Ricky is the Executive Chef at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. Ricky was born and raised in East Meadow, New York and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He completed his internship in West Palm Beach, Florida at the P.G.A. Resort and Spa. It was there that he met his wife, three time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, Nicole Haislett. They have been married since 2003 and have a beautiful daughter, Blake

Ricky worked at Shea Stadium in the Diamond Club, and worked with Morrison’s Senior Dining at Fay J. Linder Kosher facility, the New York Veterans Home and eventually came to The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay in 2004 as part of the Fountains-Morrison Alliance.

Ricky is known by all the residents for his personality and willingness to go out of his way to make them happy. He is also praised for the delicious and creative food that he puts on the menu.

Chef Ricky hosts monthly culinary activities for the residents including:

• “Enchanted Evening” a splendid 5 course meal with wine pairings
• “Live Cooking Show and Tasting” in the Auditorium where he and Sous Chef, John Hubbs, demonstrate how to prepare unique dishes and residents enjoy tastings along with wine pairing. Over 100 residents attend this function monthly. This event is so popular that our Chefs and dining team have done cooking demonstrations for several special events and even taken the show “on the road” to a local senior condo association 2 years in a row.
• “Chef’s Table” – An intimate dining experience for 4 residents in the kitchen.