In a discussion that springs off the previous one we’d enjoyed, Fabio Viviani goes into greater depth on the work that has to be done to stay ahead of the pack of celebrity chefs.

We talk about developing business through social media, taking on talent to mentor, and the rules of reality tv, plus why Marcel came off looking bad and what rockstar chefs are doing right and wrong.

Chef Fabio Viviani has possessed a passion for food since his childhood growing up in Florence, Italy. At age 11, Viviani worked nights at a local bakery (since he was too young to officially join the staff) and, over his teenage years, held several positions in the restaurant industry, even serving under the mentorship of Simone Mugnaini, an iconic figure in the Italian restaurant scene.

Between his training in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at IPSSAR Saffi and working with culinary luminaries such as Simone Mugnaini, Alessandro Panzani and Saverio Carmagini, Viviani owned and operated 5 restaurants in Florence, a Farm House and 2 nightclubs by the time he was 27. Although a well-respected business man in Italy, he was ready for a change and moved to Ventura County, CA. There he opened Cafe Firenze in Moorpark and, soon after, popular Los Angeles Italian eatery, Firenze Osteria, North Hollywood.

Fabio Viviani is perhaps best known for his appearance on season 5 of Bravo’s hit reality series “Top Chef” in 2008, earning the “Fan Favorite” title. Viviani returned to Bravo in 2010 to compete in their “Top Chef All Stars” edition and a spinoff culinary reality show “Life after Top Chef”, on air now. His on screen appearances have propelled him to become one of the fastest growing household names in the country. A gregarious host and entertaining guest, Viviani has appeared in a number of television cooking segments and is a recurring guest on television shows such as Good Morning America, The Talk, The Chew, Ellen Degeneres, Good Day LA, Access Hollywood, and hosts a regular spot on QVC channel with various kitchen appliances and products. He is also the host of the award-winning web series “Chow Ciao!” on Yahoo!, the #1 lifestyle and food show on the internet that airs weekly on Mondays.