Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Esposito.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved cooking and making people happy through food. I started my career working in some amazing kitchens under chefs like Stephanie Izard, Eric Greenspan, and April Bloomfield, where I learned the importance of technique, hard work, and attention to detail. I was also lucky enough to win a Food Network cooking competition, which pushed me to keep chasing my dream.
In 2020, I fell in love with handmade pasta, and that passion took me all the way to Bologna, Italy, where I studied traditional pasta making. When I came back home, I started Pasta Mark because I wanted to share that experience with other people—not just serve dinner, but teach them how to make it themselves.
Today I teach private pasta classes, cater events, and cook for people in their homes. My favorite part isn’t just making pasta—it’s watching people have fun, learn something new, and sit around the table together. That’s what it’s all about for me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting Pasta Mark from the ground up has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You’re not just the chef—you have to be the accountant, marketing team, dishwasher, salesperson, and customer service all at once. There are a lot of long days and late nights that people never see.
Through all of it, I kept showing up. I invested in learning, traveled to Italy to study pasta, and continued building my business one class and one dinner at a time. Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggles because they made me appreciate every opportunity I have today. They also remind me why I started—to share great food, teach people something new, and create experiences they’ll remember.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Pasta Mark, where I teach private pasta-making classes, cater events, and cook multi-course dinners in people’s homes. I specialize in handmade pasta made from scratch, and I love taking techniques I learned in Italy and making them approachable for anyone, whether they’ve never cooked before or they’re experienced in the kitchen.
What I’m probably known for is creating an experience, not just serving a meal. My classes are hands-on, relaxed, and fun. Everyone gets involved, makes pasta together, then sits down to enjoy a family-style dinner. I want people to leave feeling like they learned something, ate really well, and made memories with the people around them.
What I’m most proud of is building Pasta Mark from the ground up. Every event, every class, and every customer has helped grow this business. I’ve had the opportunity to train in Italy, work under some incredible chefs, and even win a Food Network cooking competition, but what means the most to me is seeing people come back, recommend me to their friends, and trust me to be part of their special occasions. I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely care about every guest’s experience. I don’t just make pasta—I create an atmosphere where people connect over great food.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Chefs like Marc Vetri, Evan Funke, and Massimo Bottura have been a huge inspiration to me, especially when it comes to handmade pasta and Italian cooking.
I also love traveling to Italy and learning directly from the people who have been making pasta their whole lives. Instagram keeps me inspired, and ChatGPT has become a great tool for helping me brainstorm ideas and stay organized. Most of all, I learn by getting in the kitchen, cooking every day, and constantly trying to get better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pastamark.com
- Instagram: Thepastamark
- Facebook: Chef mark esposito
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/bxeC8QYR5P
