Chef David Knight
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 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 such as President George Bush Sr., President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, members of the Secret Service Detail, Jacques Pepin, Roland Mesnier, Willie Nelson, Ricky Schroeder, The Smashing Pumpkins, String Cheese Incident, Juliette Binoche, Albert Kumin, the New York Giants, First Lady Michelle Obama, 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.
EDUCATION and PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- 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
BUSINESS and WORK HISTORY
Chef Owner | The Village Baker 2025 - Present
Head Chef | KDS | Penn College 2025 - Present
Executive Chef | Bostwick Social House at Bucknell University 2024 - 2025
Executive Chef | Farrington Place 2022 – 2024
Chef Owner | Kilted Chef, LLC 2017 - Present
Chef Instructor | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts 2018 - 2021
Chef Instructor | 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
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
AWARDS and RECOGNITION
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
NEWS and FEATURES
Finalist Sysco Global Cuisine Recipe Contest 2024 | Pear Sacchettini
Webb Weekly 2024
People’s Choice Award | Best Food | Williamsport Taste of the World 2023
EatThis.TV Network | Chef David Knight | Sweet & Savory | Pilot + 12 Episodes
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
