Here at Ciatti's, we are so proud to have Chef Mark Marthaler running our kitchen! As a guest, we're sure you've noticed his attention to detail, genuine care for you and your dining experience, and his fantastic staff that put together the amazing food you've come to expect at Ciatti's!
What you may not know, though, is everything that's brought Chef Mark to Ciatti's, and made him the Chef he is today! Chef Mark started out working for 15 years at Anton's, then he spent eight years at Buca di Beppo. From there, he spent two years at Giarrostto Toscano in Eden Prairie, four years at Doolittles, two and a half years at the St. Paul Grill, before landing here at Ciatti's - where we've been fortunate to have him for over six years! While Chef Mark's absolute favorite food to prepare is Italian (and we're so thankful for that!), his favorite to eat is authentic Mexican and Seafood.
Chef Mark didn't always know that he wanted to be in a kitchen for the rest of his life! For him, it started out that kitchen work was a better choice than working at the Gold n Plump factory - which would have been his dad's choice! Chef Mark always enjoyed the gossip in the kitchen around holiday time, and started cooking to put himself through Cathedral High School and college. After that, he did an accounting internship and swiftly found out that wasn't what he enjoyed. He went back to cooking, and is still at it 37 years later. We're certain that our restaurant would not be what it is today had that accounting internship worked out!!!
Chef Mark truly enjoys cooking, and uses any opportunity to prepare food he can. Whether a charity needs something, other chefs need help at events, hosting for other restaurant friends and family, catering, or large holidays, preparing food is definitely a passion of his.
Outside of food, Chef Mark has a passion for traveling. His dad gave him the "travel bug" as a young child. He's been fortunate enough to travel many places - and of course take in the cuisine that each destination has to offer. His favorite places on the planet are: Banff, Canada; Maui; Florence, Italy; and the Hof Brau House in Munich, Germany.
Say "hi" to Chef Mark the next time you are in Ciatti's! He truly appreciates every one of our guests, and cares about the food we are fortunate enough to bring to you!
