John Vetere is a Canadian-born chef and author (Cooks Book) who has been working in Southern Ontario’s best kitchens for the past 15 years.
After completing culinary school at George Brown College, he earned an international post-graduate diploma from Alma – one of Italy’s most prestigious culinary schools. He received further training at Locanda Della Tamerici – a Michelin star restaurant in Luni Mare, Liguria, Italy.
John has been an integral part of 4 notable restaurant openings in Toronto, which include: Scarpetta, The Chef’s House, A-OK Foods, and Yours Truly (awarded Best New Restaurant from Toronto Life Magazine, 2012). In 2014 John and his wife moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in search of new business ventures. In 2015, John and his wife received a nomination for Niagara’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the establishment and success of The Norton Underground – a secret society of ‘pop-up’ style dinners that were held in unique locations in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake. Furthermore, they received a notable mention in The New York Times for their work.
In his most recent restaurant opening in 2018, Brushfire Smoke BBQ reached critical acclaim of CBC’s food and travel writer Suresh Doss, producing some of the finest BBQ in the Niagara Region.
Currently, John is the Executive Chef of Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. Davids, Niagara on the Lake. In his newest venture he is excited to apply his fine dining training, travels and experience to a beautiful, one of a kind winery property.
Chickpea & Rosemary Soup with Roasted Red Pepper Sofritto
by Chef John Vetere, Ravine Vineyard
Download Recipe (PDF) »