The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is pleased to announce the appointment of Michele Tenzone as Chef de Cuisine at Blue by Eric Ripert, the resort’s renowned fine-dining restaurant and the Caribbean’s first and only restaurant to receive the prestigious Forbes Five-Star Restaurant Award. With an extensive and distinguished culinary career, Chef Tenzone brings a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred kitchens in Italy, China, and Luxembourg. His passion for innovative cuisine and dedication to excellence will elevate Blue’s renowned culinary offerings.
In his new role, Chef Tenzone will lead the restaurant’s culinary vision, preserving its reputation as the Caribbean’s premier dining destination. His focus will remain on creating exceptional dishes that highlight the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring a continued commitment to culinary innovation and world-class dining.
Before joining The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Chef Michele Tenzone honed his culinary expertise at La Distillerie at Château de Bourglinster, acclaimed as the world’s Best Vegetarian Restaurant. He previously served as Chef de Cuisine at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana at Galaxy Macau, which earned a Michelin Star. Chef Tenzone’s journey also includes five years in China where he played a key role in the pre-opening and launch of both The St. Regis Zhuhai and The St. Regis Hong Kong, serving as Chef de Cuisine at LaBrezza at The St. Regis Hotel Zhuhai. These formative experiences fueled his passion for growth within the hotel industry, ultimately leading him to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. His time in Luxembourg and China was pivotal in shaping his culinary journey, helping him evolve into the visionary chef he is today.
Born in Apulia, Italy, as the youngest of four siblings, Chef Tenzone’s love for food began at an early age, assisting his mother with grocery shopping. At just 14, he worked at an Italian bar, serving coffee, croissants, and cappuccinos, sparking a lifelong passion for cooking. He later attended Armando Perotti Culinary School, where he spent two years learning front- and back-of-house operations, before dedicating the next three years to mastering the kitchen. From ages 19 to 26, Chef Tenzone worked at various Michelin-starred restaurants across Italy, refining his skills under celebrated chefs, including Moreno Cedroni (2 stars, “La Madonnina del Pescatore”), Pierluigi di Diego (1 star, “Il Don Giovanni”), Guido Havercock (multiple stars), and Enrico Crippa (3 stars, “Piazza Duomo”). At 27, Chef Tenzone moved to Luxembourg, working at Mosconi, the only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy, where he spent six years further developing his expertise and kitchen management skills.
“As I begin my journey at Blue by Eric Ripert, I’m thrilled to collaborate with Chef Ripert and bring fresh ideas to the kitchen,” said Chef Michele Tenzone. “I’m excited to infuse a Southern Italian touch into our dishes, showcasing the elegance and flavors of my hometown. Every dish I create reflects my roots, and my goal is to help Blue continue its legacy as the top luxury restaurant in the Caribbean by offering exceptional food and a warm, inviting atmosphere for our guests.”
Chef Tenzone shared that what he most enjoys about his work is collaborating with individuals from diverse nationalities, merging different techniques and ideas to create something new and exciting in the kitchen.
Outside of the kitchen, Chef Tenzone is an avid diver, having already enjoyed two dives since arriving at the resort. In addition to his culinary passion, he’s an artist with a deep appreciation for museums and galleries, dreaming of one day opening his own gallery in Apulia to showcase his artwork. An enthusiastic fan of Italian football, he also spent his childhood playing the sport.
“We are excited to welcome Chef Tenzone to the Blue team,” said Chef Eric Ripert. “His extensive knowledge, innovative approach, and fresh perspective will elevate our culinary offerings to new heights. We’re confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to our team and play an integral role in continuing to enhance the dining experience at Blue.”
For further information or to place a reservation, please visit https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman
About The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the Caribbean’s first and only resort to earn the coveted Triple Five-Star designation from Forbes Travel Guide, spans 144 meticulously manicured acres from the tranquil North Sound to the iconic white sands of Seven Mile Beach. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2021, the resort features 369 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, reimagined by the acclaimed Champalimaud Design. Guests can indulge in six diverse dining venues, including Blue by Eric Ripert, the Caribbean’s sole AAA Five Diamond restaurant, which recently underwent a stunning transformation, and the newly revitalized Andiamo Circolo Sportivo, offering an updated and vibrant space for casual dining and recreational activities. The Five-Star Ritz-Carlton Spa provides a bespoke collection of revitalizing treatments, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy a Greg Norman-designed nine-hole course and a state-of-the-art indoor simulator equipped with Trackman technology. For events, the property boasts the island’s largest ballroom and an interactive culinary studio. Family programming through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment invites guests of all ages to explore Cayman’s natural wonders, with additional recreational amenities including the Starfish Cay Water Park, TitanTrax® tennis courts, pickleball and basketball courts, as well as an indoor game room. Unparalleled accommodations include the Seven South Penthouse boasting more than 8,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor living space, breathtaking Caribbean Sea views, elegant interiors, dedicated concierge service and more. Each year, the resort and Chef Eric Ripert host the renowned Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and epicurean enthusiasts for an unforgettable culinary experience.
For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman or dial +1 (345) 943-9000.
