Fabio Viviani, international ambassador of Italian cuisine and all things designed to help make your life more delicious, is my new favorite superstar. Even before our interview was finished, I became enamored due in part to his unrestrained exuberance, ability to get hilariously snarky with me as if we were old friends, and sweet surrender when he refers to his family. Viviani is gregarious, business savvy, driven, and opinionated. He knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. I love that.
Unbridled Energy
At age 11, Fabio Viviani worked in a local Italian bakery at night (“because I needed to earn money”) and during his teenage years, in the restaurant industry with mentors Simone Mugnaini and others in the business “that no one would know”. By the time he was 27, he successfully owned five restaurants, a Farm House, and two nightclubs. Yet, he decided it was time for a change.
Viviani moved to Ventura County, California where he opened Café Firenze in Moorpark. In 2013, he developed a partnership with DineAmic and opened Chicago’s Siena Tavern, one of my favorite spots for late night snacks and a glass or two of wine. Incredibly successful Bar Siena and Prime and Provisions opened its doors in Chicago in 2014 and lovers who are travelling can frequent Osteria in the Delta terminal at the airport in Los Angeles.
At age 38, Fabio Viviani, a larger than life personality, seems to have achieved what many of us could only dream about. Curious about the man, not the celebrity, I asked a few questions…
“Work Life Balance is a Myth”
So stated Viviani when posed the question about how he negotiates the fine line between working constantly and spending time away from the business. “Creating work life balance is an excuse for people who are lazy and don’t want to work so much. If you aren’t where you want to be in life, what are you celebrating?” Wow. Good point.
His advice for anyone considering a life in the restaurant business? “Don’t do it. There is a 98% mortality rate in starting a restaurant; it’s difficult, but I needed the money. Something always goes wrong. When somethings goes right, you get success, but that’s not the norm.”
What drives Viviani to work 130 hours a week? “I work my ass off and I have all the freedom in the world because of that. I’m able to put food on the table and take vacations.” Recently, he squeezed in a trip to Florence and Paris. Sleep? What’s that? Who cares?
“I Love What I Do”
Fabio Viviani wants everyone to “have a good time” at his restaurants and enjoy “phenomenal quality and great service.” Naturally, he shared a bit of food for thought: “if we can’t make you happy, if you’re in a bad mood, stay home and order take-out!” (He also entertained me with a few side splitting stories which I prefer not to print.)
He’s particularly proud of his Chicago restaurants. Located in the buzzing West Loop, the original concept of Siena Tavern and Bar Siena was one that catered to the casual, young hipster demographic. Now, thanks to local and national acclaim, “everyone is there.” Prime and Provisions is an upscale, steakhouse with city views located in the heart of the Loop, in walking distance to almost every office building and where, by all accounts, to where everyone has found their way.
Along with Los Angeles’ Café Firenze is another restaurant offering travelers a taste of Fabio Viviani’s Italian creations. Osteria, in the Delta terminal at LAX, is where I’ll be in April to sip and taste.
Viviani deplores food trends. “They’ll be gone soon.” Preferring classic Italian comfort food, he serves those that people appreciate and remember, such as his favorite dish, braised osso bucco with a great Cabernet (you may spot him enjoying just that at Siena Tavern). Think wood fired pizzas and homemade pastas at Siena Tavern, Roasted Meatballs or Short Rib Lasagna at Bar Siena, or Maple-Glazed Double-Cut Duroc Boar Chop with a side of Decadent Macaroni and Cheese at Prime and Provisions. And don’t forget the cocktails or wine.
Fabio Viviani Wines
Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon by Fabio Viviani have been on the shelf for awhile and the 2013 vintage is now available. Recently, Viviani released his Signature Blend wines, boasting “California character with Italian personality.” Just as approachable as the man himself, the Signature White is an easy drinking, refreshing blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, and Moscato. Gentle notes of pear, melon, and citrus on the nose and palate, my chilled glass was lovely with an Italian salad and platter of hard cheeses. I found aromas and tastes of bright cherries, raspberries, blueberries, plums, a hint of smoke, earth, and vanilla in the uncomplicated Signature Red. This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Syrah will complement a hearty portion of savory lasagna like Nonna loved to make. At a price point of under $20, Viviani is bringing affordable, unpretentious wine to the table, too.
Fatherhood and the Future
“I love being a daddy. Nothing else matters.” Viviani’s son was born in the fall of 2015 and “until a few months ago, I would go fishing or boxing, disciplines that you need to pay attention to.” But now, he loves relaxing in bed with his baby boy, wearing a tee shirt and sweatpants, playing…a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the empire he has built. Family is a priority.
As his business grows and becomes even more prominent and profitable, Fabio Viviani plans to step away, but not yet – he’s not quite ready. However, it is time to give back. He is the Founder and CEO, creator and driving force, behind the Know-How Leadership Academy, a non-profit online university, that offers affordable seminars and classes in entrepreneurship. Any profits generated pay for scholarships. “Our name is nowhere, there is no branding of this. The Academy is for the younger generation of Americans” who want to succeed.
“In America, it’s not how good you have it, it’s how bad you want it.”
Fabio Viviani is a self-made man and understands from experience that personal drive, an internal motivation, may be the most important predictor of success. In essence, “this country needs to tweak the mindset of young America.” He plans to tell his son that “nothing is free, no one cares about your story. If you want to succeed, only you can take steps to make it happen.”
Kudos to you, Fabio Viviani. You’ve done just that.
Cheers~ Cindy
