For the last 8 years Mario has been executive chef of Tavern on Jane, which his innovative flair for ‘American eclectic’ specialties have made into one of New York’s favorite West Village neighborhood restaurants. Now Mario also brings his ambitious and delicious fare to people’s homes for high-end private parties. Mario was born and raised in Huigra, Ecuador. He pursued his culinary interest by working alongside Laura Espinoza. Since 1993, Mario has been a New York based chef, honing his skills under the tutelage of Jimmy Canora (Delmonico’s and TriBeCa Grille) and Chef Joe Landa (recently seen on Chopped). Mario cooks for football players and VIPs at the NY Jets Taste of the NFL Benefit as well as the Taste of the Giants Benefit to help cure world hunger. Mario has received praise from New York Magazine and the New York Times.