¡Valentine’s Day!

Food has always held an important place in Chef Andrew Piccinin’s life. The family dinner table built strong connections that flourished when he decided to become a cook, and has directed his career towards food that speaks to the conviviality and connection that comes from eating with loved ones.

Shortly after graduating from Niagara College’s culinary management program, Chef Andrew landed a job as a cook at Canoe, Oliver & Bonacini’s critically acclaimed Canadian restaurant in downtown Toronto. Chef Andrew spent three years working under Executive Chef Anthony Walsh, who taught him to cook at a level he had never experienced. During his time at Canoe, the restaurant was named “The Best Restaurant in the City” by Toronto Life magazine.

In 2009, Chef Andrew was promoted to Sous Chef at Jump, O&B’s high-energy Bay Street hub, where he expanded their fresh handmade pasta program. In 2011, he left Jump to open and operate a boutique catering company alongside his wife. Chef Andrew returned to O&B in 2015 as Executive Sous Chef at Canoe, and then moved on to help open and lead the kitchen at Leña Restaurante, O&B’s South American inspired dining destination.

When O&B launched Parcheggio in 2018, Chef Andrew returned to his Italian cooking roots, drawing inspiration from his own Nonna’s recipes to spotlight delicious, honest food. His leadership through opening and beyond has diners clammering for his thoughtful scratchmade Italian fare.

In 2020, Chef Andrew was appointed District Chef for Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality. In this role, he continues to oversee the culinary direction at Leña, Parcheggio, Beauty Eats, Village Loft, Jump, and has also take on oversight of The Joneses and Ceci Bar. His unmatched creativity, exceptional understanding of flavours, and dynamic leadership are instrumental in crafting some of the city’s most memorable dining experiences.