History of Osteria de Medici

Named after the medieval aristocratic Italian family that helped to develop the Italian culture and Italian cuisine, Osteria De Medici was conceived in 1989 through the fruits of 27 years of restaurateur experience of Antonietta and Rocco Terrigno. Now recognized as one of Canada's premier fine dining establishments, Osteria De Medici has become a favorite of distinguished guests such as Cuba Gooding Junior, Tom Selleck, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Reeves, Loretta Swit, Andre Gagnon, Isabella Rossellini, Steven Segal, Kevin Costner and John Voight. The restaurant continues to attract the most demanding and discriminating diners from around the world.

Born in Molise, just east of Rome, Antonietta Terrigno, began her culinary journey during her childhood by helping her mother cook for the extended family. Through many years of watching and learning through trial, Antonietta honed her skills in traditional Italian cuisine. Building on her heritage of generations of great Italian home cooking with organic ingredients and traditional nurturing, Antonietta married and moved to Montreal and supported the culinary growth of her husband, Rocco Terrigno, an emerging star in Italian cuisine.

Executive Chef Rocco Terrigno desired to create the finest dining establishment in all of Canada. This ambition led him to open Renato's Italian Ristorante in Calgary, some 27 years ago. As one of Calgary's first Italian restaurants, Renato's soon became well known, as did the art of great Italian cookery. For developing the Italian cuisine in Calgary and for serving Calgarians with great affection, Antonietta and Rocco were awarded the title of Tourism Ambassadors to Canada. Selling Renatos and experiencing that retirement can be melancholy, they revived their passion for creating excellence in service and cuisine and in 1989 brought that enthusiasm to the Osteria, which has become world renowned for its dedication in providing exceptional cuisine, a pleasant ambience, and remarkable service.

To this day, Osteria continues to be directed by the devotion of both Antonietta and Rocco. Their insistence on the highest quality ingredients and perfection in technique and preparation of Italian cuisine continues to win them praise and accolades from the domestic and international dining community. Osteria has won a number of awards and has been featured on television shows such as the Dini Petty Show, the Mike Bullard show, and the Vicky Gabereau show.