Mario Batali: How Do You Say “Mogul” in Italian?

Mario Batali is the first celebrity chef to be included in this little series. He’s been working in kitchens since he was in college in the early 80s, getting his start as a dishwasher. Boy, has he come a long way since those humble beginnings.

Best known for authentic Italian-style cooking (he apprenticed in Northern Italy after an already successful stint as a chef in both the UK and the US), Mario Batali has become a household name due to his numerous television shows. These include Molto Mario, Mediterranean Mario, Mario Eats Italy, and Ciao America. He is also one of the Iron Chefs on Iron Chef America. Apparently, he’s also got an upcoming series on PBS with Gwyneth Paltrow called Spain…On the Road Again.

Like so many of the celebrity chefs today, Mario has also penned several books with long titles, including Mario Batali Simple Italian Food: Recipes from My Two Villages, Mario Batali Holiday Food: Family Recipes for the Most Festive Time of the Year, Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home, and a few others.

While the general public has really been introduced to Mario through his television and literary careers, he is actually highly though of in the culinary world, too. He and his business partner Joseph Bastianich are owners of several restaurants. Some of these include Lupa, Esca, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, Casa Mono, Bar Jamon, Bistro Du Vents, Del Posto, Enoteca San Marco, and B&B Ristorante. For a full list of his resturants, check out his web site.

But wait, that’s not all. With this croc-wearing redheaded chef, you also get a line of kitchen tools and cookware. I am not even joking when I tell you that there are even Mario Batali toys! This guy is more than a chef, and he has really learned to leverage his celebrity to the nth degree.