Gotta Go Orlando
- Jan 8

Ravello at Four Seasons Orlando named 1st restaurant in US to receive 100% Italian Taste Certification

Feast on traditional Italian cuisine including house-made fresh pasta, pizza, limoncello and more at Ravello, which has been named the first restaurant in US to receive 100 percent Italian Taste Certification, Platinum Level.

At the 6th annual “A Taste of Piemonte” Italian celebration at Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in December, Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi was presented with “100 Percent Italian Taste Certification” at the Platinum Level, the highest rank.

Ravello is the first restaurant in the United States to receive this designation, bestowed upon by the Milan, Italy based ITA0039 100% Italian Taste Certification organization, which inspects, evaluates, and determines the ratings.

Raffaele Trovato, Director and VP of Italian Food Style Education Culinary School, presented Schenardi with the award at Ravello. I'm delighted that Ravello has obtained the highest honour: the Platinum-level certification. This is a testament to how well Fabrizio and his staff are doing."

Over the past several months, Ravello underwent an inspection process to review its menu, ingredients, wine list, and even the personnel. To qualify for a 100 percent Italian Taste Certification, Ravello must meet criteria including offering flour, oil, sauces, dairy and meat products of Italian origin; a traditional Italian menu with descriptions in both Italian and English; a wine list with a higher proportion of Italian wines; at least one staff member of Italian origin and with Italian language fluency working in the kitchen; and a demonstrated effort to promote Italy, not only the cuisine, but also Italy as a destination.

“I am extremely proud that Ravello received the highest level of recognition for Italian Taste Certification,” says Schenardi. “Since the restaurant opened in 2014, my team and I have focused on giving our patrons the most authentic Italian experience they can enjoy. It thrills me that Ravello is now recognized on a global scale as one of the premier Italian dining experiences available in the world.”

In addition to Schenardi, who brings an extensive background in Italian cuisine and experience at restaurants around the world, Schenardi oversees a talented team of culinarians at Ravello. Mario Angel Arredondo is the Ravello Sous Chef. Originally from Mexico City, Arredondo brings extensive experience with Italian cuisine, working for two Michelin star rated restaurants in New York, Ai Fiori restaurant and Marea, a James Beard Award winning restaurant. Arredondo also served as sous chef at Tavola, the signature Italian restaurant at The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia.

Additionally, Executive Sous Chef Matthew Vonderembse is key to Ravello’s success. Vonderembse has been a part of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando team since pre-opening, first starting in Capa as a Cook, moving up to Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Restaurant chef of Ravello, and Outlet Chef, serving across all outlets. Recently, he was promoted to Executive Sous Chef, working closely with Schenardi overseeing all restaurant and banquet operations.

Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber is a twice-nominated James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Saber, who holds expertise in chocolate artistry, is known for his intricate chocolate sculptures and exquisite, flavourful desserts, including the Tiramisu Classico and the Stracciatella Tortoni Cake in Ravello.

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