Vito Racanelli, a New York native, is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, in Providence, Rhode Island. After many years working on the East Coast in fine dining restaurants, Vito relocated to St. Louis to continue his culinary journey as chef/owner of local jewels like Big V’s Burgers, Onesto Pizza & Trattoria, and, along with his wife Amy, Mad Tomato in Clayton and Big V’s Craft BBQ.
Vito’s culinary expertise has also been instrumental in the production of St. Louis’ renowned food event, The Taste of St. Louis. There he served as the Executive Chef and Culinary Director for 12 years, overseeing the local Chef Battle Royale competition, as well as international Food Network celebrity showcases. In 2015, Vito accepted the position of Director of Culinary Innovations for the world’s largest brewery, where he curated world-renowned products found in grocery stores and stadiums around the nation.
Amy Racanelli began cooking professionally in 2004. After realizing at a young age that her passion was for cooking, she pursued culinary school and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She has worked under acclaimed chefs Wolfgang Puck and Hubert Keller, among others.
In 2012 Amy launched her company Amy’s Gourmet, providing chef inspired dinner events as well as meal plans to some of St. Louis’ most prominent families. She is passionate about creating delicious cuisine that nurtures people and brings communities together. Amy attributes her love of food to growing up on the family farm with her grandparents and parents, where simple, wholesome meals were truly farm to table, bringing people together to share life.
