Mark Cornett

Mark was born and raised in the Cariboo region of British Columbia. His first foray into professional cooking came at the age of twelve when he bargained his way out of painting the family home by being responsible for doing all the cooking. 

Shortly after graduating high school, Mark began his Professional Cook training at Camosun College in 1999.  After completing the program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2001, Mark began his career as an apprentice at the acclaimed Lumiere restaurant in Vancouver.

Upon receiving his Red Seal certification in 2002, Mark discovered another passion in life - travel. The next few years would see Mark working in some of the best restaurants in Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark.  In between jobs, Mark traveled extensively throughout Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and South America where he discovered inspiring new flavors and techniques.

In 2011 Mark combined his love for cooking and travel and began working as a chef for discerning clients on super yachts that cruised all over the world.  During this time he had the opportunity to experience cooking in exotic and often remote locations, such as the Solomon Islands, Antarctica, and the Northwest Passage.

Mark settled down in Victoria with his young family in 2018 and joined the Camosun Culinary Arts Program in 2021.  Aside from working at the college, Mark continues to cater for some of his past yacht guests and is currently working on his Provincial Instructor’s Diploma.