Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
- 1089 Corniche El Nil, 11519 Garden City, Cairo, Egypt
Stefano Maffioli Ferrari
Chef de Cuisine, Riviera
Four Seasons Tenure
- First hired: 2015, now since 2023
- First Four Seasons Assignment: Food and Beverage Trainee at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Employment History
- Chic Nonna Dubai; Four Seasons Hotel Megève; Four Seasons Hotel Milano; Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Education
- Technician of Catering Services from I.S. Falcone, Gallarate
Birthplace
- Milan, Italy
Languages Spoken
- Italian, English, French
Stefano Maffioli Ferrari, a distinguished Italian chef hailing from the vibrant city of Milan, has taken the culinary helm at Riviera, the acclaimed Italian-coastal cuisine-inspired restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. An impressive trajectory marks his journey in the culinary world through some of the most prestigious kitchens in Europe and the Middle East.
Driven by an early fascination with diverse flavours and an exquisite sense of taste, Chef Maffioli Ferrari’s culinary destiny crystallized from an early age. Recalling a moment at six years old, to the astonishment of those around him, he confidently ordered grilled langoustine at a local pizzeria in his hometown. This seemingly unconventional choice set the stage for his lifelong love affair with food.
When watching him in the kitchen, one cannot help but witness the precision in every move, the skill perfected, and the innovation that he infuses into every dish. With a rich background predominantly in Italian cuisine, he honed his skills under the mentorship of renowned Michelin-star Chef Vito Mollica. He vividly recalls their first encounter saying, “After discovering my passion for culinary arts and gaining different experiences, Chef Vito introduced me to the world of luxury and fine dining.” This journey is a testament to following one’s passions, even if it means defying expectations and taking on unexpected opportunities.
Shaped by his global experiences, navigating diverse cultures and culinary styles, his career bears the imprint of Michelin star kitchens both in Dubai and Florence, along with notable experience in Four Seasons hotels in Europe. Every dish he creates seamlessly weaves together these flavours and influences creating a culinary tapestry that reflects his rich and varied journey in the culinary world.
Maffioli Ferrari's last position before joining the team in Cairo was head chef at Chic Nonna in Dubai, where he was renowned for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine, blending traditional techniques with modern interpretations. His leadership and culinary expertise were instrumental in elevating the dining experience and garnering acclaim and a loyal following.
As Chef Maffioli Ferrari takes the reins at Riviera, guests enjoy an exciting blend of traditional Italian flavours with a contemporary twist, all served up in the elegant and sophisticated ambiance that Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is renowned for. His passion for cooking, combined with his extensive experience and personal flair, brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the Cairo culinary scene.
Away from the kitchen, he is a passionate traveller, and he was excited to discover the city of Cairo as a destination with its bustling streets, ancient wonders, and vibrant culture – “Every corner holds the promise of a new adventure to discover,” he says – but this journey is not just about exploring a new destination, he was equally excited to discover how these new impressions intricately weave into his culinary tapestry, shaping and influencing his approach to the art of cooking.