Introduction
Simon Gault is a well-known chef and restaurateur in New Zealand. He is widely recognized for his culinary expertise and his unique cooking style, which has earned him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. Born on 29th September 1963 in Auckland, Simon Gault has become one of the most respected chefs in New Zealand, with a reputation that extends beyond the country’s borders. In this biography, we will explore Simon Gault’s life, his career, and his contributions to the culinary world.
Early Life and Education
Simon Gault was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to parents who were both teachers. He grew up in a family that loved cooking and eating good food, and this sparked his interest in food from a young age. As a child, Simon would spend hours watching his mother and grandmother cook, and he soon developed a passion for food.
Simon attended Auckland Grammar School, where he excelled academically. After completing high school, he went on to study at the Auckland University of Technology, where he graduated with a degree in Hotel and Catering Management.
Career Beginnings
After completing his studies, Simon Gault began his culinary career at the age of 21. He started as an apprentice chef at Antoine’s, a well-known restaurant in Auckland. During his time at Antoine’s, Simon honed his skills in French cuisine, and he quickly became one of the restaurant’s most valuable chefs.
After working at Antoine’s for several years, Simon decided to broaden his horizons by traveling overseas. He spent time working in some of the world’s top restaurants, including La Tante Claire in London and Le Cirque in New York. During his time overseas, Simon learned new techniques and cooking styles that he would later incorporate into his own cooking.
Returning to New Zealand, Simon Gault became the head chef at the prestigious Pravda Café in Wellington. The restaurant became an instant success, and under Simon’s guidance, it soon became one of the top restaurants in the country. Simon’s success at Pravda Café earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Chef of the Year by Cuisine magazine in 2002.
Restaurants and TV Career
In 2002, Simon Gault opened his own restaurant, The French Café, in Auckland. The restaurant quickly became a hit with foodies, and it earned numerous awards and accolades. The French Café was named the Restaurant of the Year by Cuisine magazine in 2009 and 2010, and it was also awarded a coveted three-hat rating in the Cuisine Good Food Guide.
Simon Gault’s success as a chef and restaurateur led to him becoming a household name in New Zealand. He appeared as a judge on the popular cooking show, MasterChef New Zealand, and he also hosted his own cooking show, The Best of New Zealand with Simon Gault.
In 2012, Simon Gault opened another restaurant, Euro, in Auckland. Euro was designed to be a more casual dining experience than The French Café, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has been a huge success, and it has earned numerous awards and accolades.
In 2014, Simon Gault opened his third restaurant, Giraffe, in Auckland. Giraffe is a modern brasserie that serves contemporary cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has been praised for its innovative menu and stylish décor.
Simon Gault has also written several cookbooks, including “Modern Classics” and “More Simple Italian.” His cookbooks are popular with home cooks and professional chefs alike, and they showcase his unique cooking style and innovative recipes.
