Chef Dave Edukaitis

Chef Dave Edukaitis is Executive Banquet Chef at the New York Palace Hotel, NYC, NY      

5 Star, 5 Diamond, Luxury hotel in NYC

    A member of the American Culinary Federation where I have won numerous acolades in Culinary competions, most recently being named "Chef of the year" for 2009 by NEPA Pro Chef Assoc. I have been featured in both National & Local magazines and papers.

   I grew up in Wilkes Barre, Pa and started my Culinary career as a potwasher at age 15 and worked my way up to Prep cook and then Line cook.

   From there I began my education by graduating from Luzerne County Community College's Culinary program in 1984 under the direction of Chef Robert McNeil C.E.C. and moved to the Pocono Mountains to work the resort circuit for 4 years including; Caesar's, The famous Mt Airy Lodge and Skytop Lodge a 4 star hotel. I opened my own catering business in 1993 and operated that thru the 90's. While the catering business was doing good I still missed the thrill of the Ala cart line. I strive under pressure growing up in the heat of the battle on the line. So by 2000 I closed the business and returned to the restaurants as Executive Chef of the Waldmere Hotel in NJ and went back to continuing my education.

   I've attended various Seminars and conferences thru my ACF affiliation while taking courses at the Culinary Institute, International school confectionary arts and The French Culinary Institute including Molecular Gastronomy, the latest craze.

   I have spent the last 10 years in 3 & 4 star restaurants in North Jersey & Manhatten. The Black Horse Tavern in Mendham, NJ, The Marlin on Jersey Shore's Long Beach Island to name a few. I am currently at BB King's Blues and Grill Club we are hoping for our 1st Michelin Star this summer.

   I am a member & volunteer at the James Beard House in NYC and have also attended the 1st 4 International Chefs Congress.

   Please watch your stores this summer as Chef Dave opens a new business venture. I will be releasing my own line of sauce's in your favorite grocery stores.

 The name will be "Bernard Mt Farms". Bernard has 2 meaning, 1st it was my fathers name ans 2nd it stands for the dogs we raise, St Bernards, our Merlin is 226lbs. The Mt Farms is natural living in the mountains and doing a large amount of organic gardening including a 12 x 18 greenhouse that runs all year round.