Mark gold Chef & Owner

His energy, passion, and enthusiasm is contagious — “Cooking is my love and my heart.”

Eva Restaurant is named after Mark’s grandmother.  Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she became the cooking inspiration — combining personality, warmth and care to prepare home-cooked meals using only what was available to her.  At only 7 years old, Mark had concocted his very own “Bagel Burgers”.

Mark’s humble start begin at Cutters in Santa Monica making pasta, and busing tables at Geoffrey’s in Malibu. After graduating high school, he impressed upon Michael Roberts by bringing new vigor and excitement into Trump’s kitchen. Working with one of L.A.’s most renowned and innovative restaurants of its’ time had convinced Mark that providing excellent cooking was not enough without offering memorable experiences for those who enjoy the food.

For 2 years, Mark learned and perfected his technique at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he was hired at Patina Restaurant and worked with notable chefs Joachim Splichal, Octavio Beccerra and Traci de Jardins — providing the experience for a new position at Bistro Roti in San Francisco, the flagship of the Real Restaurant Group.
Back in Los Angeles, Mark took on the position of Executive Sous Chef at the Water Grill in downtown L.A., working alongside Michael Cimmarusti with a newfound appreciation of seafood and its preparation. This introduction to restaurant management refined Mark’s sense of high-volume and fine dining — positioning the restaurant as one of the city’s finest.

Following 5 years at the Water Grill, Mark was tapped by Joachim Splichal to serve as Executive Chef for Café Pinot in downtown Los Angeles — transforming a theatre restaurant into a destination hotspot in just 5 years. Achieving critical acclaim, it became one of the highest grossing restaurants of the Patina Group and earned Mark Chef of the Year in 2005. He later assisted the Patina Group in the opening of Orange County’s Café Rouge. Mark’s remarkable menu and cooking earned a coveted 3 stars from Irene Virbila of Los Angeles Times’ food section.