Chef Marvin Palomo
For as long as Chef Marvin can remember, cooking was something he was passionate about. Born in Manila and moving to Toronto at the age of two, his culinary journey was deeply influenced by his grandmother, who instilled in him a love for cooking. Chef Marvin's upbringing - alongside his two older brothers - fostered a spirit of competitive excellence and teamwork, qualities he carried into his professional life.
Marvin pursued formal training at George Brown College in Toronto, enrolling in the Culinary Management Program and the Italian Post-Graduate program. His time working at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Contea di Nieve in Piemonte profoundly shaped his vision about food, igniting a passion for the rich culinary culture he experienced there. After returning from Europe, Chef Marvin joined the opening team at Dailo in 2014. In 2017, he moved to Asia to become the Senior Chef de Partie in Hong Kong at Vicky Cheng’s Michelin-starred VEA, one of Asia’s 50 Best restaurants. These experiences taught him that while culinary skills can be learned, character and passion are innate qualities that set great chefs apart.
In 2018, Marvin returned to Toronto, taking on the role of Chef de Cuisine at 7 Enoteca in Oakville. Over the next four years, he distinguished himself as a finalist in the prestigious San Pellegrino Young Chef Competition and earned the "Fine Dining Food Lovers Food for Thought Award." His dedication was further recognized with a nomination for “Top 30 under 30” by Food and Service Magazine in 2020. For Chef Marvin, the bigger picture has always been about more than just cooking. It's about doing what he loves, giving back, sharing his knowledge, and creating an environment that fosters growth and passion. His commitment to excellence and his team embodies these values, making him a natural fit for a partner level role, ensuring the continued success and growth for Vela.