Executive Chef, Vito Clemente
Passionate, driven and undeniably talented, Chef Vito Clemente's culinary career started when he was just twelve years of age. Raised in an Italian family, meals were the focal point that provided the basis of family and food. Although he was born and raised in Toronto, a substantial amount of time was experienced in Italy during his formative years. His first official introduction to the Culinary Arts was at his Uncle's pizzeria, where he learned the art of preparing and baking authentic Italian pizza.
Inspired by the cooking experience he found himself becoming more and more interested in anything and everything to do with the kitchen side of the business. At the age of eighteen, Chef Vito laid out a plan for his future in Culinary Arts. After several years of working, while gaining valuable insight about the Culinary Industry overall, he recognized that in order to move his long term plan along he had to formally educate himself. In 1999, he enrolled in a diploma program at Liaison College of Culinary Arts, completing inter-provincial standards necessary to hold the designation of a Red Seal Certified Cook. His certification is proof of his dedication to uphold the highest level of culinary skills for himself and for others. Following his dreams of becoming a Chef, he progressed through the ranks throughout his career and soon became a Sous Chef and Pizzaiolo at Romagna Mia and then Zucca Trattorria, both specializing in Italian cuisine in Toronto. He went on to become the Executive Chef at Vertical Restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. He was also the Executive Chef Consultant for Tutto Pronto Restaurant and Catering, also specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. At Café Nervosa in Yorkville, he was the Executive Chef, specializing in Italian cuisine.
It was shortly afterwards that a teaching opportunity presented itself at Liaison College of Culinary Arts (Toronto). Never one to turn down a challenge, Chef Vito took the Chef Instructor position and led his students with personal flair, skill and assurance to become successful Chefs in their own right. Many students have received awards during competitions under the creative and watchful eye of Chef Vito.
In 2008, after taking a business course, Chef Vito decided to expand his career, by creating a Mediterranean style catering and consulting business called "Sage and Savory Culinary Solutions".
In 2011, Chef Vito decided to keep growing and became the new Owner/Director/Chef Instructor of Liaison College, Durham Campus in Whitby, Ontario. Liaison College is Ontario's largest Culinary Arts and Chef Training facility, with ten locations across Ontario, so he was very proud to bring his extensive experience and love and passion for teaching to the Durham community. His dedication to partnering with local farmers and providing fun filled events for the community were always top of mind. If food is a given, then so are the plans of Chef Vito in the Durham Region. Chef Vito has always dreamed of operating a bistro that will employ the very students he coached and trained at Liaison College of Culinary Arts! A TAVOLA BISTRO is a recognized TEACHING restaurant! Most of our staff are current students or new graduates from the culinary arts program at Liaison College of Culinary Arts.
Chef Vito Clemente is a certified trainer for the National Food Safety Training Program through the Canadian Restaurant and Food Association (CRFA).
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