Executive Pastry Chef Riccardo Menicucci: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality at Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

By Margaret McSweeney | April 17, 2024 |

Thanks to Executive Pastry Chef Riccardo Meniccuci and his team, Beverly Wilshire is a sweet destination, especially during Oscars Week. This year’s amenities included a film projector made of Valrhona Manjari, a luxury chocolate, in addition to a thoughtfully designed and braided croissant representing the team of talented people required to create a film. And of course it was topped with gold!

Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, has a long history within the entertainment industry. This luxury hotel opened in Beverly Hills in January of 1928. The Beatles even held their first press conference in the Champagne Room.

Here’s a look at our video chat:

And who can forget the iconic movie Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts that featured Beverly Wilshire. Several menu items at The BLVD recognize the film including The Pretty Woman Cocktail, and Chef Meniccuci created a chocolate stiletto amenity as a nod to the movie, too.

Chef Meniccuci is a Food Fashionista. He grew up in Florence, Italy where many of his family members are fashion designers. He brings that same talent and aesthetic in designing the exquisite desserts at Beverly Wilshire along with a Michelin-starred culinary background.

Here are Chef Meniccui’s three top tips for the home pastry chef:

When you make pastry cream, you don’t need to boil your milk. It’s very important. Otherwise you cook the proteins of your milk and it tastes different.
Always mix your dry ingredients with a whisk so you don’t have chunks of flour in your mix.
Don’t ever feel afraid to leave your comfort zone. There is no losing or winning, only trying.

Beverly Wilshire is one of my favorite hotels in the Los Angeles area to stay and to host events. This historic place provides a taste of luxury at every turn, and their staff is professional and always willing to accommodate and personalize your experience. The BLVD staff even printed customized keepsake menus just hours before a pre-Taste Awards party that I hosted to honor my friend, Lisa-Renee Ramirez, Emmy-Award winning executive producer, director and creator for Allen Media Group.