Walter Potenza's professional trajectory is characterized by a persistent and identifiable commitment to advancing the stature of Italian culinary culture within the United States. Beyond his indisputable culinary proficiency and astute business acumen, Chef Walter emerges as an unwavering pedagogue, driven by both fervor and erudition, effectively dispelling prevailing stereotypes. His life, professional journey, and guiding principles collectively constitute an exemplar, a paradigm to be emulated by practitioners of Italian gastronomy operating beyond the confines of Italy. Hailing from Abruzzo, Italy, Chef Walter is renowned as one of the foremost national proponents of traditional and historical Italian culinary practices.
Chef Walter's ubiquitous presence extends to prominent platforms, including but not limited to the Food Network, ABC, CBS, NBC, RAI, FOX, and Dubai Live, where he assumes roles as a television host and trade show presenter. Prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Saveur, Gourmet, and numerous Italian media outlets further acknowledge his influence and expertise. In addition to his culinary pursuits, Chef Walter is a multifaceted professional, assuming roles as an author, writer, podcaster, television host, and trade show presenter.
Gastronomic and Culinary Specialties
Expert on Health + Wellness Cuisine, diabetes, celiac, and related topics
Expert on the Cuisines of the Sephardic Italian Jewish Heritage
Expert on Terracotta Cookery from the Etruscan Empire (Terraware by Chef Walter)
Expert on the Pre-Columbus and the "New World Cuisine"
Expert on Historical dining from the Roman Empire to Italy's Unification
Expert on Regional Italian Cuisine and the Mediterranean basin
Expert on Italian Cuisine in the USA after the Immigration Movement
Accolades
Ambassador of Italian Gastronomy by the Italian Government (1999 - 2002)
Awarded "6 Stars Diamonds (5X) by the "American Academy of Hospitality Sciences" in New York, Berlin, Geneva, Singapore, and Beijing.
Portonovo Award Recipient, Italy
James Beard Recipient, New York (8X)
Emmy Award Recipient for Television
Chef of the Winter Olympics of Salt Lake City, Turin, Vancouver, and Sochi
Master Chef by Association of Professional Italian Chefs, Italy (APCI)
Recipient of Grand Toques D'Honneur (2X)
Master Chef by Academia Barilla, Italy
Master Chef by GVCI Worldwide (Dubai)
Republic of Savoia Cavaliere (Knight) for educational contribution to the culinary world, Switzerland
Cavaliere (knight), Republic of Montenegro
Winner (5X) at Food Network
Business
Director of Chef Walters Cooking School USA - Abruzzo, Italy
President of "Chef Walters Fine Foods "Specialty Food Manufacturing."
President of Federal Hill Food, Rhode Island, USA
President of the "The Culinary Council," R + D Consulting Agency
Director of Italian Food Artisans Food Promotion + Placement in the USA
President of SIMVAL Communication + Marketing USA.
Director of Mediterranean Diet 21, Corporate Health + Wellness
Podcast Host "Flavors + Knowledge" - Sapere I Sapori - Quick Bites - America is also Italian
Television Host of "Flavors + Knowledge" Cooking Show
Retired Restaurants (12) owner and Chef operator
Director of the Italians in Rhode Island Heritage Council
Publications
Cookbook "Federal Hill" the flavors of the Italian colony
E-book "Federal Hill Sweets."
Flavors + Knowledge / Sapere I Sapori Newsletters.
Flavors and Knowledge TV on YouTube
In the process of releasing "19 Ghettos," The Life and the Foods of the Jews in Italy after the Inquisition." and "Standing on My Feet Memoir,."
Brief encounter
Ab/Ex uno disce omnes...............from one person learn all people
M.C.CHEF WALTER POTENZA