Chef David Drake

David Drake is the Chef-Owner of Restaurant David Drake in Rahway
as well as executive chef and co-owner of Daryl wine bar and restaurant
in New brunswick, New Jersey. He has over twenty five years of experience
in the hospitality field. He not only operates his restaurant but is a
consultant to other operators as well. His experience as an owner-chef
gives him the unique ability to trouble shoot other establishments.

Mr. Drake first became fascinated by the restaurant business
while working as a dishwasher at the famous Chez Odette in New Hope,
Pennsylvania at the age of seventeen.  He recalls learning
quickly that organization and hard work were keys to success.
Eventually, his interest in the kitchen lured him from a career in
film production and communications.

Born in Summit, New Jersey, David has spent much of his time working
to elevate the standards of fine dining in New Jersey.  Early on
as the food revolution erupted, Mr. Drake became widely recognized for
his culinary contributions as executive chef at the Frog and the Peach in
New Brunswick. Other valuable work experiences included time spent in the
kitchens of Restaurant Taquet (chef Jean Francois Taquet) in Philadelphia,
The River Café (chef David Burke) in Brooklyn, the Ryland Inn
(chef Craig Shelton) in Whitehouse, 14 Wall Street, New York City where he
was the executive chef and for nine years as executive chef and owner
of the Stage House Inn.

He has invested time traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany
to enhance his knowledge and inspire his vegetable driven evolutional
cuisine. He is widely considered one of the top chefs in New Jersey by
both the general public and his peers alike.  A "chef's chef,"
he sets the standard through his simple, yet elegant cooking style and
expert use of the highest quality ingredients.  Under his training,
the chef's protéges have advanced to positions in noteworthy
kitchens such as Jean Georges, Lespinasse, Daniel, Bouley, Le Cirque,
Town, Sumile, Le Bernadin, Eleven Madison Park and Juliet (Brooklyn).

Mr. Drake has three children; Emily who is twelve, Griffin is eight and Julian
is three.  He and his wife Liliana reside in Summit, New Jersey.