Ravi Narayanan, Private Chef

I started my career at the tender age of 14 as an apprentice to a Maitre Cusine en France (Master Chef of France) Robert Greault of the 4 Star La Colline in Washington DC. Food has always been the greatest passion and love of my life. In fact, by the age of 10 I already had a natural affinity to the profession.

In this profession my mentors and fellow culinarians have molded and guided my career path. I have developed a true understanding of guest expectations and learned the stages of true hospitality and freedom to imagine. All the mentors and chefs throughout my career have inspired me with their vision and passion, how to taste and see everything through the guests eyes while always thinking about the total guest experience. Cooking and dining is a very complex, yet satisfying profession. I need to think creatively, rely upon the knowledge I have gained over the years and work with my hands, the results of which nurture and please my guests. This is what is gratifying to me. I have been honored and awarded many achievements in my career, from being the first American born of Indian descent to travel back to India and lead the prestigious 5 Star Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, having a chef de partie position at the 2 Star Michelin restaurant Michel Rostang and building and opening 4 hotels and restaurants, but as a private chef I get to bring my achievements to a very personable level.

My approach to food in restrained, yet intense and memorable because I have an ability to spotlight and juxtapose inherent flavors. Living here in the Hamptons and being surrounded by the many farms and artisans who honor and cherish food and the lifestyle of organic dining is really special. I have developed a wonderful relationship with over 30 different artisans in this region to truly bring ‘farm to table” to the family. I am inspired by the variety and quality of the local produce and seafood found throughout the Long Island region. My culinary style is inspired by the principle of “Terroir”. My concept of Terroir Cuisine embraces a sense of place that includes not only the highest quality, fresh, local, Earth based ingredients, but also expresses the spirit, history and current culture of this place. I am a chef who is partial to only the freshest and purest of organic produce and my menus emphasize simplicity. If there are three or four ingredients on a plate, I want you to be able to taste them all, allowing the freshness and quality of each one to speak for itself.

Cuisine of the moment, cuisine natural, and cuisine inspiration are the 3 pillars to my philosophy. As a private chef I revel in the energy of a kitchen where each day begins as a blank canvas for my artistry. Eating and dining well has always been important to me and I strive to teach that importance to the home and its guests. My passion, dedication and quest for excellence define the smiles on my guests’ faces. This is what brings pleasure to me.