Born in Provence South of France, Mario attend Culinary school and Hotel management. After working in several Hotels, Mario leaves for Montreal Quebec in 1976 to work as the youngest Sous Chef in the Meridien Hotel Company.

Then moved to Vancouver, in 1978 to take a chef position in one of the Umberto’s newest Italian restaurant called Al Porto.

The Granville Island Market was just opening, 1979 and Mario open a French Butcher shop, called La Madrague….

Three years later, the little French Bakery opened his door, La Baguette et L’echalote…..

…..A few years later, Mario opened a restaurant, in Gastown, called Le Souffle, with “the most memorable meal” of 1985, Vancouver Magazine, and the Best wine list….