Chef Fabio Viviani has possessed a passion for food since his childhood growing up in Florence, Italy. At age 11, Viviani worked nights at a local bakery (since he was too young to officially join the staff) and, during his teenage years, held several positions in the restaurant industry, even serving under the mentorship of Simone Mugnaini, an iconic figure in the Italian restaurant industry.

Between his training in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at IPSSAR Saffi and working with culinary luminaries such as Simone Mugnaini, Alessandro Panzani and Saverio Carmagini, Viviani owned and operated five restaurants in Florence, a farmhouse and two nightclubs by the time he was 27. Although a well-respected businessman in Italy, he was ready for a change and moved to Ventura County, California, where he opened Café Firenze in Moorpark.

Teaming up with one of Chicago's most innovative restaurant consulting groups, Dine|Amic, Viviani went on to open Siena Tavern in Chicago in 2013, which received accolades from Michigan Avenue and Chicago Tribune, to name a few. The year 2014 saw the debut of Mercato by Fabio Viviani, a quick-service Italian concept in Chicago and San Diego, the opening of Siena Tavern Miami and the launch of Fabio Viviani Wine Collection. Viviani recently opened his new steak restaurant, Prime and Provisions, as well as a craft cocktail and small plate concept, both in Chicago.

Perhaps best known for his television debut on Bravo's hit reality series "Top Chef" - earning the Fan Favorite title - his on-screen appearances have propelled him to become one of the fastest growing household names in the country. In addition to competing in Bravo's "Top Chef All-Stars" and starring in the spin-off, "Life After Top Chef," Viviani has appeared as a recurring guest on television shows such as "Good Morning America," "Rachael Ray," "The Talk," "The Chew," "Ellen," "Good Day LA" and "Access Hollywood."

Viviani hosts a regular spot on QVC with various kitchen appliances and products and is a recurring guest host on the Hallmark Channel series "Home and Family." He was also the host of the Telly and Webby award-winning web series "Chow Ciao!" on Yahoo!, one of the top 10 lifestyle and food shows on the Internet.

Offscreen, Viviani is a regular headliner at global food events and festivals, sells his own line of ceramic cookware, co-branded Signature Series Aeternum Evolution and is a proud endorser of beloved brands such as Bialetti Cookware, Bertolli Olive Oil and Bauli authentic Italian baked goods. He has authored three successful cookbooks: "Café Firenze Cookbook," New York Times best-seller "Fabio's Italian Kitchen," and his most recent cookbook, "Fabio's American Home Kitchen," released in the fall of 2014. Viviani also regularly shares recipes with his fans through his own digital magazine, Fabio's Magazine.