Mario Garcia
Executive Chef, Grasing’s
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California -
Executive Chef Mario Garcia’s culinary passion was ignited in his Grandmother’s kitchen when he was just a boy. Inspired by her respect for quality ingredients and love of traditional methods, Chef Garcia ambitiously pursued his culinary dream.
Throughout his 18 years of culinary experience, Chef Garcia honed his craft, worked to develop close relationships with local sources to utilize the finest and freshest ingredients, and led culinary operations to provide unbeatable customer service. Now at Grassing’s Restaurant, Chef Garcia pays homage to fresh local coastal cuisine and stays true to the lessons learned at his Grandmother’s side.
Before taking the helm at Grassing’s Restaurant, Chef Garcia was at Esteban Restaurant where his farm to table style and passion for fresh ingredients turned Esteban into a premiere restaurant in downtown Monterey. He was also, the Executive Chef of the renowned Sardine Factory. His culinary achievements flourished under the tutelage of renowned Chef Bert Cutino. Prior to that, he worked at Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort with Chef Karl Staub and Roy’s Restaurant at Pebble Beach Resorts and where he was mentored by Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Chef Pablo Mellin.
A California native of Mexican descent, Garcia grew up in Watsonville, surrounded by bountiful farms and ranches. He began in the restaurant business as a dishwasher, where he kept a keen eye on the chefs. His curiosity paid off, he landed a job as a line cook, and his career took off.
“My first job taught me that it’s good to start at the bottom and work your way up, so you understand the entire operation” says Chef Garcia. “I have great respect for everyone in the kitchen.”
Chef Garcia lives in Carmel Valley with his longtime partner Santana Rodriguez and their dogs Kona, Xolo, and Raya. Even in his spare time, Chef Garcia is thinking and learning about food. He loves visiting local farmer markets and collaborating with local producers of all things culinary.
