Chef Dave spent many summer days of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan picking cherries and catching wild Perch. After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Dave went on to work in some of the top kitchens in New York City, Boston, Cape Cod and the Napa Valley, including the prestigious French Laundry in Yountville, California. 

Dave has a dynamic cooking style that has been been described as fresh, clean and honest with a focus on big, bright and bold flavors. Dave showcases high quality, local ingredients when possible using classical techniques from around the world.

Growing tired of the hustle, bustle and stress of corporate life and with fond memories of his childhood, Dave decided to move full time to Petoskey, where he has lived with his dog since June of 2017.  Happy to have returned to a more simple life, Dave currently teaches cooking classes and is available for intimate gatherings and catered events.

In September of 2019 Chef Dave completed all of the necessary requirements to work as a yacht chef and is planning to relocate to Southern Florida to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling the world.