Geoffrey Murray, Executive Chef
New Yorker Geoffrey Murray first started working in restaurants at the age of 13. Since then he has achieved international renown for his prowess in the kitchen.
Geoffrey has long combined his love of travel with his passion for cooking. During the '80s he travelled the globe in search of new ideas, catering and consulting as he designed new recipes for his 'Modern Ethnic' menus. After several stints in Paris, he went on to create culinary magic in Aspen, Colorado and Los Angeles, before storming the New York scene in 1992.
His restaurants - Boom in New York and Madrid, and Bang in Miami and Mexico City - garnered high praise and admiration from all quarters. Boom was voted 'Best New Restaurant of 1992' by Esquire magazine. Bang was voted 'Best New Restaurant in Miami's South Beach' by South Florida Magazine in 1993.
Geoffrey has received rave reviews from such high profile magazines as Gourmet, New York Magazine, Vogue and Elle. He has also appeared on diverse TV channels, such as MTV's House of Style during a segment showcasing Boom, and the Food Network with Robin Leach.
His reputation as a transcontinental chef landed him an invitation to interview for the job as the White House chef under the Clinton administration. Although flattered, he chose instead to accept a rare invitation to cook for the Bordeaux Wine Expo in France.
Always eager to conquer more kitchens, Geoffrey continued to accept more offers to cook for the influential Vin Expo in Verona, Italy, as well as to act as host chef for numerous Krug Champagne events, including one held at the James Beard House of Manhattan, New York. He also embarked on an extensive exploration of global cuisine during 1995, visiting countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Morocco and Spain.
Geoffrey fell in love with South Africa during his first visit to the country in 1998 when he brought his magic to the Makalali private game reserve kitchen.
His move to South Africa's Garden Route as Executive Chef of Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, is the latest chapter in a long and distinguished career.
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