Top events planner Ricci Ang pivots during pandemic

Ricci's Kitchen came about when the lockdown started, proving that a successful pivot is possible even during a pandemic.

Event companies have struggled under the shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

When live events started getting cancelled under the stay-at-home order by the government in March, R&A Events Specialist, a premier full-service events management company under the helm of Ricci Ang, pivoted in response.

 

The idea of converting his home into a dine-in resto, or offering a takeout meal for individuals and families, was something Ricci has not considered before.

 

But once the pandemic shut down the events that he had been working on -- and huge sums of booked weddings and corporate events vanished – Ricci had to move quickly to protect his staff and his enterprise.

Top events planner Ricci Ang with Chef Enzo Belalo. 

Thus, “Ricci’s Kitchen” was born, a cozy and intimate dining venue for small groups, which also offers to-go meal orders.

 

The offerings at Ricci’s Kitchen are unlike a restaurant. The menu isn’t as extensive, but the customization and personal touch by Ricci himself and in-house chef, Enzo Belalo, is unlike any other. In fact, his pick-up meals are considered “fine dining takeout.”

Chef Enzo boasts of more than 10 years experience in preparing top-calibre menu for various clubs, hotels, resorts and corporate canteens. 

Before the pandemic, R&A Events Specialist had seen steady growth year after year in the live events sector. Ricci began his career in live-events management more than two decades ago. He has become one of the country’s most sought after events planners for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions.

 

One of the signature dishes at Ricci's Kitchen.

RELLENONG BANGUS: one of most sought-after dishes at Ricci's Kitchen.

With his background in events management and styling, Ricci is passionate about the presentation of the food that Ricci’s Kitchen offers.

 

“Oftentimes food out there looks really good but isn’t, or is really good but the presentation isn’t there,” Ricci said. “I think our thing is that our stuff tastes great and looks great. We know colors and textures, and you can see that in our food.”

PRIVATE DINING: a setup for a small meeting of 8 persons at Ricci's Kitchen.

Now that things are slowly reopening in Metro Manila, Ricci’s Kitchen is able to scale its operations to more catering. 

But offering top-quality food and service is something that will stay with Ricci’s Kitchen long after the world returns to some form of “normal.”

 

A DINNER FOR TWO: events and PR mavens Benjo Madrigal and Ana Manansala enjoying a meal at Ricci's Kitchen. (PHOTO: B. Madrigal)

AN OUTDOOR NICHE: Ricci's Kitchen can prepare different dining setups for different occasions within its space. 

A VERITABLE HIDEAWAY: lush greenery surrounds Ricci's Kitchen in a secluded section of San Juan city. 

COZY AND HOMEY: Ricci Ang is at the helm when it comes to venue design and styling for Ricci's Kitchen. 

HOMEMADE STAPLES: Ricci's Kitchen also makes available home-made Pinoy favorites, such as "bagoong alamang" & "atchara".

A MENU LIKE NO OTHER: food selection designed by top Chef Enzo Belalo, only at Ricci's Kitchen.

Ricci’s Kitchen is available for private dinners, special occasions and celebrations for small groups, and small meetings. It is located in San Juan, Metro Manila, and may be contacted via mobile number 09172590360. 

More information is available in its Facebook page here.

-- by Le Mod Philippines lifestyle team (all photos courtesy of Ricci Ang / Ricci's Kitchen)