The Chef
Chef Ralph Pagano is eclectically trained in the dynamic and universal language of food. Pagano’s passion for global gastronomy, entertaining, teaching and learning are the founding principles for his company, YES Hospitality Group, which operates Food and Beverage Departments in South Florida and Costa Rica. Pagano can be seen on The Travel Channel hosting his international cooking show, Pressure Cook, on The Lifetime Channel as the host of All Mixed Up, and heard every Tuesday on the FM radio station Big 105’s Paul and Young Ron Show, the number-one rated show in South Florida. Chef Pagano also hosts The Ralph Pagano Happy Hour, a cooking and travel series highlighting the best of cuisine, shopping and entertainment in Miami. He is the Official American Chef for the San Pellegrino Company (Nestle Waters).
CUISINE: Chef Pagano’s unique balance of flavor and technique is a result of his Italian and Lebanese backgrounds, classic culinary training, Brooklyn childhood, extensive world travel and current life in South Florida. More than just a call to cook, Pagano’s personal obligation is to create recipes and menus with ingredients and practices that are renewable, sustainable and traceable.
HISTORY: Ralph, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, worked his way through some of the best kitchens in New York City. Mentors include Charlie Palmer, David Burke, Rick Moonen and Waldy Maloof. After securing positions at legendary restaurants like The Sign of The Dove, One if by Land Two if by Sea, The Hudson River Club, The River Café and STK Miami, Ralph has created a style all of his own. He gained noteworthy accolades with his executive chef roles at New York City’s West Broadway Restaurant, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, as chef /owner of The World Pie and as Executive Vice President of Hospitality of Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino.
MEDIA: THE PAUL & YOUNG RON RADIO SHOW | As the official chef for he number one-rated “Paul and Young Ron” morning show, broadcast on Clear Channel Big 105.9 in South Florida, Ralph sits in every Tuesday morning.
RALPH DOES TV | Ralph can be seen on the Lifetime Network as the host of All Mixed Up and on The Travel Channel as the international host of Pressure Cook. He successfully went to hell and back with Gordon Ramsay on HELL’S KITCHEN SEASON 1 and battled Baramundi versus Bobby Flay on IRON CHEF AMERICA.
ENDORSEMENTS: As San Pellegrino’s American Chef, Ralph Pagano is the host of the annual Almost Famous Competition in Napa Valley, California, which takes place over three days every March. The competition and weekend festival features students from 10 regions across America, Puerto Rico and Canada.