Chef Richard Gruica is a culinary visionary, adventure traveler, and the spirited founder of The Gourmet Vacation, a boutique travel company devoted to uniting people through the world’s most extraordinary food experiences. As a lifelong curator of flavor and culture, Richard designs deeply immersive journeys that celebrate tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing a table. His itineraries are crafted with intention—bringing guests into kitchens, farms, vineyards, markets, and dining rooms that reveal the true soul of a destination.
Before creating The Gourmet Vacation, Richard built a global food community as the founder of Good Eats and Meets, Meetup’s largest gastronomic group, spanning seven cities across two continents and hundreds of thousands of members. He also launched The Gypsy Table, a roaming pop-up dinner series known for pairing exceptional chefs with hyper-local ingredients in spectacular, unexpected locations. A seasoned restaurateur, he has long understood that food is not just sustenance—it is storytelling, connection, and wonder.
Richard is also a gifted writer and photographer. His signature blend of vivid imagery and heartfelt narrative captures the magic of culinary travel, inspiring others to taste the world with curiosity and openness. Whether behind the stove, behind the camera, or leading a group through a bustling market or remote landscape, he brings warmth, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Through The Gourmet Vacation, Chef Richard Gruica continues his mission: to bring people together over unforgettable meals, unforgettable places, and unforgettable moments—one unforgettable journey at a time.
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
