Chef Mario Gentile is the executive chef of Adoro Lei in New York. He was able to hone his kitchen skills as a child in his family’s restaurant in Brooklyn. He ventured to Rome, Italy to train under Michelin-star chef, Adriano Cavagnini of La Terrazza fame. He has received rave reviews for his work at Nove, and has some very new and exciting dishes planned for Adoro Lei. We were able to to talk to Chef Mario, who shared with us a few tidbits about himself, the restaurant, and the food that they serve. Here’s what we learned:
Chef Mario Gentile of Adoro Lei Restaurant in New York
FriendsEAT: Describe the cuisine served at Adoro Lei.
Chef Mario Gentile: We serve contemporary Italian and Neapolitan Pizza
FE: What makes the restaurant special
Chef Mario: Our Pizza is the best Neapolitan Pizza in New York
FE: Where did you train (culinary school/stages)?
Chef Mario: Trained in Italy under Michelin Star Chef Enrico Derflingher, the current Chairman of Euro-Toques
FE: Did you grow up cooking or did cooking come to you later in life?
Chef Mario: I’ve been cooking since childhood in my fathers restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, Cafe Mile Luce
FE: Who in your life influenced your cooking the most?
Chef Mario: My father
FE: What made you decide to become a chef?
Chef Mario: Growing up in my fathers restaurant made me want to run a kitchen
FE: What misconceptions do people have when they first enter the culinary field?
Chef Mario: That you’re already a chef once you step foot in the kitchen.
Rio XXI Pizza from Adoro Lei Restaurant in New York
FE: What is the best cooking tip you can share for a novice?
Chef Mario: Don’t buy frozen food.
FE: What are your three favorite cooking tools?
Chef Mario: An ice bucket prong, a fish spatula, and a 10″ chef knife
FE: What is the craziest thing that has happened in your kitchen?
Chef Mario: The sprinkler system went off in the middle of service during a party
FE: What is your favorite ingredient to cook with and why?
Chef Mario: Fresh Herbs. They make a dish pop.
FE: When you’re home, what is your guilty food pleasure?
Chef Mario: Chocolate
Adoro Lei is located at 287 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
[mappress mapid=”256″]Nearby Landmarks: Ziegler Jakubowicz, Robbins Electric, 40 Renwick, and Courier Systems
Phone Number: (347) 581-0483
Hours of Operation:
- Mon ” Wed 12:00PM ” 11:00PM
- Thur & Fri 12:00PM ” 01:00AM
- Sunday ” Closed
Champagne Dressing by Chef Mario Gentile
Also check out Chef Mario Gentile’s Champagne Dressing recipe.
Have you been to Adoro Lei? Click here to leave a review and check for Adoro Lei coupons for your next visit.