Shows
Yachting ChannelFrom France to Superyachts: Chef Chris Demaillet on Culinary Excellence | Captain’s ChatFrom mastering Michelin-starred kitchens to redefining standards at sea, Chris shares his remarkable journey from France to the forefront of the superyacht chef industry. Gain insider insights on:
✅ Life as a chef aboard luxury yachts
✅ The importance of consistency in fine dining
✅ The growing demand for versatile, trained yacht chefs
✅ Challenges in chef recruitment and placement
✅ How Montclair Chef is shaping the future of culinary talent at sea
✅ Advice for aspiring yacht chefs and culinary professionals
Whether you're a yacht owner, aspiring crew, or culinary professional, this episode delivers valuable takeaways from one of...
2025-04-2344 min
The Montclair PodcastEpisode 22 - Paul SmithIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Smith, a seasoned entrepreneur, property investor, and wealth educator, whose journey from a challenging childhood marked by health issues to financial success is nothing short of inspiring.Paul dives deep into:- The critical difference between being rich and being truly wealthy- Why mindset and financial education are the Foundation for financial freedom- His real-life experiences in property investment and advice for navigating the UK market- How personal health struggles shaped his views on life, success...
2025-04-011h 32The Montclair PodcastEpisode 21 - Hugo OrtegaIn this conversation, Hugo Ortega shares his journey from studying engineering to becoming a captain in the yachting industry. He discusses the challenges of remote interviews, the realities of working on yachts, and the importance of mentorship. Hugo also highlights the creation of SuperYacht Sunday School, a platform aimed at helping others break into the industry. He offers valuable advice for aspiring yachties, emphasizing financial planning and the significance of choosing the right job. The conversation concludes with insights into the responsibilities of being a captain and the importance of swimming skills in yachting. In this conversation...
2025-03-2457 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 20 - Lara NormanIn this great discussion, Lara Norman takes us through her culinary evolution—from a young chef in Ibiza to Michelin-starred kitchens and ultimately creating her immersive dining experience, Euphoria. She highlights the role of creativity in cooking, her time on a cooking show, and her latest project, The Hourglass, which explores human conditioning through food.Lara also delves into the industry's challenges in burnout, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of gastronomy. The conversation touches on food trends, the power of performance in dining, and the significance of respect and innovation in the cu...
2025-03-171h 04The Montclair PodcastEpisode 19 - Nadia WarshavskayaIn this conversation, Nadia Warshavskaya shares her inspiring journey from Ukraine to becoming a successful charter broker in the yachting industry. She discusses her deep passion for crafting unforgettable yacht experiences, her transition into the world of superyachts, and the launch of her marketing agency, Spinnaker Bureau. Beyond her career, Nadia opens up about personal growth through yachting, her health journey, and her love for culinary arts—emphasizing the spiritual connection she finds in her work.Throughout the discussion, she highlights the importance of confidence and intuition and the transformative role of plant medicine in he...
2025-03-101h 13The Montclair PodcastEpisode 18 - Jemma HarissonIn this episode, Chris sits down with Jemma Harrison, a former journalist turned private chef and entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from the newsroom to the galley. Jemma shares how she transitioned from working in restaurants to becoming a yacht chef, embracing the autonomy and creativity that came with it. She also delves into the founding of The Galley Gang, a training program for yacht chefs, and highlights the importance of building a strong culinary community.Throughout the conversation, Jemma and Chris explore the evolution of a yacht chef’s career, touching on sk...
2025-03-031h 02The Montclair PodcastEpisode 17 - Brennan DatesIn this episode of the Montclair Podcast, host Chris sits down with Brennan Dates, a seasoned yacht chef with a diverse culinary background. Brennan recounts his journey from growing up in New England to attending culinary school and ultimately joining the yachting industry. He shares insights from his years working on various yachts, the challenges he faced, and the breathtaking experiences of cooking in remote locations like Alaska.After 22 years in the industry, Brennan took a break to embark on a motorcycle journey through Latin America, raising funds for Parkinson’s research. Now, he runs Super Y Ga...
