Culinary Gangster In Scottsdale, Arizona: Meet The Chef

Feb 27

We sat down with Executive Chef Ricky Raschillo of Culinary Gangster in Scottsdale, Arizona. At Culinary Gangster, you can find an extensive and diverse menu featuring a wide array of popular street food items that include delicious cheese fries and crispy onion rings, mouthwatering burgers and hearty sandwiches, delectable breakfast pancakes, and an assortment of tempting desserts. And as an added bonus, there are also numerous gluten-free and vegan options available, catering to a variety of dietary preferences and needs.

Culinary Gangster In Scottsdale, Arizona: Meet The Chef

Tell us what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

I start at my desk with a cup of pressed coffee and then do all my food orders and any specials I come up with. The end my day is usually spent after dinner outside on my deck with my wife and 3 Golden Retrievers.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

I have been a part of several successful restaurants and once was a member of the James Beard Foundation. I’ve won several events with my food truck in Chicago and Arizona, and been voted best new business by Scottsdale 2024.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I enjoy watching Geoffrey Zakarian and making some of his dishes. I think any new chef should start by working under as many good chefs as possible and learning the entire business before trying to branch out on there own. There is a thousand things that go into running a successful restaurant and having great food is only one of them.

What do you typically cook at home?

To be honest my wife does most of the cooking when I get home, and she a great cook as well, but if I get to take over it’s most likely going to be some kinda Italian dish.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I love when restaurants are heavier with there starters or share plates rather than the entrees. I like to try a variety of dishes when I go out to get inspiration.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

My Gyros Burger which is a prime 8 ounce patty with gyros meat on top, and cucumber, tomato, red onion and tzatziki sauce on a brioche bun. Not only does it go great and I love it, it’s on our menu at the restaurant and the food truck.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do have story to tell?

I have had some celebrities in my restaurant, but more athletes then anything in our Scottsdale location.

Tell our readers why they should visit Culinary Gangster?

We our a scratch kitchen making fine dining food into street food without the high sticker price. Pro tip for at home cooks: Don’t play with the food. The less you flip and the less you stir is better the food and will let you know when its time to flip one per side, and no matter what no pressing all the flavor out.