Chef Xavier Mayonove is a lecturing instructor of Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Affectionately known as Chef X by students and colleagues alike, he teaches Back of House Restaurant Operations class as the lunch chef-instructor at The Bocuse Restaurant, CIA’s award-winning, student-run French fine-dining establishment. In this role, he develops new recipes and guides students in mastering them through hands-on instruction and mentorship.
Born in Burgundy and raised in Corsica, Mayonove grew up immersed in self-sustaining food tradition around this farmer’s grandparents from both sides of the family. His culinary journey began in the family kitchen, where he learned classic French techniques from his mother and grandmother, sparking a lifelong passion for cooking, including cultivating vegetables, foraging truffles, and raising livestock.
He honed his craft at L’école Hôtelière de Haute-Corse in Bastia, France, a hospitality school known for its rigorous training and deep-rooted culinary heritage. At age 25, after meeting his future American wife in the small town of Favone in Corsica, he moved to the United States. Despite speaking only French at the time, he dove headfirst into the professional kitchen, beginning his career under the legendary Chef Jean-Jacques Rachou at La Côte Basque, one of New York City’s most iconic French restaurants.
Before joining the CIA faculty, Mayonove held several executive chef positions, including at Six Degrees Restaurant in Jericho, NY, and Picholine under Terrance Brennan, in New York City. He also served as a lead chef-instructor at the International Culinary Center in both New York City and California and taught at the French Culinary Institute, mentoring aspiring chefs in classical technique and modern innovation.
Mayonove has been recognized for his contributions to culinary education and French cuisine, though his greatest accolades come from the students he inspires daily. When he’s not mentoring them in the kitchen, he can be found traveling to France and Greece, always trying to learn about culture and tradition. Mayonove also likes to spend time with his wife Sofia and their two dogs.