Chef David Knight's heart and soul is ingrained in the culinary field. He has over 30 years' experience as a professional chef, chef instructor and business owner. His vast experience in culinary and pastry, and diverse background has shaped him into the versatile and experienced Executive Chef/Business Owner he is today. 

 

Dave has worked in upscale and high-end restaurants, country clubs and culinary schools throughout Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Vermont and Washington D.C. He has cooked for celebrities and dignitaries including President George Bush Sr., President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, members of the Secret Service Detail, Jacques Pepin, Roland Mesnier, Willie Nelson, Ricky Schroeder, Juliette Binoche, Albert Kumin, the New York Giants, Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Senator Mark Udall.

Dave has a proven reputation with a solid work ethic, a wide body of knowledge in the science and physics of food, and is well-versed in fine dining preparation and delivery. Dave has complimented his leadership experience with over 20 years combined service in the US Army, Navy, and Search and Rescue teams and Back-of-the-House (BOH) management experience.

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EDUCATION and PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
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• American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certifications | Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef, Certified Working Chef, Culinary Educator, Certified Executive Pastry Chef (In Process)

• Associate Degree of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts | New England Culinary Institute | Essex, VT | 1992

• Graduate: Certificate of Baking and Pastries | Baltimore Culinary Institute | Baltimore, MD | 1990

• Member, American Culinary Federation | 1989 to 1994, 2014 to 2016

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BUSINESS and WORK HISTORY

 

• Chef Owner | Kilted Chef, LLC 2017 - Present

• Chef Instructor | Pastry + Culinary | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts 2018 - 2021

• Chef Instructor | Pastry + Culinary + Restaurant Operations | Art Institute of Colorado 2013 - 2018

• Chef Owner | The Village Patisserie 2013 - 2016

• Executive Pastry Chef | The Westin Hotel/Kachina Southwestern Grill 2012 - 2013

• Executive Pastry Chef | Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group 2010 - 2012

• Chef Instructor | Young Chef's Academy 2008 - 2010

• Head Chef | Bella Cuchina 2006 - 2007

• Pastry Chef | La Ferme 2005 - 2006

• Chef Owner | Backcountry Catering 2002 - 2005

• Chef | The Inn at Saw Mill Farms 2001 - 2002

• Chef/Head Pastry Chef/Am Sous Chef | Michael's at the Citadel 1999 - 2000

• Chef Instructor | Scottsdale Culinary Institute 1997 - 1998

• Manager/Training Officer | Durango Bagel Company 1996 - 1997

• Pastry Chef | Continental Breakfast Club 1995 - 1996

• Line Cook/Banquet Prep | The Willard Intercontinental Hotel 1992 - 1994

 

INTERNSHIPS 

 

• The Inn at Little Washington | Washington, VA 1992

• iRicci | Washington, DC 1991

• Hyatt Regency | Washington, DC 1990

 

MILITARY and VOLUNTEER SERVICE

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• Team Member, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (Boulder, CO) 2002 - 2003

• M109 Howitzer Crew Leader, U.S. Army National Guard 1/180 Field Artillery Unit 1996 - 2000

• Training Officer, Virginia DES Potomac Valley Search and Rescue (College Park, MD)  1994 - 2004

• Heavy Equipment Mechanic, U.S. Navy Reserve Construction Battalion 1985 - 1991

• Team Member, Coconino County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue (Flagstaff, AZ) 1996 - 1998

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AWARDS and RECOGNITION
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• First Place in Bethesda Iron Chef Competition at L' Academie de Cuisine | Gaithersburg, MD

• 7th Annual Pastry Chef Competition at 21 Club | New York, NY

• Food and Wine Magazine Awards | New York, NY

  • First Place for Best Desserts made with Espresso

  • First Place for Best Sugar Work

• First Place for Best Sugar Works, Domino's Sugar Award | New York, NY

• First Place Award, Student Chef Competition, Old Family Recipe | Baltimore, MD

• Original Recipe Campaign Feature | Idaho Potato Commission

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NEWS and FEATURES
 

EatThis.TV Network | Chef David Knight | Sweet & Savory Pilot

FSR Magazine December 2021

Idaho Potato Commission Food Service Ad Campaign Fall 2021​

The Latest Dish Fall 2021
High Timber Times 2015
Conifer Chamber of Commerce 2015
The Denver Post 2014
Sugar Loco 2013