Mario
Mario Mendoza, Chef de Cuisine of Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen – “There is no place like home ... and making others feel at home, through our food and the people who prepare it. This is our goal at Neutral Ground."
A commanding presence and a gentle demeanor best describes the chef de cuisine of Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen – Mario Mendoza, native to Northern Virginia, and working with celebrated culinary masters in the greater Washington, DC area. Mendoza has had the privilege of cooking under and learning from visionaries in the kitchen such as the late Michel Richard, renowned for his iconic Citronelle restaurant in Georgetown, and José Andrés, the acclaimed Spanish-American chef for popularizing tapas style dining in America and active founder of World Central Kitchen. These mentors had a profound influence on Mendoza's training and culinary perspective.
He has also held chef de cuisine and executive chef positions at esteemed establishments like Oyamel, Central Lupo Verde Osteria, Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar in the Washington D.C. area and Pamplona Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.
Mendoza is rejoining our Mclean community, being a proud alumnus McLean High School. And He followed it by receiving an associate degree in culinary arts and business management from the Art Institute of Washington
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mendoza has extensive training in traditional culinary techniques across various global cuisines, as well as expertise in the innovative field of molecular gastronomy. Deeply inspired by Andrés' passion for gastronomy and charitable initiatives, and now working with Chef David Guas, who shares that same commitment with cooking from a deep interest in sourcing responsibly and giving back to his community, and in times of immediate necessity. Mendoza shares adherence to using his skills to make a positive impact and help those in need through food.
The vibe of Neutral Ground Bar+Kitchen resonates with Mario from the design is lends to a calming sensibility to it and the repetitiveness of the pots clanking are similar the waves banging against the beach wall. Biggest thing for me that I have to say would be the calming effects of the sound hitting the sand. Mario’s feet in the sand, watching my girls play is all the comfort he can wish for on a nice summer’s day.
Gina
Gina Cox, General Manager of Neutral Ground Bar+Kitchen - "As I continue my restaurant journey, I will remain committed to what we do as a team at Neutral Ground -- creating a community of like minded people who are grounded in authenticity and kindness."
Born in Buffalo, New York, Gina Cox's love for food blossomed at an early age, working alongside her grandfather in his restaurant and learning the art of cooking from her Sicilian grandmother, a chef with 26 years of experience. This foundation laid the groundwork for her unwavering passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.
For over 17 years, Gina has called the D.C. area her home, where she has had the opportunity to manage nation-wide fan-favorite hotels and restaurants, collaborating with celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred culinary artists. Places like Aloft Hotels - PM Hotel Group and Marriott as the Food & Beverage Director; Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ restaurant (Celebrity Chef and highly decorated competitor in BBQ) as General Manager; Fabio Trabocchi Restaurant Group asAssistant General Manager and YUME Hospitality Group as the Regional Manager and most recently opened their newest restaurant in Georgetown – Kyojin. Cox’s dedication to excellence has been a driving force throughout her career.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Gina's love for BBQ has led her to become a KCBS (Kansas City BBQ Society) Judge for BBQ competitions. She is also a proud Pitmaster, an expert in smoking meats, with three smokers, a flat top, and a massive grill at her home. Her dream is to one day compete on a cooking or BBQ competition show, showcasing her culinary prowess on a national stage.
Gina's personal life is equally fulfilling, with 29-year-old identical twin children, a 10-year marriage, a majestic Maine Coon cat, and a lovable, goofy dog that "identifies as a potato." Now, as the General Manager of Neutral Ground Bar & Kitchen, Gina looks forward to welcoming guests and creating a warm, and congenial atmosphere, infusing every dining experience with her passion for authentic flavors and genuine hospitality.
Given the style of the restaurant we asked Gina to tell us her favorite coastal spots - Cape Cod, Jekyll Island, or her cousin’s bayou camp in Louisiana…gator country!’