Gary Rhodes OBE (born April 22, 1960) is a British restauranteur, cookery writer, and celebrity chef, known for his love of British cuisine, distinctive hair style (which has since been shaved off) and use of butter and mustard (as he says - "if you dont like it, just add a little") in many of his recipes.
He has fronted BBC shows such as Masterchef, Hell's Kitchen, and his own series, Rhodes Around Britain. He has recently represented the South of England in the BBC's Great British Menu.
As well as owning four restaurants, Rhodes also has his own line of cookware and bread mixes.
Gary can now be seen on the new ITV1 programme Saturday Cooks.
Career
Born in South London in 1960, his family moved to Gillingham, Kent. He had an early love of food, and after training at Thanet technical college, where he met his wife, Rhodes decided to travel to expand his knowledge.
His first job was at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel, and he then toured Europe in various jobs before becoming sous chef at the Reform Club, Pall Mall and then on to the Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge.
Rhodes achieved the prestigious Head Chef position at the Castle Hotel, Taunton in Somerset. He retained the hotel's Michelin star, at just 26 years of age. This was based on British food, and this was what has developed Rhodes wider career and publicity.
In 1990 Rhodes returned to London and his family to became Head Chef at the Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair. The menu became known for reviving British classics, including faggots, fish cakes, braised oxtails and even bread and butter pudding. He was awarded a Michelin star for the Greenhouse in January 1996.
In 1997 he opened his first restaurant City Rhodes, and in 1997 Rhodes in the Square - both with global contract catering company Sodexho. This partnership expanded into the brasseries of Rhodes and Co in Manchester, Edinburgh and Crawley.
His first TV appearance was at the age of 27, courtesy of Glynn Christian on Hot Chefs. This led to Rhodes Around Britain and Garys Perfect Christmas. His first book was subsequently published.
Rhodes lives in Kent with Jennie and his two sons, Samuel and George.
He was created an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) on 17 June 2006.[1]
Restaurants
Trivia
- Gary is also a dotcom entrepreneur - he co-founded online restaurant booking site toptable