About The Rustic Chef
My journey (so far)...
I'm Martin Dawkins, aka The Rustic Chef. With over two decades in the kitchen, I've earned three rosettes and even a nod from the Michelin guide!
It all started with Marcus Wareing at Petrus, where I learned the ropes. Back in Hampshire at Le Poussin, under Alex Aitken's wing, things really took off. That's where I fell in love with sourcing and using local ingredients – fresh and authentic is the name of the game.
The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist. I pick ingredients with a low carbon footprint, supporting local producers in Hampshire. It's not just about delicious dishes; it's about doing right by the environment and our community. My cooking philosophy is simple – let the flavours shine. No need for too much fancy stuff; fresh and vibrant ingredients can speak for themselves. Every dish is my way of saying thanks to what nature provides.
When I'm not cooking up a storm, you might catch me at food festivals and doing live demos. Recently, I hosted the Chef's Demonstration Theatre at the New Forest Show. It's all about sharing the love for good food.
So, join me on a fun culinary adventure, where every dish tells a story of passion, dedication and a love for the simple joys of great food that is easy to create. I want to inspire and motivate you to make healthy, tasty dishes using great ingredients that don’t cost the earth or take long to make!