Campervan, outdoor and travelling chef
I'm a full-time travelling chef and author inspired by the food and recipes I discover on my journeys in my self-converted campervan.
Join me at events across the country and I'll demonstrate my cooking — recipes inspired by travel and adventure. See you soon!
Mark is a true food lover, driven by his passion for outdoor cooking and his incredible culinary heritage. His ability to turn simple, fresh ingredients into bold, unforgettable dishes is inspiring. I'm super excited to dive into his new cookbook.
How it all started
Having been brought up by an Italian/English family I had a real mixture of cuisines thrown at me growing up. My English mother loved to cook hearty home-made English stews, casseroles — and my Italian Nonna would cook authentic southern Italian family meals: pasta dishes, slow cooked meats and incredible cakes.
Since the age of 3 I remember spending weekends at my Nonna's house, where all 20+ family members would gather for a traditional Sunday feast. Every week without fail. My earliest memories are waking up early on a Sunday to the incredible aroma of ragù — preparations had already begun.
I was obsessed with the smells and would run to Nonna asking how she made that sauce taste so good. My passion for cooking had begun — and for years I would linger in the kitchen where my Nonna and Aunties would be running around making magic happen. To be honest I still do!
Minori, Italy
Along the stunning Amalfi coastline lies the quaint village of Minori — legendary amongst chefs and foodies for its unspoilt authentic cuisine. Also home to the Bonito & Ferrigno families: my culinary heritage.
Many chefs train in Minori. One of its most famous is Jamie Oliver, mentored by Genaro Contaldo — a family friend who worked with my grandfather when he was a chef.
Another famous chef from Minori is Ursula Ferrigno — known for her cooking lessons across the UK and Italy, and her amazing Italian cookbooks. Ursula is a member of my family on my Nonna's side.
How the van kitchen began
In 2018 when I met Sophie everything went next level. Dating was complicated so van date nights were the perfect solution — time to show off my passion for cooking with regular campervan fine dining.
Campervan cooking certainly has its challenges. The familiar carnage in the kitchen urgently needed to become organised carnage — plus constant adaptations to work with limited resources. That's where vanlifeeats.com began.
I've been exploring the planet for new flavours since my twenties. The van life way of life was the perfect fit — and to this day I have not stopped exploring food, produce and recipes.
Recipes Inspired by
Travel & Adventure
75 recipes designed for life on the road. Every dish tested in the van. From Nonna's ragù adapted for a single burner, to campfire baking and Omnia oven classics.
