Angiolo Livi, originally from Florence Italy, draws daily on his Italian cooking roots and his Grandmother’s memory for inspiration.  “I grew up after World War II and we didn’t have any fancy cream or brown sauces just simple amazing fresh ingredients like wild porcini mushrooms and organic sage growing off the side of a mountain, wild boar and pheasants. With these simple ingredients and only a fireplace to cook with, my Grandmother used to create the most amazing meals.”

As a small boy Livi would watch his Grandmother prepare these meals and was eager to help. Little did he know at the time this would become the foundation for his illustrious 40 plus year career in the food service industry.

After stints in the Bahamas, Cayman Isands, and Barcelona, Spain where Livi worked in all facets of the food and beverage industry Livi came to Arizona ( 1974) as one of the founding partners of the Avanti Restaurant Group.

Today, after 30 plus years Livi and his partner are still involved in the day-to-day operation and management of Avanti and their catering division.

Culinary Awards/Affiliations:

Livi’s professional affiliations include: The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who,The National Restaurant Association, Arizona Restaurant Association and is a member of the James Beard Foundation.

Livi, is best known for his infectious laugh and offers everyone a hearty welcome. He spends his evenings in the restaurant creating favorite dishes, experimenting with new recipes and schmoozing with his many celebrity clientele and friends: And oh, the celebrities that have dined at Avanti over the years.  The walls are decorated with autographed photos from greats like Robert Mitchum, Jimmy Stewart to Ringo Star. “I like it more today than ever, “Livi says”, we’re like a big family”.

Livi spends his down time at his Paradise Valley home with his wife of over 30 years Patricia, a daughter and son. Livi enjoys gardening and grows organic vegetables.  During the rainy season in the White Mountains he can be found hunting for tasty porcini mushrooms, he dabbles in painting and is a voracious reader of recipes and cookbooks.

Charitable Contributions: Over the years his charitable contributions include: The United Way, Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club, Homebase Youth Services, Scottsdale League for the Arts, The Phoenix Theatre, Paradise Valley Relay for Life, The Kiva School.