed when I travel in the states. Driving the PCH is #1, followed by traveling through Colorado.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Aperetivo with friends. This is in Italy, you go to a local bar around 5:00 and order drinks. They bring you a tray of complimentary food to go with your drinks.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, she pushes me and inspires me to be better.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Basil and tomato sauce. And I can tell if tomato sauce doesn’t have enough salt in it just by the smell.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Italy, Pizza
