Richie Farina's Bio
Chef Richard “Richie” Farina, host of Carnival Kings, started his career as a pizza maker, honing his skills by catering alongside a family friend for two years. His desire to perfect his craft led Chef Farina to enroll in a Bachelor in Culinary Arts at the Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. With Richie’s help, the school won the National College Ice Carving Championship, three years in a row.
After working in several top restaurants in Boston, Richie sought a new home and a bigger challenge. He found them in Chicago, landing a job with Moto Restaurant in April 2008. In two short years, he had worked every station at the molecular gastronomy institution, including front-of-house roles.
In 2009, Richie had his first foray into television, as one of four characters on a nationally syndicated television show for Discovery Network’s Future Food, featuring the whimsical creations of Moto Restaurant. Richie’s work has reached hundreds of national television and print outlets including Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Top Chef, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen, Bizarre Foods, and many more. In 2012, Moto Restaurant earned a Michelin star, and in 2014, Richie took the helm as Executive Chef. His recipes can be found in Moto: The Cookbook.
When he’s off set, Richie continues to live his passion for cooking as an Event Chef with JUST, Inc., in Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio’s kitchen, or collaborating on exciting projects.
