Chef in Los Angeles, California

Hi there, I'm Ricky! I am a creative at heart and have always thought of food as an outlet for my imagination. I’ve cooked all over the country for the last 10 years. I landed back in Los Angeles in March 2020 to continue pursuing my passion, and was lucky enough to secure a position at Manuela in the midst of the pandemic. As the world re-opened, I felt compelled to challenge myself with more responsibility. I made the move to Bicyclette as part of their opening team, and soon after joined the team at their companion restaurant, Manzke, which earned a Michelin star just 8 months later. We just learned that both restaurants will be closing on March 1st, and while I'm saddened by the news, I am very excited to apply the skills, finesse, and high standards I upheld in my role as Junior Sous Chef at Manzke in my next role! Through all my work experience, in the kitchen and out, I’ve learned I’m happiest, and at my best when I’m able to employ my intuition and leadership skills. While I have loved the opportunity to work under chefs who are at the top of their game, and that I've looked up to throughout my career, I know that I am ready to challenge myself again. I am ready for a position that will allow me to take charge, to fully employ my personal style of cooking - elevated simple dishes with creative twists that utilize fresh and quality ingredients, clearly crafted with a deep knowledge of flavors in mind - and ultimately to make the people I'm cooking for happy! I am more than prepared to put in the hard work and apply all that I've learned from my many years in the industry in a new setting. From sourcing the best local provisions and managing inventory... to acting as a leader among household staff and sharing my enthusiasm for hospitality and food... to cooking outstanding dishes for memorable family dinners and large events alike... and so on. I am excited to draw from my experience, inspiration, and research to create menus that respect the integrity of ingredients, while still being mindful of specific dietary needs and personal preferences. I’m more motivated than ever to apply my skills and continue growing as a chef, and hope my next position will foster that energy in the long term. Please feel free to check out my portfolio here - chefrickymassa . com