Mario Batali

Mario Batali

Mario Batali
Sporting bright red hair, hot pink socks and his signature, blinding-orange Crocs, Mario Batali is not easily forgotten. Known most for his 517 episodes of Molto Mario on the Food Network that ran from 1996 through 2004 and from his Iron Chef America appearances, Batali has been a master at applying the celebrity chef formula to his advantage. Aside from putting Crocs on the map, he has authored five cookbooks, has his own line of cookware and a licensing deal with NASCAR. When it comes to number of restaurants, partnering with Joe Bastianich, we're swooning at the length of the list with the likes of Babbo, Lupa, Esca, Otto, and Del Posto. In addition he also holds interest in Casa Mono, Bar Jamon, the Spotted Pig and the John Dory. We're also swooning over the dollar signs!

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We find ourselves enchanted by Mario's marriage to Susi Cahn, who he met while working at Rocco when she was selling food products to downtown restaurants. Interestingly, Susi is the daughter of Miles Cahn, the founder of Coach leather products, who retired to assume the life of a goat herder. Susi now manages the herd at Coach Dairy Goat Farm in Pine Plains, NY, producers of specialty goat milk products.

Mario and Susi live in Greenwich Village with their two sons, Benno and Leo. Their most treasured home, however, is their former 1940's trout-fishing camp located lakeside on the Leelanau Peninsula in Grand Traverse Bay in the wilderness of northern Michigan. This is where they spend summers and most holidays enjoying family and friends. Though the property needed many renovations, it came with good bones and attractive stone walls. The area is known for its white sandy beaches and sand dunes and is also notable for its cherries and whitefish. This is where Mario and his family can let their hair down and he can enjoy cooking rather than managing his multitude of business interests.

Oh, and if you happen to have a private jet at the ready, Mario will be happy to come to your house and cook for you and your guests for the pittance of $100,000 plus expenses!

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