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After nearly three decades in the kitchens of the most esteemed restaurants in the world, Chef Ralph Scamardella serves as Chef and Partner of TAO Group, overseeing all chefs and concepts in New York (TAO Uptown, TAO Downtown, LAVO Italian Restaurant, and food & beverage at two Dream hotel locations); Las Vegas (TAO Asian Bistro at The Venetian, TAO Beach and LAVO Italian Restaurant at The Palazzo); and Los Angeles (TAO, Luchini, and food & beverage at Dream Los Angeles).
As the son of Italian immigrants, Scamardella developed an affinity for cooking with fresh ingredients early on, enjoying fresh and seasonal produce as staples in the family’s cooking within their Brooklyn kitchen.
Chef Ralph Scamardella began his studies at New York City’s Technology Institute, learning to master the business of hotel and restaurant management while simultaneously building his culinary skills at The Plaza Hotel’s French restaurant. He then moved on to hone his skills with one of the world’s true master chefs, working under mentor Daniel Boulud at Polo Restaurant.
Paving the way to distinction early, he received a two-star rating from The New York Times at Vanessa’s restaurant, where he served as Executive Chef. Scamardella went on to have a large hand in the success of the opening and driving concept behind Carmine’s, as chef and partner. After nearly 15 years and several successful projects, he left the kitchen to consult for restaurants such as The Strip House, Harrah’s Casino, and Cessca.
Upon joining TAO Group in 2007 as Corporate Executive Chef and Partner, Scamardella opened LAVO Italian Restaurant and TAO Beach in Las Vegas. He then went on to open LAVO Italian Restaurant in New York, as well as TAO Downtown in Chelsea, Bodega Negra at Dream Downtown, The Rickey and Fishbowl at Dream Midtown, as well as the Los Angeles locations of TAO and newest brand under the umbrella, Luchini.
My deep dark secret is “I love mayonnaise sandwiches. Toast the bread and spread the mayo!” – Chef Ralph Scamardella
