Dave MartinDave Martin

In 2006, Dave took a chance on a new reality show called ‘Bravo’s Top Chef ‘ without knowing where the experience would lead him. It proved to be an incredible opportunity where he could put himself out there in front of America and prove that he could thrive under pressure in the kitchen. Viewers fell in love with Dave’s personality along with his ability to transform old school dishes into updated comfort food classics.

Fast forward to 2019 and Dave has proven to be a global flavor expert that knows how to work with the ingredients indigenous to any region and create dishes that stay true to their origin. There’s no better example than his two most recent projects in NYC- Chama Mama (a Georgian restaurant) and Dalup (an Indian fast-casual spot). His new cookbook, ‘The Tequila Diet’ hits the shelves and e-book platforms on May 5, 2022.

Aside from his restaurant and food truck experience, Dave works with a consulting group that provides innovation and insight to big food companies like ConAgra, PepsiCo and Yum Brands. These projects help big food companies keep on trend through research and meetings with the top chefs around the country to find out what’s happening out in the marketplace. This keeps him in tune with current and future trends and ensures that he on top of his game with nationwide trends and not just with what’s hot in NYC. Under these big food companies, he has worked for brands like Hunts, Rotel, KFC & Bertolli along with doing recipe development and desk side product launches for food commodities brands like Lamb Weston (Grown in Idaho and Alexia brands), The California Walnut Board and The US Apple Board.

When Dave isn’t working on restaurant projects or hosting immersions for major food companies he’s running his events division. Producing interactive corporate events for companies like Cisco Systems, UBS, 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 in one day at a time. Dave even made his way back to the small screen on Food Network’s Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen winning both shows.

Dave is proud to be “Fast Food Sober” for 17 years now and is an avid promoter, supporter and advocate for a healthier lifestyle through cooking with fresh, real ingredients.