James Martin (chef)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Martin (born June 30 1972 in Yorkshire, England, UK) is a British celebrity chef who first appeared on television in 1996. He owns a bespoke kitchen design and manufacturing business in St Albans called Underwood. Antony Worrall Thompson, another celebrity chef, brought him to London to work in the kitchens of 190 Queensgate, followed by dell’Ugo. In 1993 he opened the Hotel du Vin and Bistro in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu every day. It was a success, with an eight-week waiting list for a table.
James Martin often appears on the television show Ready Steady Cook on the BBC Two channel. In 2005 Martin partnered with Camilla Dallerup in Strictly Come Dancing, a celebrity ballroom dancing TV show, coming fourth. James has recently been seen on the Channel 4 programme Richard & Judy, where he would visit a member of the public in their own home who had been nominated to be cooked a 'comfort food' meal. He is now the presenter of the new version of the BBC One show Saturday Kitchen, which is being made by Cactus Productions, the company behind the Richard & Judy show after ITV poached the previous presenter (ironically, Antony Worral Thompson) and production team behind the show. James also appears in BBC Food's Stately Suppers with Alistair Appleton.
Some James Martin trivia
- He owns a Clumber Spaniel called Fudge.
- James was named Student of the Year 3 years running whilst he was studying at Scarborough Techical College.
- James was brought up on a farm in Yorkshire which explains his passion for gardening and good wholesome home cooking.
- James famously caused controversy by suggesting people use 8 eggs!!! to make Yorkshire Pudding. He justified this by saying he was following a recipe his grandmother used.
- James has a passion for cars and owns several.
- In 1998 he took part in BBC's Children in Need with some of his Ready Steady Cook colleagues and performed The Full Monty to raise money.
- James has named Italy as one of his favourite places, in particular Florence.
