| Brazilian-born chef Marco Moreira arrived in New York in 1982, initially training as a sushi chef. In 1986, he launched Marco Polo Sushi Catering, and later created the sushi department at Dean & DeLuca, where he met his future wife and business partner, Jo-Ann. While running his own Marco Polo Caterers, Marco also cooked at Bouley, the Quilted Giraffe and the Mark.
As Marco Polo Caterers grew, Jo-Ann and Marco devoted themselves to the company full-time, and in 1999, they opened Marco Polo Café just west of Union Square. When the adjoining space became available, Tocqueville was born in February of 2000. More than eight years later, Marco has become widely recognized for his connection to the Union Square Greenmarket and his use of exotic seasonal ingredients. As Executive Chef, he oversees one of the most creative and vibrant kitchens in the city. Tocqueville has consistently been rated as one of New York’s Top Restaurants, Top French and Top Service by the Zagat Survey.
In 2006, Tocqueville moved to a new location at 1 East 15th Street and the original space was transformed into the acclaimed Japanese restaurant, 15 East. |
