Eduardo Vargas, Director & Partner
eduardo@azulviva.com
If anyone deserves the title ‘Mr. Congeniality’, it’s Eduardo Vargas. His amiability and passion for food have earned him the reputation as one of Shanghai’s preeminent restaurateurs. Sumptuous Spanish nibbles at Azul, scrumptious sandwiches at iiiit!, Mediterranean fare at Casa 13, contemporary Indochine cuisine at Bambou, tasty Italian delights at Closed Door, – all have become adored favorites among Shanghai’s ever-growing roster of restaurants. And the staggering diversity of cuisines which he excels at preparing speaks volumes of his knowledge and insatiable culinary curiosity. His recipe for success is simple and twofold: trust and teamwork.
Rudy Guo, General Manager & Partner
www.spiritofhospitality.com
rudyg@osteriaspirit.com
The “spirit” of hospitality is what defines Rudy Guo today, in the growing and ever changing world of the hospitality industry. Following in the inspirational footsteps of his mentor, Brian Cooper, he lives, breathes and cherishes this industry to its fullest. Growing up in the family business of China Buffet restaurant group, he watched, learned and worked hands-on. After one year of hospitality work experience in Australia Rudy returned home to start Spirit of Hospitality, a corporation that deals in promotion events, catering, and supplier of tableware and hospitality consultant services. At 28 years of age he has won numerous national leadership and entrepreneur awards. The future is exciting for Rudy Guo, as he is looking to expand his skill and knowledge into Asia with new found consultant group. Rudy will continue to challenge himself to learn and grow, to become an international leading hospitality entrepreneur.
EDDIE CHOW, Chef de Cuisine
osteria.chef@gmail.com
A graduate of the Shanghai Culinary institute, Eddie has been cooking with some of Shanghai’s best chefs.
With a wide range of culinary experience under his belt including Chinese, Mexican, French, Thai, Vietnamese and Italian cuisine knowledge, we’re pleased to have Chef Eddie join the Osteria team in 2009, under the watchful eye of French Canadian Chef Ian Bilodeau. He brings great expertise to use as he develops his own style within the kitchen of this Italian Osteria.
As a home grown talent, Eddie drives himself to find the freshest and finest ingredients always. His commitment and passion for food has made Osteria a dining destination not to be missed in Shanghai.
Ben Cracknell, Sommelier
osteria.wines@gmail.com
Having learned about wine in the UK, working for a large wine retailer called Majestic Wines, Ben arrive to Osteria to work as our Sommelier because of his real thirst and passion to develop himself with the hospitality industry. Since his arrival his great knowledge, creativity and open mind have enabled him to create an interesting and engaging wine list with something to suit every customer. His knowledge has enabled Osteria to achieve a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2010 and we are hoping to achieve another in 2011. His practical skills were tested to the fullest when he took part in the ASC Penfolds Sommelier completion in August 2010, where he achieved the Silver Medal, a great achievement considering this was the first time he had participated in a competition of this nature! His down-to-earth charm and easy going nature make asking him for advice a pleasurable and educational experience.