A LIFE OF COOKING - DEAN BANKS
Dean Banks has spent his life being passionate about cooking, starting his career at the young age of 15. This early take to cooking was helped by growing up in a small fishing town called Arbroath, famous for the Arbroath Smokie, this set the scene and started him on the journey to becoming the accomplished chef he is today.
Deans career has taken him around the world, visiting over 40 countries. During these travels he has witnessed and absorbed many cultures, their styles, specialist skills, techniques and flavours of cooking.
When he was younger, Dean trained in what is regarded as the best seafood restaurant in Britain, Rick Stein's The Seafood Restaurant. Dean's thirst for learning brought him back to Scotland to work in many of Scotland's Michelin starred restaurants to refine his techniques and skills.
Dean then swapped the ocean for the mountains and based himself in Verbier. Here he found himself working in the best chalets in the world where he created incredible food for high end clientele. In the breaks between winter seasons Dean travelled the globe in search of different cuisines, culinary experiences and influences.
In 2018 Dean decided to move home to Scotland. This coincided with Dean feeling it to be the right time to enter Masterchef the professional where he wowed judges from the get go. Using the techniques, creativity and a showcase of the flavours from his travels Dean advanced to the final 3 of the 2018 show.
At this pivotal point in his cooking career Dean has now decided its time to showcase his food and dining style to the Scottish public by opening his first restaurant in St.Andrews.