Francesco Donatelli, The Executive Chef

Born in Rome on October 1968, Francesco Donatelli is The Executive Chef of the Vivendo Restaurant since 2000.

His passion for the kitchen was inherited from his father Nicola, who is also a highly regarded chef. At 15 years of age his father helped him take the first steps to begin his new career. On completing his schooling Francesco decided to further his knowledge of the industry enrolling in professional courses and undertaking stages in Rome's most prestigious hotels.

Following experiences at the Sheraton Rome, the Hotel Quirinale and the Jolly Hotel, he transferred to London for a period of study, also gaining practice within the restaurants of two well known private clubs.

He loves to reminisce about his old kitchen gurus, through whom he had the opportunity to learn and improve; Donatelli, Saccone, Spaventa, Di Lello... His desire and motivation to further his knowledge base continues as he frequently attends courses given by the best Italian and international chefs.

As a member of the "Federazione Italiana Cuochi" (Italian Cooks Federation) he regularly participates in national and international culinary events. Through Starwood Hotels he organized and managed a significant Italian Food Festival in Japan, at the Sheraton Park Tower Tokyo (2004) and more recently the Austrian Viennese gastronomic festival in partnership with the Austrian Embassy and the prestigious hotels Bristol and Imperial in Vienna.