Albert Ponzo

Executive Chef, The Royal Hotel

Albert Ponzo is the Executive Chef of The Royal Hotel in Picton, Ontario, Canada. The historic Royal Hotel has been under re-construction for the past two years and will re-open in the fall of 2018.

Albert brings over two decades of food knowledge and experience in sustainable farming as well as nose-to-tail eating. With a passion for working closely with nature and sourcing ingredients ethically-produced in a sustainable manner; Albert strives to prepare farm-driven food with the best seasonal local ingredients at their ripest time.

Prior to joining The Royal, Albert served as Executive Chef at Toronto's iconic Le Sélect Bistro where he was the creative force behind the restaurant’s contemporary rendition of classic French cuisine. He is a strong supporter of SlowFood Toronto and has received numerous awards, including: 2015 Winner of Toronto’s Cochon 555 Heritage BBQ, 2014 Awarded Fellow of the Ontario Hostelry Institute and 2012 Winner of Ocean Wise Toronto Chowder Chowdown. He has also worked at celebrated Toronto restaurants Canoe and Crush Wine Bar.

In his spare time, Albert enjoys teaching nose-to-tail butchery and collaborating with other chefs internationally. He also volunteers with organizations focused on food education and sustainability and supports the work of the Second Harvest Food Bank, The Stop (Community Food Centres), The Child Development Institute and many others.

Albert is an avid hobby beekeeper, enjoys gardening and finding wild foods. He draws continual inspiration from his Italian roots, music, books, life experiences, his wife, Marlise, and their three children.