Mario Espinosa has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at The Inn of The Five Graces
The Pink Adobe is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef de Cuisine Mario Espinosa, who will lead a reimagined culinary vision alongside Pastry Chef Raul Trejo. With more than two decades of distinguished international experience and deep commitment to elevating Mexican gastronomy, Chef Espinosa brings visionary expertise and an unwavering dedication to authentic ingredients and cultural traditions to one of Santa Fe's most storied restaurants and its renowned Dragon Room bar.
Chef Mario Espinosa comes from a family of cooks and began his culinary career working alongside his father in Mexico City, learning the fundamentals of hospitality, discipline, and traditional Mexican cooking from an early age. After formal training at the Ambrosia Culinary Center, he joined the Enrique Olvera group, where he worked at Pujol and rose to the role of head chef before helping open Hotel Habita's Lobby restaurant. In 2009, Espinosa relocated to Mérida, Yucatán, where he served as Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager at Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel. His innovative approach to regional cuisine earned him the 2011 Bohemia Distinction for Best Contemporary Yucatecan Cuisine. He later became Corporate Chef for the AESSA restaurant group before completing a stage at Spain's acclaimed El Celler de Can Roca in preparation for opening K'u'uk, his groundbreaking Yucatán-focused restaurant.
K'u'uk quickly gained national recognition, earning Travel + Leisure's 2013 Gourmet Award for 'Best New Restaurant' and helping establish Espinosa as one of Mexico's leading contemporary chefs.
His career has since spanned international consulting, culinary education, and restaurant development across Mexico, Europe, and beyond. Notable projects include advising London's Peyote restaurant, representing Mexico as executive chef of Bésame Mucho at Expo Milan 2015, and overseeing the restaurant's permanent Milan location, where he continues to collaborate today.
Over the past decade, Espinosa has launched and developed several acclaimed concepts, including Rosa Sur 32, Madereros, Cottura, Tencui, and Magda, each reflecting his passion for ingredient-driven cuisine, sustainability, and honoring Mexico's rich culinary traditions.
Today, Chef Espinosa is recognized for his thoughtful, ingredient-focused cooking, deep respect for regional Mexican gastronomy, and commitment to creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate both heritage and innovation.