So that’s a couple of pretty big Kiwi’s to the right, and thankfully I am the one on the left. I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand as the youngest of three sons, all of whom had very healthy appetites. Knowing how to cook in our house was not only necessary, but also a requirement, so at eight years old I started learning how to cook and by my early teens I was getting dinner together for my entire family.
Despite what my mum says, she was actually my first teacher in the kitchen and I remember and still talk about how she would come home from work and half an hour later dinner was ready.
I entered the professional field at 15, and I moved to the US at 23. I have cooked in kitchens in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and I have been lucky enough to cook in three continents and enjoy dining in five.
For the last 22 years I have had some interesting jobs both in and out of the kitchen, from Night Club bouncer to Corporate Sales Trainer, but there has never been anything like the charge I get from creating a new dish or hearing “That is one of the best meals I have ever eaten.”
After a trip to Italy and France in 2008 I was working for one of Denver’s elite caterers, it was at this time that I started QUINNtessential as a part time venture, focusing on smaller events and bringing bigger flavors to the table. It was my way of bringing the restaurant experience to my clients.
When my son Quinn was born (that is him helping me in the picture,) I decided to take on both the role of full time small business owner and full time dad. It has been a fun ride so far and I look forward to bringing my experience in the kitchens of the world to you.
Cheers,
Justin and Quinn.