Chef Pi Reyes
Professional chef with 20 years of experience in various industries from boutique resort like Poets Cove Resort (Pender Island) and Elora Mill Hotel (Elora) to larger chain restaurants such as Oliver & Bonacini (Toronto) and Prohibition Gastrohouse (Toronto).
Richard Pi Reyes
Founder, Pivate Chef
Cooking became a passion at a very early age. Growing up in a Filipino family where food is more than something to eat but a significant aspect of our culture, community and all of our get togethers, I have always loved food and what it represents: love.
My culinary career started when I worked as a dishwasher at Earl’s at the age of 26. Having a late start gave me the focus to absorb and learn as much as I can at every position I have and in every company I worked for. It was not long until I got a job as a cook at Grandville Island Hotel which only made me determined to be better, learn faster and work harder. Armed with my passion and experience I became sous chef and then a chef work at many varied places such as pubs, corporate restaurants, high-end resorts.
During COVID-19, I was asked by my friends to cook food for their parents that lived in my condo as their meal program stopped delivering. I would leave the food by their door to eliminate any physical contact. My neighbours (and their families) were so grateful.
Word started to spread and more requests came in. I quickly realized that I loved doing it. I can be home with my son, help out my community, do something that I enjoy and make a living out of it. It came to a point where I had to make a choice (easier than I thought it would be) to leave the corporate world and start Pivate Chef.
Now I cook and deliver approximately 150 meals every week, and cater events such as anniversaries, family parties, weddings, work parties, business meetings, etc.
What started out as a way to help out became the foundation of my business: providing fresh elevated home-cooked meals, prepared with a lot of thought and heart, at an affordable price.
“Thank you so much for offering us this meal program. My daughter also extends her appreciation. She is very happy you are offering this service; what a lovely treat for me and my husband.”
“I feel like I have come full circle. My mom and family were always there for me. And now I get to do the same – cook for my friends, my neighbours, my community.”
Start Your Meals today!
Starting From $14/meal - made fresh and delivered weekly