Chef David Martone is the owner and executive Chef of Classic Thyme Cooking School. At a very young age David had a keen interest in food. Learning to cook came easy as David was influenced by his entire family. David's Dad always told him that his Mother taught him to do all the basics at a young age, cooking, sewing, and cleaning, so that he could face the world knowing he could take care of himself. David's interest grew as his palate developed and food soon became a passion that is now a driving force in his life. Waking up at 2 AM in the morning, with a NYC Little Italy or Chinatown craving, was normal, and David would think nothing of calling and waking up his good friend Joe at that hour to make the trip for a meal.
Pursuing his interest in food, in the early 1980s, David owned an Italian market specializing in home cooked items and exceptional produce. After graduating from the French Culinary Institute in 1989, under the direction of world renowned Chef Jacques Pepin, David went to work at the Chez Catherine Restaurant in Westfield, NJ. David started teaching in the Westfield area in 1991 and pursued a higher level of culinary education earning the designation of C.C.P. (Certified Culinary Professional) through the International Association of Culinary Professionals (I.A.C.P.). David worked as a board member of The New York Association of Cooking Teachers, (NYACT) for several years.
As an active member of the Westfield community, David volunteered as a Board member, Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Downtown Westfield Corporation. He is currently Co-Chair of Westfield SNAC, a School Nutrition Advisory Council, he is a member of the Westfield Optimist Club, founder of the Italian Club of Westfield and Third Degree Brother of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 1711.
He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, I.A.C.P. and holds the designation of Certified Culinary Professional, CCP. He is also the host of the popular cable television cooking show, 'Cooking Thyme," which airs on TV 36.
Chef David has been featured in
numerous publications such as the Dining In section of The New York
Times, Garden Plate Magazine, Savor section of The Star Ledger and New
Jersey Monthly.
