OUR TEAM

RICHARD BLAIS

Richard Blais is a successful chef, James Beard-nominated cookbook author and television personality. Widely recognized from Bravo’s Top Chef series, Richard was the winner of the inaugural Top Chef All-Stars season. Currently, he co-hosts FOX’s Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay and Nyesha Arrington.

Chef Blais graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse and el Bulli. He opened Four Flamingos Orlando and Key West with the Xenia Group and Hyatt Hotels. His additional restaurants include California English in San Diego and Ember & Rye in Carlsbad, CA. Copies of his cookbooks Plant Forward and So Good are available at Four Flamingos. Follow Chef Blais @richardblais on Facebook and Instagram.

SHELBY FARRELL

Shelby Farrell has served as Chef de Cuisine at Four Flamingos since the restaurant’s opening in 2022. Together with Chef Blais, she leads development and evolution of the menu.  

Chef Shelby proudly brings American South and Italian influences to the flavor profile of Four Flamingos. She grew up in the Florida Panhandle, with her family hailing from the Mississippi Coast and Naples, Italy. A passion for the culinary arts began when she was a child and her Neapolitan Nona brought her into the kitchen, before she could even reach the counter.

A graduate of Valencia Culinary School, Shelby began her Hyatt career over a decade ago as an entry level cook, rising to several Chef roles and previously serving as Chef of Hemispheres Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. She has been featured on PBS’ Moveable Feast and the Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games.  Follow her @chefshelbyfarrell.