2025-02-241h 15The Montclair PodcastEpisode 16 - Nina WilsonIn this episode, yacht chef Nina shares her journey from working as a stewardess and deckhand to becoming a head chef. She started in restaurants like Nando’s and took a short culinary course before moving into yachting.Nina worked on small yachts before landing a chef job on a 70-meter yacht with her partner. She now cooks for all kinds of guests, creating custom menus and fun dining experiences like tableside guacamole. She enjoys both charter and private trips and has even worked on a humanitarian yacht.Follow Chef Nina Wilson:Instagram: https://ww...
2025-02-171h 01The Montclair PodcastEpisode 15 - David SchlosserIn this episode, Chef David Schlosser shares his culinary journey, from training at the Culinary Institute of America to working in Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Inspired by Japanese cuisine during a trip to Japan, he shifted his focus to creating lighter, healthier dishes that respect tradition. Chef Schlosser opened his restaurant, Shibumi, which received a Michelin star in 2019, with the philosophy of "Shibumi" – creative restraint and humility. Follow Chef David Schlosser:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdavidschlosser/Website: https://www.shibumidtla.com/The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.m...
2025-02-1047 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 14 - Ryan SquiresIn this episode, we speak to the incredibly talented Ryan Squires, a chef who has mastered the art of fine dining in some of the world’s most prestigious 3-Michelin-star restaurants, including the French Laundry and El Bulli. He’s not just a culinary expert; he’s also run his restaurants in Australia, cooked on luxury yachts, and even reviewed for the San Pellegrino Top 50.But Ryan’s creativity doesn’t stop in the kitchen—he’s a passionate furniture maker and a big believer in originality. And get this—he’s even considering a run for Mayor of t...
2025-02-031h 05The Montclair PodcastEpisode 13 - Scott KiddIn this conversation, Scott Kidd shares his inspiring journey from working in IT to becoming a yacht captain and later transitioning into real estate. He dives into the unique challenges and rewards of the yachting industry, highlighting the importance of people skills, mentorship, and embracing the realities of life on a yacht. Scott also discusses the critical need for financial stability, the opportunities in real estate, and the mindset shifts required to achieve financial freedom. He emphasizes ambitious goal-setting, the balance between work and relaxation, and the value of sharing knowledge to help others...
2025-01-271h 06The Montclair PodcastEpisode 12 - Danny DaviesJoin us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Danny Davies as he takes us through his incredible journey from humble beginnings in the UK to becoming a celebrated yacht chef. Danny shares his early days in cooking, his time in the military, and his innovative teaching methods in the culinary arts. He also opens up about the ups and downs of working on luxury yachts, his passion for cooking, and the resilience that has defined his career.Danny dives into life as a yacht chef, recounting his experiences in the galley, navigating d...
2025-01-201h 14The Montclair PodcastEpisode 11 - Stacy MirabelloFrom Pastry stagier in Michelin Starred Restaurants to becoming a Johnson and Wales University professor.In this captivating discussion, Stacy Mirabello shares her inspiring journey from working as a pastry chef to becoming a professor at the renowned Johnson and Wales University. She delves into her passion for health and wellness in the culinary arts, the challenges within the restaurant industry, and the evolving role of women in the culinary field. Stacy reflects on her personal experiences, the significance of making a meaningful impact, and her vision for the future of food and education.
2025-01-1354 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 10 - Paul HealyPaul Healy, founder of Sabor Provisions in Barcelona, shares his culinary journey from working in restaurants to becoming a chef on a yacht. He talks about his experiences at renowned restaurants like The Fat Duck and Paco Torreblanca, and the valuable lessons he learned about work ethic and attention to detail. Paul also discusses the importance of adapting to the preferences of yacht owners and the challenges of working in a high-pressure, high-expectation environment. He emphasizes the significance of respect and fair compensation in maintaining a happy and dedicated crew. Paul's...
