Tim Bereika

Over the past six years Tim Bereika has helped nurture Richmond’s ever growing food scene-racking up a heap of four-star reviews and earning him the title of Richmond Magazine’s “Best New Chef” for 2011 as well as a “Chef of the Year” nomination in 2012. Bereika’s culinary career has taken him from Richmond to Tuscany, and back again. While studying at the prestigious Culinary Institute of Florence he learned the finer points of from-scratch pasta and hand-made charcuterie. A full course load at the CIF was offset by a stint moonlighting at the nearby Ristorante Ricchi, largely considered one of best restaurants in Florence. From there Tim returned to Richmond, honing his skills at the landmark Amici Ristorante before opening the kitchen at Secco Wine Bar in 2009. In 2012 Tim joined the Mosaic team as executive chef of catering in Richmond and in 2014 accepted the Executive Chef position at the newly opened Urban Tavern. He continues to developed his unique culinary style, showcasing a delicate balance in taste and texture using premium, often locally sourced ingredients. The culmination is a characteristic approach that blends the traditions of both regional Italian and Southern cookery with the best of Virginia’s bounty. Tim has been featured in The Local Palate, Plate Magazine, Richmond Magazine and Nation’s Restaurant News. In his spare time, Tim has recently developed a YouTube channel that features a mash-up of cooking techniques, recipes and helpful kitchen tips for the everyday home cook.