Highly regarded as one of New England’s most innovative chefs, Kevin Long first joined Tosca as a line cook in 1995. Since then, Kevin’s culinary skill and passion for food have taken him all over the world, allowing him to cook with some of its most prestigious chefs, including Thomas Keller at the James Beard House and David Burke at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Cafe. Kevin has also proved a versatile restaurateur with the success of his more recent projects – Shrine Asian Kitchen Lounge and Nightclub at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, The Scorpion Bar Tequila Cantina and High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge at Foxwoods Resort Casino and the recently opened Pan-Asian Red Lantern Restaurant and Lounge in Boston.
After successfully opening Aquitaine in Boston’s South End with Chef Seth Woods, Kevin returned to Tosca as Executive Chef. Later, he expanded his role to its sister restaurant, Caffé Tosca, a more casual bistro focused on simple, regional Tuscan cooking. He shares both positions with his longtime collaborator, Chef Brian Hennebury.
Kevin has been a driving force in the evolution of Tosca’s menu from traditional Italian fare to more modern “Italian infused” cuisine. Honoring Italian culinary tradition, the South Shore native relies on finding the freshest seasonal New England ingredients, ensuring that his dishes are not only authentic, but also of the highest quality. Kevin and Chef Hennebury nurture a meticulous attention to detail and search out the freshest local produce, meat and seafood every day. And the pair continually changes Tosca’s menu, providing guests with unique nightly additions inspired by the pair’s scrupulously-chosen ingredients.
Kevin’s skillful and exciting showmanship in Tosca’s dramatic open kitchen has long made him a favorite with sophisticated local foodies, who appreciate his passion for innovation and ethnic influences, as well as his generous sharing of cooking techniques and food knowledge. His hands-on approach has won him accolades from publications, such as Boston magazine and Wine Spectator. The chef also enjoys sharing his expertise with the community and participates in many local food charity fundraisers, including Taste of the South Shore, Chefs in Shorts and the Boston Wine Expo.
Kevin is also known for his creative and popular events, such as the Wine Dinner Series, designed with Tosca sommelier, Errol Joseph. Hosted at Tosca and Caffé Tosca, these evenings feature fine wines from the best wineries on exquisite “pairing” menus that perfectly match wines with complementary dishes.