MARIO BUCCELLATI is an Italian-American chef, founder of the Eight Eat Experience, the Creative Director for Innoculated Farms, and was a finalist on Food Network's Chopped "Carnivore Converter" episode. His approach to cuisine centers on plant-based & mushroom-forward dishes, colorful fresh pasta, and creative molecular gastronomy techniques.

In 2019, Mario embarked on a transformative journey to Italy, eager to reconnect with his heritage and expand his expertise in plant-based cooking. During his time in the small Tuscan town of Lucca, he immersed himself in the art of making fresh pastas, sauces, breads, and desserts at the macrobiotic school: Gioia di Vivere. He returned to New York energized with his newfound skills and inspiration.

Mario continued to sharpened his craft in Manhattan restaurants such as Avant Garden and Dirt Candy. In response to the lockdowns of March 2020, he then launched Mariolino's, an Italian plant-based food service that served artisanal pasta and Italian specialties to over 500 families. The following year as a guest chef, he held a fresh pasta workshop at the NYC VegFest & Symposium.

In 2023 and 2024, Mario served as Chef De Cuisine for City Roots Hospitality, New York City's premier vegan restaurant group by Chef Guy Vaknin. In this role, he managed six restaurants and commissary operations. Mario played a part in launching Manhattan restaurants like Anixi and Sentir, as well as developing menus for Beyond Sushi, Coletta, and Willow.

Mario's signature dining series is called the Eight Eat Experience. They are immersive dining events designed for eight guests and features an 8-course, homemade menu slowly paced for 3 hours.

In 2025, Mario became the Creative Director partner at Innoculated Farms, an exotic mushroom farm in Fairfield, New Jersey. Together, they're creating a farm-fresh mushroom delivery service to New York City doorsteps. He will also lead educational initiatives, teaching schools & hospitals how to cook with mushrooms, advocating for food sovereignty and healthier, more sustainable eating habits.