Salvatore Rizzo acquired De Gustibus Cooking School in April 2008. He has been active in the culinary world for over 25 years, honing his skills as the consummate host and interlocutor of chefs.

Sal was the Director of the Italian Culinary Institute where he managed chef events for several years, after which he became Director of House Operations and Events at the prestigious James Beard Foundation until 2007.

A true master of hospitality and friend to many a chef, Sal’s passion involves promoting the culinary arts and creating an environment where people can come together and share incredible experiences centered around food and wine, something he was exposed to daily, growing up in a Sicilian household.

Sal is a Graduate of New York College of Technology where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007 for his tireless support of the school’s Department of Hospitality Management. Sal is a National Advisory Board Member of Spoons Across America, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating children, teachers, and families about the benefits of healthy eating. He is also on the board of the Friends of the French Culinary Institute.