Mari's Garden & Kitchen

I am a professionally trained chef and passionate gardener, with a culinary journey that began over a decade ago when I earned my Culinary Arts Degree from The Culinary Institute of the Pacific in Hawaii. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working for esteemed chefs, including Alex Atala in Brazil, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Thomas Keller. In 2018, I relocated from Hawaii to New York City to join the team at Per Se NY.

​

During 2020, I started my first garden, which ignited a deep appreciation for growing food and transformed the way I approach cooking. As a professional chef, cultivating a garden heightened my awareness of our food systems and inspired me to live more sustainably. This passion led me to teach others how to embrace sustainable living and cook more mindfully at home.

 

Through my YouTube channel, “Mari’s Garden and Kitchen,” I document my gardening journey and share seasonal recipes, along with practical tips for sustainable living. I currently work as a private chef in the New York City Metro Area, specializing in vegetable-forward, seasonal cuisine. I offer personalized weekly meal prep services and in-home chef experiences for intimate gatherings and special events. I’m now serving Rockland County, too

​