christianperley
Chef Mario Pagán is more than just a chef; he is a passionate ambassador for Puerto Rican cuisine. For over 20 years, he has been at the forefront of elevating his homeland’s culinary heritage on the world stage. His culinary style is a vibrant tapestry of Latin flavors and traditions, with a modern twist. He is known for his innovative take on classic dishes and his use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Chef Mario’s love affair with food began at a very young age. He enjoyed watching the women in his family prepare delicious Caribbean meals that nourished his body and soul, which sparked a curiosity for cooking that remains alive today. He moved to Miami to pursue an architecture degree but shortly after decided to pursue his true passion: food. Chef Mario received his formal education at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University and then honed his culinary skills under renowned chefs such as Carmen González, Pascal Oudin, Norman Van Aken, and his mentor, Alfredo Ayala, who founded Chayote Restaurant and was a pioneer of modern native cuisine. A few years later, after working with Ayala, Mario purchased Chayote, making it his first restaurant. He then went on to open other innovative fine-dining restaurants like Lemongrass Pan-Asian Latino and Laurel Kitchen Art Bar, located at the Puerto Rico Museum of Art.
Chef Mario Pagán is currently the owner and culinary mastermind behind five of Puerto Rico’s most esteemed restaurants. His flagship, MARIO PAGÁN, showcases modern Puerto Rican cuisine, while RAYA is his latest exploration into Caribbean-Asian fare. His dedication to introducing modern Puerto Rican and Caribbean flavors to the rest of the world is front and center again at LA CENTRAL Rum Bar-Bacoa. He also serves as the Culinary Director at the Dorado Beach Resort & Golf Club, where he oversees MELAO by Mario Pagán and three additional restaurants, ensuring each menu reflects his dedication to modern Puerto Rican and Caribbean flavors.
In October 2023, Chef Mario opened his latest culinary venture, CHAYOTE Barrio Kitchen, in Winter Park, FL, and his first restaurant in the US. Chayote is the cornerstone of the “Nueva Mesa Latina” movement, through which Chef Mario is leading a new narrative about Latin cuisine. His vision celebrates the heritage and culinary footprint of Hispanic culture and drives Latin cuisine to its next stage, blending both traditional and current flavor trends into a whole new genre.
Chef Mario’s philosophy centers on respecting ingredients and promoting sustainability. He is a staunch supporter of local farmers, fishermen, and producers, ensuring the future of Puerto Rico’s agriculture and food supply. His commitment to these principles has earned him a place in the James Beard Foundation’s State Department Culinary Diplomacy Chefs Partnership, and he was part of their delegation at the 2015 Milan World Expo. Chef Mario is also active in global efforts to educate on sustainability and food consciousness through the James Beard Foundation and Chefs Collaborative.
Chef Mario has gained recognition beyond the kitchen as a featured chef on Food Network’s “NEXT IRON CHEF” (Season 3) and host of sixty cooking shows on FOX Latino, including “Sabores de Ensueño” and “Boricuas.” He has co-authored books such as “Cocinas del Mundo: Caribe” and “La Gran Cocina Caribeña,” and contributed to “Waste Not,” a James Beard Foundation publication on food waste.
One of Chef Mario’s most significant collaborations has been with Chef José Andrés, raising awareness and support for World Central Kitchen and Chefs For Puerto Rico. He has also partnered with Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s destination marketing organization to represent the gastronomy pillar in the band’s global tourism campaign, #LiveBoricua.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Mario is deeply involved in charitable activities. He supports children-based organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and runs his own charity, “Play it Forward with Mario & Friends,” which donates toys to foster kids in Puerto Rico.
Chef Mario Pagán’s journey is a testament to his passion, creativity, and dedication to elevating Puerto Rican cuisine on the world stage. His innovative approach and commitment to sustainability make him a true culinary visionary.
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