3 minute read
MEET THE CHEF: MARIANO CEBRIÁN, FOUNDER OF PANORAM ASADOS
by Lizabeth Zindel Wells
From the heart of Argentina to the backyards of the Hamptons, chef Mariano Cebrián brings fire, flavor, and soul to every event. His company, Panoram Asados, specializes in traditional Argentine open-fire cooking with an unforgettable East End twist.
What inspired you to start Panoram Asados?
MARIANO CEBRIÁN: I learned open-fire cooking with my father while growing up in Argentina, where we practice asado every weekend. Every family and friend group has a master “Asador,” who is “the designated Asador.” Only he or she touches the grill, and that was my late father. I carried on that tradition and developed it by cooking asado for friends and family after I moved to the U.S. Friends began to ask me to make asado for their birthday or company event, so much so that I was inspired to start Panoram Asados.
How do you source your ingredients?
CEBRIÁN: We’ve spent years building relationships with local shops, farms, and farm stands to source our ingredients. Whole animals like suckling pigs or lambs come from farms in Riverhead, while other roasts like the whole rib-eye is imported from Argentina. I love pulling up to a roadside farm stand on the east end and hand select what I’m going to include in the asado menu. I also like walking to the local grocer or butcher counter, and we know each other by name. I can trust that they have my specialty orders ready.
What makes the Panoram Asados experience truly memorable?
CEBRIÁN: While everyone is impressed by the fires roaring and meats sizzling, what really makes the experience memorable is the environment we aim to create. Asado is more than just a cookout. It’s about human connection. It’s about slowing down, ignoring clocks and phones, and taking in the smells and tastes while really engaging and connecting with those around you.
Can you walk me through a typical event?
CEBRIÁN: We build an outdoor, fire-fueled restaurant in your backyard. The meats hit the grills with a sizzle, and the asado comes to life. Guests are greeted with passed appetizers and invited to chat with the chefs. Before you know it, we’re all raising our glasses and saying, “salud!” Then, we dismantle the kitchen, reload the trailer, and just like that — the Argentine restaurant is gone. No passport required.