2025-01-061h 01The Montclair PodcastEpisode 09 - Lord Luke HammondIn this conversation, Chris interviews Luke Hammond, a former yacht captain, about his experience in the yachting industry. They discuss how Luke got into yachting, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. They also touch on crew retention, salaries in the industry, and the importance of building a strong team. Luke emphasizes the need for individuals to have an exit strategy and focus on personal development and transferable skills. He also highlights the unique experiences and opportunities for personal growth that yachting offers. In this conversation, Luke Hammond discusses chartering yachts and shares his perspective on whether...
2024-12-3049 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 08 - Jimmy GriffinIn this conversation, Chris Demaillet interviews Jimmy Griffin, a sixth-generation baker from Ireland, who shares his extensive experience in the baking industry, including his journey from family bakery to teaching and competitive baking. They discuss the evolution of baking, particularly in Asia, the impact of social media on baking trends, and the challenges faced by small bakeries today. Jimmy emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning in the culinary arts and the need for bakers to adapt to changing consumer preferences and operational challenges. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Jimmy discuss various themes including the impact of taxation on...
2024-12-231h 07The Montclair PodcastEpisode 07 - Lynsay KilbaneLynsay Kilbane, CEO and founder of The Mama Consultancy, shares her inspiring journey from working as a nanny to launching her own agency in Abu Dhabi. Recognizing a gap in the market for professional Western nannies in the Middle East, Lynsay set out to provide exceptional childcare and elevate the standards of nanny services in the region. Her upcoming Nanny Academy aims to equip nannies with essential skills and knowledge of Western childcare practices, helping to set a new benchmark for quality care.As an entrepreneur, Lynsay discusses the highs and challenges of building a business, highlighting...
2024-12-1653 min
Design Her TravelSuperyacht Jobs 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Crew Roles and Your Dream Travel Career | TRAVEL TALK #135From deckhands to stewardesses, there’s more to a superyacht crew than meets the eye! Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the roles that make luxury yachting happen.In this week’s Travel Talk episode as part of our Below Deck IRL series, host Kim Anderson dives into everything you need to know about superyacht crew roles—and trust us, it’s not as glamorous as you might think (but it’s definitely exciting!). Inspired by Kim's chat with Chris Demaillet, a Michelin-star chef turned 20-year veteran in the yachting w...
2024-12-1226 minDesign Her TravelHow to Become a Private Yacht Chef and Travel the World: Insights from a Superyacht Veteran #134What does it take to become a chef in one of the most exclusive industries in the world? This week’s episode is part of our Below Deck IRL: What It Really Takes to Work in the Superyacht Industry and Get Paid to Travel the World series. Host Kim Anderson chats with Chris DeMaillet, a seasoned chef with over 20 years of experience in the exclusive world of superyachts. From Michelin-starred kitchens to the high seas, Chris shares his journey and spills the tea on what it takes to thrive as a pri...
2024-12-1050 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 06 - Michael NizzeroMichael Nizzero, chef instructor at The Waterside Inn, a prestigious 3-Michelin-star restaurant in the UK, shares his journey in the culinary world and his role in shaping the new culinary school at The Waterside. He reflects on the evolving challenges in the restaurant industry, the crucial role of mentorship, and the growing reach of online cooking classes. Michael also discusses his involvement in a consulting business in West Africa, expanding his influence beyond the kitchen.When it comes to menu creation and launching new restaurants, Michael emphasizes the importance of collaboration with his team and the power...
2024-12-091h 04The Montclair PodcastEpisode 05 - Maarten BogaertsMaarten Bogaerts began his career as a chef before transitioning into hospitality service, ultimately becoming a hotel butler and working for the Belgian Royal Family. He highlights the distinction between private and professional service, noting that private service demands exceptional attention to detail. Maarten emphasizes that true quality and comfort in service go beyond monetary value, requiring a deep-seated culture of excellence within households and a structured household management system to maintain high standards.Drawing from his experiences working in Russia and his role with the Bogart Group, Maarten discusses his mission to elevate the service industry...
