Los Dos Chef Mario Canul was born in Mexico City, but describes himself as “Mayan Chilango.” He was immersed from a very young age in Mexican cuisine, among beloved aunts and grandmothers who fed him their known-by-heart recipes. Several of these classic recipes have been preserved thanks to Chef David Sterling’s book, YUCATÁN: Recipes from a Culinary Expedition.

During his time as Los Dos sous chef, Mario was instructed and enlightened by his mentor and friend David Sterling to continue his gastronomic education, attending several courses on various techniques, methods, and cuisines, in Merida, as well as many other parts of Mexico. David encouraged Mario to know the basics, but also to develop his own flair in the kitchen. David and Mario first uncovered secrets of the Yucatán, and then all over Mexico, culminating in the second book entitled MERCADOS: Recipes from the Markets of Mexico.

After 15 years of studying, traveling, and working closely with David, Chef Mario took over the kitchen. He credits his friend and mentor for enabling him to discover cooking as one of his greatest passions.

A gifted conversationalist and all around nice guy, Chef Mario holds a degree in International Tourism from the Mesoamerican University in México, and a Master’s degree in human resources. Another passion is photography, and his work can be seen in so many of the great photos in the two books. Mario looks forward to sharing his wealth of knowledge with his class participants.