Welcome Chef Dave:
We’re joined on the Starline by one of the most memorable chefs of reality TV. He’s a chef, culinary consultant, cookbook writer and philanthropist. His latest project is his cookbook “The Tequila Diet”. We welcome “He’s not your bitch, bitch” we welcome Chef Dave Martin.
Dave, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “The Tequila Diet” takes you on a taste sensation ride around Mexican flavors and it all was as a result of Italy.
Everyone knows of your history in Top Chef, but before that you were at the University of Redlands. What did you take away from your time there?
You left the booming tech sector to graduate with honors from Le Cordon Blue Pasadena. What were your dreams growing up and how did they change?
Dave what was 1st job in high school & college?
How did your dad help you in your search to discover yourself? He had to give you more than blue eyes and a horrible sense of humor?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Slot machine you always gravitate to in Vegas?
2. Chefs are known to work long hours, do you fall asleep with the tv or radio still on?
3. Do you prefer sunny or rainy days?
4. Least favorite basket item found in a Chopped basket?
5. The one thing you always want to find when you go to a farmers market?
6. Least favorite food?
7. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?
8. Which chef did you idolize now?
The Back Half with Chef Dave Martin:
Dave, why do you have such passion for food? Like to make people happy…
Talking about neurosis nmatter how hard you try, this is the one thing you struggle cooking?
You’re a hustler, you said it yourself. Why was this book the next perfect hustle?
Food trucks are everywhere offering $20 tacos. Where you stand on overpriced food?
Where can you find the best bite that you haven’t cooked yourself?
You are on a tour of nations & their food, Southern BBQ, Southeast Asian & Eastern European. Consultant for several restaurants, some successful, some not. Where is your home for your palate?
What’s on your favorite pie?
“The Tequila Diet” has everything from drinks, appetizers to entrees. Why did you put these selections of recipes in the book?
You are a people pleaser. How does simplification of your recipes help your reader?
How has your techniques change as technology change over the years like the Instapot and Sous Vide?
Dave, What does Tequila add to a recipe?
Which recipe would you have put in the book if there was room?
We talked about therapy earlier… when and where were you the happiest?
Chef, how did the pandemic affect you and alter how you view the restaurant business?
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
You have Dave’s homemade cookbooks, rubs & sauces. How does being an entrepreneur fill your soul and yet consume it at the same time?
One Big Question:
The culinary world is usually portrayed as having a dark, seedy, side with chefs being ego driven, unscrupulous owners and a number of con-men involved on both sides. What is the one lesson you learned, that still affects how you do business?
The Wrap:
Hustler by nature, won’t catch him eating anything with Mayo and loves Wolfgang Puck. His book is “The Tequila Diet” Chef Dave Martin thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with author’s here.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with Chef’s here.
