Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Ignazio Tagliavia

Cairo,Giza

Summary

As a highly accomplished Italian pizza chef, I bring extensive experience in food and beverage management across renowned Italian, and international establishments. With deep expertise in traditional and contemporary Neapolitan pizza dough, gluten-free options, alternative doughs, and bread. I have honed my craft as a master instructor at Pizza New School, and a member of Grandi Molini Italiani. My career highlights include serving as an Executive Pizza Chef for the prestigious Pier 88 Group in Egypt, and collaborating with culinary leaders in Miami, significantly enriching my expertise. In 2023, I achieved 26th place at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo, in the Neapolitan pizza division. Currently sponsored by Rega, Italy/USA, and other prominent brands. My focus is on creating a professional and innovative kitchen environment that balances quality, cost management, and strong supplier relationships.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef De Cuisine

Bianchi Resort Hotel
San Diego
02.2025 - 09.2025
  • Spearheaded the pre-opening phase of the restaurant by designing and executing a full Italian menu, blending traditional flavors with contemporary trends.
  • Established relationships with key local and international suppliers, securing high-quality produce and negotiating the purchase and installation of the pizza equipment.
  • Conducted media interviews with local magazines and Fox News, effectively promoting the restaurant and elevating its brand presence prior to launch.
  • Delivered a 5-star guest experience by personally engaging with diners, gathering feedback, and ensuring food quality met and exceeded expectations- driving positive reviews on Yelp and OpenTable.
  • Responded swiftly to kitchen and pizza station challenges, maintaining smooth operations and consistently high standards of service.
  • Recruited, trained, and mentored a diverse culinary team, instilling a culture of precision, collaboration, and passion for Italian cuisine.
  • Implemented sales tracking and performance analysis, documenting kitchen revenue and identifying key areas of improvement within the first quarter of opening.
  • Designed and enforced food safety, sanitation, and inventory control systems, reducing waste and ensuring compliance with international hospitality standards.
  • Collaborated closely with the hotel management and F&B leadership, aligning restaurant goals with the resort's luxury service standards.

Executive Chef

Elvira
San Diego
09.2023 - 12.2024
  • Collaborated on creating the layout for the pizza lab and back of house space for the newly opened restaurant as well as all the organization of storages and coolers to optimize an efficient food and equipment stock.
  • Shared recommended company for suitable equipment such as, oven and flour machine and provided complete list of equipments.
  • Optimized kitchen workflows by analyzing current processes and making recommendations for improvements, increasing productivity levels.
  • Established strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer and company requests to overall dining experience.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills, teamwork, and overall productivity.
  • Collaborated with media outlets and conducted interviews to promote the restaurant and the authentic Italian food experience.

Pizza Chef

O' Munaciello Neapolitan Pizza
Miami
07.2022 - 07.2023
  • Collaborated and supported the two time pizza world champion Carmine Candito in all phases of pizza process and daily service.
  • Followed company recipes and production standards to satisfy customers.
  • Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
  • Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
  • Tracked inventory of ingredients and supplies to keep kitchen well stocked and meet product and service demands.

Consultant

Rossopomodoro
Los Angeles
07.2021 - 10.2021
  • Collaborated with the company to assist them at the US Open in New York.
  • Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment to create 400 pizzas per day in Los Angeles.
  • Worked with the head pizza chef on improving workflow efficiency and overall kitchen performance.

Executive Chef Manager

Pier 88 Group
Cairo
07.2019 - 05.2021
  • Managed the opening of 2 locations for the company.
  • Managed a team of 15 plus pizza members, providing coaching and guidance for career development and skill enhancement.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus to various locations environment and dietary needs.
  • Developed pizza menu, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Managed budget effectively by carefully tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the operation.
  • Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
  • Collaborated with media outlets and conducted interviews to promote the restaurant and the authentic Italian food experience.

Education

Pizza Certificate

Pizza News School Grandi Molina Italiani
Bartletta, Italy
05.2017

High School Diploma -

Mosaic Art Institute M. D 'Aleo
Palermo, Scicily
04-2008

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Organizational and Planning Skills
  • Cost Control
  • Menu Planning
  • Menu Development
  • Inventory Control
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Hiring
  • Training
  • Kitchen Management

Languages

Italian
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
B1

Accomplishments

  • Highlighted as a pizza chef in San Diego Magazine, Times of San Diego, iHeart Radio, and Fox News, with both live and print features showcasing my culinary expertise
  • Participated in high-profile events such as Formula 1 and the US Open, where I prepared and represented authentic Italian pizza to diverse audiences
  • Currently sponsored by REGA USA, reflecting ongoing recognition and support within the international culinary community

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chef De Cuisine

Bianchi Resort Hotel
02.2025 - 09.2025

Executive Chef

Elvira
09.2023 - 12.2024

Pizza Chef

O' Munaciello Neapolitan Pizza
07.2022 - 07.2023

Consultant

Rossopomodoro
07.2021 - 10.2021

Executive Chef Manager

Pier 88 Group
07.2019 - 05.2021

Pizza Certificate

Pizza News School Grandi Molina Italiani

High School Diploma -

Mosaic Art Institute M. D 'Aleo
Ignazio Tagliavia