Profiles

Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age 37, executive chef, Ryan's Grill

Born: New York, N.Y.; in Hawai'i 32 years

Culinary background: Business degree from University of San Diego, Calif.; worked at Chuck's Steak House, Kahala Mall; T.G.I. Friday's, Woodland Hills, Calif.; and since 1992 at Ryan's Grill, Honolulu. "I like to cook everything and anything; I've settled on local styles with flavors from the southwest and Caribbean. I like to cook with island fish and local produce and create dishes which make people's faces light up."

Favorites

Meal: "Good coffee, good wine, good scotch, good lamb, good fish."

Comfort food: "Steak and eggs, hot coffee and fresh fruits and my mom's Italian broiled chicken and lasagna."

Cooking show: "'Two Fat Ladies' – it is just so strange!"

Kitchen tool: "My 10-inch chef's knife."

When I'm not cooking I like to: "Surf, sail, swim – anything to do with the beach and ocean. I like to hang out with my wife and three children, visit with good friends at the barbecue."

If I could invite any three people to dinner: "I would invite my grandfather, Valdimiro Ciani; my daughter Carley Marie and Thomas Jefferson."

My dream job in the culinary world: "I live in Hawai'i, I have a great job, work side by side with great people, have a terrific family – pinch me, I must be dreaming."