GLI CHEF Francesco Lagi was born in Florence 36 years ago, he studied at the school for hotel and catering staff and started very early to work in the most important restaurant in his region, then he worked in different countries in Europe always doing his tuscan cousine. Now is chef for Hilton in Florence running two hotels and at the same time he is executive chef for the most important and historical catering company in Florence, the Doney Ricevimenti.
Gabriele Paganelli was born and raised in the Town of Ravenna. Located along the coast of the Adiatric Sea in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy where one can find the capital, Bologna, the city of great food. Gabriele’s inspiration came from his enjoyment of “mamma’s” cooking. Growing up and working beside his mother in the small family business of gastronomy at the age of fifteen, his passion of Northern Italian cuisine flourished and he eventually opened his own gastronomy. In 1991, he came to Canada to fulfill his dream. After six years of establishing himself in the restaurant community of Toronto, Ontario, he hit the jackpot – Romagna Mia was opened! Over the past twelve years, his accolades include first place for the 2001 Golden Spoon Risotto Competition and the 2000 Silver Spoon Risotto Competition. In Luxembourg, he achieved the Bronze Medal at the ExpoGast 2002 World Championships.
