Chef Ariel is at the heart of every Chef de la Mesa experience. He is a visionary whose culinary journey blends tradition, passion, and innovation. Known for his artistic presentation and bold flavours, Ariel brings more than just food to the table—he brings a story.
Born into a bustling Latin American household, Ariel’s earliest memories revolved around food, family, and an unwavering sense of hospitality. “I grew up in a three-bedroom house with 13 people,” he recalls. “My grandmother was the anchor of the home — she taught me how to respect food and keep our door open to anyone in need.” Those Shabbat dinners, filled with creativity despite humble means, shaped his understanding that food should be delicious, simple, and above all, shared.
Ariel’s approach to catering is deeply rooted in that early sense of abundance — of making something meaningful out of very little. “We’d make three or four dishes out of every ingredient,” he says. “It’s about respecting Mother Nature and presenting food in a way that pleases both the eye and the palate.
Today, Chef de la Mesa is known for delivering more than meals; it creates unforgettable dining experiences. Every event reflects Ariel’s belief that food is a powerful connector, from intimate private dinners to large-scale celebrations. “Food is more than taste,” he says. “It’s emotion, memory, and love on a plate.”
His rise hasn’t been without challenges. One of his most defining moments came early in his career, when he took on a 300-guest Bar Mitzvah at REBEL — a scale he had never attempted before. “I had only catered smaller events,” he admits. “But with a team of 15 cooks and 30 servers, we pulled it off. That event taught me that with vision and courage, anything is possible.”
That balance of creativity and resilience has become a hallmark of Ariel’s leadership. He credits much of his inspiration to his grandmother, whose memory continues to guide him. “She was the most genuine, kind person on earth,” he says, emotion catching in his voice. “She ran our home from a wheelchair, made sure the table was always set, and welcomed every person with a drink and something to eat. She was a true boss woman.”
Her spirit lives on in Chef Ariel’s values. Whether catering an event or brainstorming the next menu, he carries her ethos of generosity and grace into every corner of his business. “There’s never a problem — there’s always a solution. And there’s always enough for everybody.”
Behind the glamour of beautifully plated dishes lies a world of preparation most clients never see. “The real work is in the lead-up and follow-through,” Ariel explains. “Menu planning, site visits, packing, and cleanup — those are the things that define a successful event. And having the right team makes all the difference.”
He’s equally focused on staying ahead of the curve. “This industry moves fast,” he says. “You can have all the experience in the world, but if you can’t adapt or stay creative, it’ll leave you behind. Innovation isn’t optional — it’s essential.”
As he continues to grow, Chef de la Mesa Ariel is mentoring his team and embracing collaborations that expand the brand’s reach. While deeply passionate about the art of food, he’s also pragmatic about running a business.
“Balancing creativity and logistics is an ongoing challenge,” he admits. “I separate my creative time from operational tasks and surround myself with a team that understands and supports the vision. That’s how we grow without losing what makes us special.”
When he’s not in the kitchen, Ariel finds peace in the simplicity of a good spa day or a quick escape to the beaches of Miami or Aruba. And yes — he has a sweet tooth. “Waffles and crepes with brûléed bananas and banana ice cream,” he laughs. “That’s my go-to comfort food after a long event.”
As for dream events? He’d love to cater alongside culinary icons or household names like Gordon Ramsay, Drake, or Messi. “It’s not just about star power,” he explains. “It’s about creating something unforgettable, with people who bring their own energy to the table.”
Chef Ariel’s story is one of heart, hustle, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—not only in what’s served on the plate but also in how people feel around his table. Through Chef de la Mesa, he continues to build community, one beautiful dish at a time.
Video Credit: @motiondphotography | Chef De La Mesa | Vamos Events | Toronto
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