Printable Biography of Dave Martin

Millions of fans around the country recognize Dave Martin as the inimitable and beloved chef from Bravo's "Top Chef”, and he’s just beginning his high-profile gastronomic adventures. Undeniably the most popular chef on the show (his fans practically overloaded the Bravo blogs!), he won viewer’s hearts and palates with his intense layering of flavors and vivid descriptions of his dishes. His approachable yet sophisticated take on old classics - like his signature Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese - made him a hit from the streets of NYC to the shores of St. Tropez.

Dave was one of only three contestants from “Top Chef” selected to appear on “The Today Show” (aired May 18, 2006), helping secure his place on the A-list of celebrity chefs. And Dave’s fans won’t have to wait long to see him again -- he’s is slated to make an appearance on the second season of “Top Chef”, and will be writing weekly blogs about the show from an insiders’ perspective. Additionally, he is writing about food and entertaining for Bravotv.com and their new venture, outzonetv.com.

There’s no doubt that Dave is on the “it” list in Hollywood! Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen recently hired him to cater their 20th birthday party, where he served a vegetarian and seafood menu.  He’s recently been spotted on the red carpet with Charlize Theron, Russell Simmons, Lindsey Lohan, Ivanka Trump, Rachel Bilson and Chef Yossi (Dustin Hoffman’s personal chef), and his catering company, As You Wish, was just hired to cater the star-studded L.A. Philharmonic/Hollywood Bowl’s annual summer launch party. He’s also serving his tasty morsels at the Extra TV’s exclusive Emmy suite in August 2006.

And, of course, Dave has forever secured a place in pop culture and Wikipedia with his hit line: “I’m not your bitch, bitch.” His line of t-shirts bearing the phrase has been the top seller on the bravotv.com website and sold out several times over. 

It’s not just viewers and celebs who love Dave, his passionate and infectious personality also endeared him to judges and guests on “Top Chef” -- including some of the top chefs in . After winning a multi-faceted challenge that showed off his outstanding recipes and people skills, Dave was hand-picked by restaurant mogul Jeffrey Chodorow’s (Social) to cook with his team at the Cannes Film Festival.

Along with Jeffrey and celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s), Dave prepared delectable dishes at an exclusive party for executives from Jimmy Choo, Halle Barry and Hugh Jackman on Social’s $30 million yacht.

In another episode, Dave’s Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese was the hands-down favorite of guest judges including Doug Keane of Cyrus (named one of the best new chefs in “Food and Wine” July, 2006), Phillipe Jeanty of Bistro Jeanty, Greg Cole of Celadon and Jon Shafer of the famous Shafer Vineyards. This was by far the most highbrow, toughest and sophisticated group of judges to appear on “Top Chef”, and Dave’s dish was their shining star. Dave’s Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese will be just one of the signature dishes starring in his upcoming and highly anticipated cookbook.

He has a busy summer. Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table have tapped Dave for a series of cooking presentations in Southern California, with his first sold-out appearance at Williams-Sonoma Beverly Hills on July 8, 2006. Over the next few weeks he’ll also be "headlining" as guest chef at a number of different restaurants around the country, including Sage in Newport Beach, CA; in Laguna Beach, CA; and Restaurant Azul in New Orleans. He’s participating in The Culinary Vegetable Institute's "2006 Food and Wine Festival" as a competing chef in their Iron Chef-style cook-off, and is appearing as a celebrity chef at the "Tales of the Cocktail" event in New Orleans. 

Dave’s background is diverse and his rise to chefhood was not without its roadblocks. After pursuing a degree in English at the University of Redlands, Dave ran a successful hi-tech recruiting firm in Newport Beach. When the technology market crashed in 2000, he made the choice to start over again, change careers mid-life and to pursue his true passion – cooking.  He chose to attend culinary school at the Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA, and graduated with honors. While still enrolled in school, Dave formed his own catering company, As You Wish, and took on the Executive Chef role at XO Wine Bistro in Manhattan Beach, CA. He soon built a strong local following of customers that enjoyed his multi-regional cuisine that ranged from Southern BBQ to Southeast Asian and beyond. He then won a coveted spot on Bravo’s “Top Chef” over thousands of hopefuls.

Dave now resides in New York where he is busy catering in the Hamptons and traveling on the road for various events. He is also still working on his cookbook, along with consulting for a  Latin American/Southwestern and New Mexico fused restaurant concept set to open in downtown Los Angeles in 2008.