Dave Martin

In 2006, Dave took a chance on a new reality show called ‘Top Chef ‘. Leaving the tech world far behind, the show proved to be an incredible opportunity for him where he could get out there and show that he could thrive under pressure. Viewers fell in love with Dave’s personality along with his ability to transform old school dishes into updated comfort food classics. After making it to the finale, Dave has found himself and his food continually in the spotlight.

By 2009, Dave’s desire to reach the masses pushed him to publish his first cookbook, Dave’s Homemade, Volume 1 followed up in 2010 with Volume 2 thanks to popular demand. In 2012, he introduced Dave’s Homemade, his chef inspired line of artisanal sauces and rubs that can help any home cook elevate what they’re making at home.

As a culinary expert, Dave works in product/recipe development for grocery & retail clients to include The California Walnut Board, Knorr, The US Apple Board, Tabasco, Arrowhead Farms and the Ultimat Vodka (by Patron), Johnnie Walker & Chivas Regal in the spirit world. Dave has consulted for restaurants in Boston, Los Angeles and NYC (his home) to include The Thinking Cup (Boston); in conjunction with The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley to create updated global flavors for California Pizza Kitchen in Los Angeles along with working on new concept ideas with companies like ConAgra, PepsiCo & Bertolli. Dave is a global flavor expert that knows how to work with the ingredients indigenous to any region and create dishes/products that stay true to their origin.

When Dave isn’t working on restaurant projects or hosting immersions on food trends for major food companies he’s running his events division. Producing interactive corporate events for companies like Cisco Systems, Oracle, NBC & Estee Lauder to large scale programming across the country for Tufts University and Women’s Health Magazine. Cooking classes, intimate dinner parties and wine pairing events in wine country like Willamette Valley, Santa Barbara and Los Olivos round out the roster. It’s all about Food, Wine, Spirits and Travel in Dave’s world where he’s trying to take it all one day at a time. Dave is making his way back to the small screen this year and more details are coming soon.

Dave is a firm believer in giving back to the community and supports several charitable organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House- NYC, Impact Network and he currently serves on the board for Let it Flow which builds clean water and sanitation stations in Third World countries.

Dave is proud to be “Fast Food Sober” for 12 years now and is an avid promoter, supporter and advocate for a healthier lifestyle through cooking with fresh, real ingredients.