Everyone has a story. Here’s ours.

Chef Marco’s culinary journey began in the dish pit at one of Portland’s most iconic restaurants, Jake’s Famous Crawfish. With determination, talent, and an insatiable curiosity for food, Marco worked his way through every station on the line—learning, refining, and mastering his craft in high-end kitchens across Portland and Vancouver. Over the past 30 years, he has risen from dishwasher to Executive Chef, earning the trust and respect of the teams he has led by guiding kitchens with grace, humility, and a steady commitment to excellence, creativity, and precision.

Marco’s leadership style is rooted in respect and service. He believes the best kitchens are built on teamwork, mentorship, and care-for people as well as the food they create.

Today, Marco is the proud owner of Cocina Nueva Vista, where he brings his decades of experience and passion directly to the community through his mobile food cart and full-service catering business. From farmers markets and community festivals to intimate gatherings and elegant weddings, Marco approaches every event with the same care, creativity, and attention to detail that have defined his career.

At the heart of Cocina Nueva Vista is a deep connection to the land. Some of Marco’s dishes are finished with fresh microgreens grown just steps away at Nueva Vista Farm, our family-run farm. These vibrant greens add flavor, beauty, and nourishment—reflecting our commitment to thoughtful sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and food made with intention.

Whether he’s serving his wildly popular mac & cheese at a local market or curating a custom wedding menu, every dish is prepared with heart and purpose.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marco has always believed that food is love. For decades, he has generously cooked for weddings, birthdays, and family celebrations—not for recognition, but to make people feel cared for and connected. Inspired by the cooking of his mother, his aunts, and the culinary traditions he grew up with in Mexico, Marco’s cooking blends bold, soulful flavors with thoughtful presentation, creating meals that are as meaningful as the moments they celebrate.

At Cocina Nueva Vista, every dish tells a story—of tradition, dedication, and the joy of sharing truly good food with amazing people.