7. Celebrity Chef Mario Pagán Brings Puerto Rico to Winter Park

In this sizzling new episode of the B-Student Podcast, host Betsy Gardner welcomes one of the most dynamic and celebrated chefs in the Latin Caribbean culinary scene—Chef Mario Pagán. Known for his architectural approach to food, his passion for art, and his humility in leadership, Chef Mario shares the story behind his wildly imaginative path from Puerto Rico to Winter Park, Florida, where he’s shaking up the local restaurant scene with his new hit, Chayote Barrio Kitchen.

Recorded live at the Edible Education Experience, this episode goes beyond conversation and into the kitchen for a special cooking demo of his iconic Lobster Mofongo Thermidor. From his early days in culinary school to collaborating with the James Beard Foundation and opening restaurants around the world, Chef Mario brings flavor, heart, and serious insight.

Expect stories about Basquiat, the influence of women in his career, leadership lessons from the kitchen, and how food connects us to memory, culture, and courage. Plus, Betsy tries her hand at mofongo-making—and it’s a moment.

Come for the flavor, stay for the wisdom. This is an episode you’ll want to savor.

Subscribe, rate, and share the B Student Podcast—because the B side of your story might just be the best part.

Connect with Mario: https://www.instagram.com/laurensigmancollection/?hl=en
Connect with Betsy Gardner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsygardner22/

Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/