Chef Dave Martin gained notoriety as a Chef-testant and finalist on the first season of Bravo's Top Chef winning viewer’s hearts and palates with his intense layering of flavors and vivid descriptions of his dishes. Serving up approachable yet sophisticated takes on old classics, like his signature Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese, he has become a hit from the streets of NYC to the shores of St. Tropez. Years after his season ended, Dave finds himself and his food continually in the spotlight.  

 

    But Dave’s road into the culinary world was far from traditional. After leaving a successful career in the technology industry, Dave chose to pursue his real love and passion for cooking with the ultimate goal of making people smile through his food. Graduating with honors from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, California he formed his own catering company, “As You Wish Catering” and became the Executive Chef at XO Wine Bistro in Manhattan Beach, California. The first season of Top Chef debuted in 2006 and Dave quickly became a fan favorite winning more challenges than any other contestant (three in all). Finishing third, Dave moved to New York City soon after his appearance on the show and served as the Executive/Consulting Chef at Lola, Crave on 42nd, and VYNL restaurants introducing city diners to his creative take on comfort food classics.

 

     After much success at each restaurant, he moved out of the kitchen and onto new culinary endeavors. In 2009 he self published and released his first cookbook, Flavor Quest, Volume 1 and due to popular demand followed with Flavor Quest, Volume 2 in 2010. That same year Dave began teaching classes in American Regional Cuisine at The French Culinary Institute and also to executives from large corporations such as MTV, Oracle and NBC at The Culinary Loft in Soho.

Earlier this year Dave created a line of Flavor Quest rubs and sauces (available for purchase at www.chefdavemartin.com) and is consulting on two projects in the city- a specialty sandwich shop featuring braised meats and The Frying Dutchman, a gourmet french fry food truck. Not surprisingly, The Frying Dutchman immediately gained a cult following as soon as it hit the streets mesmerizing french fry fanatics with Dave’s signature sauces such as prickly pear mustard, lychee and sweet chili aioli and pink guava ketchup!

 

     In addition Dave travels around the country as a guest chef for various Food & Wine Festivals, winemaker dinners, consulting projects, auction dinners, corporate and private catering events, and pop-up restaurant appearances. Through these events he has built solid relationships with the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), The Culinary Loft in Soho, The French Culinary Institute, Certified Angus Beef Brand, Cisco Systems, Perfect Puree and many more.

 

     Firmly believing in giving back to the community, Dave supports several charitable organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House (NYC), Leake & Watts, Greenwich House, Share our Strength (Taste of the Nation) and The Special Olympics.

 

 ** See Chef Dave Now at The Meatball Factory near Union Square