Mario BataliRaised in Seattle, MARIO BATALI’s initial career path had him studying Spanish theater at Rutgers University. Soon after graduating he began his culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in London, from which he withdrew almost immediately due to a “lack o interest.” An apprenticeship with London’s legendary chef Marco Pierre White and training in an Italian village gave him the essential skills and knowledge to return to the U.S to begin his restaurant empire. Read More Read Less