2024-12-0253 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 04 - Yllan LaloumYllan Laloum, a French private chef in the US, opens up about his culinary journey, offering insights and advice for aspiring chefs. He emphasizes the courage and adaptability needed to cook in America, where culinary expectations differ from those in France. Passion and constant availability, he notes, are essential to meet client demands successfully. Yllan reflects on his training in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and the unique advantages that being a European chef brings in the US.Sharing his transition from working with high-profile families to running his own private chef business, Yllan discusses the complexities of...
2024-11-2558 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 03 - Hannes HennchesIn this episode, Chris sits down with Hannes Hennches, a private chef and host of The Private Chef Podcast, to explore Hannes's unique journey in the world of private service. They discuss the resources available for aspiring private chefs, the challenges and rewards of working in private service, and the critical focus on health and well-being for culinary professionals. Hannes reflects on his experiences with different clients, emphasizing the need for creativity and adaptability to succeed in the industry.A transformative experience for Hannes was a 10-day silent meditation retreat, which profoundly shifted his perspective on time...
2024-11-1855 minThe Montclair PodcastMYS Special - Mathieu BarbeIn this bonus episode recorded live at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, we explore the demand for excellence and highly skilled crew members aboard superyachts and within UHNW residences. Our special guest, Mathieu Barbe, joins us to share his journey through the ultra-luxury industry, where he specializes in training crew members to elevate their skills to the highest standards. Mathieu’s expertise prepares teams to deliver exceptional service to the billionaires who charter or own some of the world’s largest superyachts.Learn more about Mathieu’s work and get in touch:Websi...
2024-11-1118 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 02 - Angela WallaceAngela Wallace, the visionary behind PersoTrainer.com, dives into the journey of building her accessible online personal training platform, which connects students globally. She discusses how COVID-19 catalyzed online education’s expansion and emphasizes the value of personalized, one-on-one coaching. Angela also shares insights into the MCA’s guidelines for the GUEST program, which promotes unified excellence in superyacht training, highlighting the diverse career paths available in the yachting world.Reflecting on her career, Angela talks about her evolution from starting a beauty salon in the U.S. to sailing adventures and ultimately becoming a purser. She unde...
2024-11-1159 minThe Montclair PodcastEpisode 01 - Rydo AntonIn this conversation, Rydo Anton, executive chef at Gaggan's in Bangkok, reflects on his inspiring journey from Indonesia to becoming a celebrated chef. He shares insights into his early experiences with food, the impact of his culinary education, and the influence Gordon Ramsay had on his career. Rydo also discusses Gaggan's evolution toward avant-garde cuisine, the importance of teamwork in maintaining high standards, and his ambitions for the future, including opening his own restaurant and his dream of cooking for a Formula One team.Follow Rydo Anton on Instagram: @rydo.anton. L...
2024-11-1149 minThe Montclair PodcastMYS Special - Dean Harrison @TheYachtChefThis special episode, recorded live at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, dives into the life of Dean Harrison, better known as @theyachtchef on Instagram. In this 20-minute conversation, we get to know the man behind the popular account, from his background to some unforgettable stories and insights contributing to his social media success.Follow Dean on multiple platforms for more content:Instagram: @theyachtchef and @motoryachtloonYouTube: The Yacht ChefsTikTok: @theyachtchefWeb: theyachtchefs.comThe 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com Follow Montclair Chef ⤵...
2024-11-1119 min
The Private Chef Podcast - Serving the 1%Episode 34: Elevate Your Career: How to Become a Successful Yacht ChefIn this exciting episode, a special guest is joining us: Chef Chris Demaillet, a seasoned super yacht head chef and author of the acclaimed Yacht Chef Guide. Get ready to embark on an incredible culinary journey as Chris takes us behind the scenes of the yachting industry and shares his fascinating story. Join us as we delve into the pivotal moment when he received an email that would change his life—an opportunity to become a sous chef on a 55-meter yacht in the Mediterranean and Caribbean!Don't forget to check out Chris's book, "The Yacht Ch...
2023-05-2354 min