Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is pleased to introduce Stephen Flis as Resident Cheese Expert. In this role Flis will be responsible for identifying and showcasing new and innovative cheese offerings for restaurant guests, while also training and imparting his expertise on restaurant staff.

Trained at the Artisanal Cheese Center in New York, Flis developed his affinity for cheese while working at the Fountain Restaurant as a server while attending Temple University.

“I have always been a ‘foodie’ and interested in food and wine,” Flis explains. “I was always intrigued by the cheese course offered in the Fountain Restaurant and eager to learn as much as possible about the different varieties being offered. I was excited to take the course at the Artisanal Cheese Center and expand my knowledge, and I look forward to sharing this with our guests.”

A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Flis attended Temple University graduating with a degree in Computer Information Science. While attending Temple, Flis worked at Ruby Tuesday Restaurants, becoming one of their youngest managers. Flis joined the Fountain Restaurant team in June 2003, starting on the breakfast and lunch shift before moving to dinner service in 2005. It was during this time that Flis became acquainted with the infamous Fountain Restaurant Cheese Cart and took it upon himself to expand his knowledge on cheeses so that he could better service the guests.

“For me working in a restaurant is fun, exciting and interesting,” Flis said. “To be able to combine my enthusiasm for cheese with my passion for service is an amazing opportunity and one that I look forward to expanding upon in the future.”