RI’s Potenza Named Italian Master Chef
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Local Chef Walter Potenza was recently named one of the "Top 50 Italian Master Chefs in the World."
The Rhode Island College graduate and restaurateur began to change the culinary landscape of Rhode Island when he opened The Sunflower Cafe in Cranston and La Locanda del Coccio on Federal Hill.
"This summit provides great recognition for me and my staff, I’ve been a chef for 42 years and it's an honor to be an ambassador for this area of the world," said Potenza. "This is my second time being named a Master Chef and it has been a fascinating journey; it closes this cycle of my career."
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Walters soon moved to Federal hill and was rebranded as Walters Ristorante d'Italia.
His most recent restaurant Potenza Ristorante-Bar opened in Cranston in 2013.
"It's an honor to be recognized both by my country and my peers, I hope other younger chefs in the area will have this opportunity one day," said Potenza.
Potenza now is the director of Chef Walter's Cooking School which offers courses for professional chefs, novices and even children.
Potenza has also launched a specialty food product line called Chef Walter's Fine Foods which is offered online and in selected markets.
Potenza has won multiple awards and accolades including the Six Star Diamond Award, the Portonovo Award from the Marche Region of Italy, and the prestigious Insignia Award from the Italian government.
Potenza will be teaching 18 days of classes in Dubai at this year's Italian Cuisine World Summit.
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