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Darren Simpson studied and began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born. Within two years of landing his first job, Darren was named UK’s Young Chef of the Year. At 21, he was and still is, the youngest ever winner of this prestigious annual award open to all UK chefs under the age of 25.
From 1992 to 1999, Darren trained and worked with some of the greatest. He has worked in restaurants such as: Paul Rankin’s Michelin-starred Roscoff, Ireland; Albert Roux’s Michelin-starred Le Gavroche, London; Sally Clarke’s Clarke’s, London; Simon Hopkinson’s Bibendum, London; as joint Head Chef of the acclaimed River Café, London; and Head Chef at Sir Terence Conran’s Sartoria in Savile Row, London.
In 1999, Darren was head-hunted to become the Head Chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant at Sydney’s East Circular Quay. Having received fantastic reviews, Darren’s food has been described as “dynamic” and “big-flavoured”. Darren then opened the award-winning La Sala (The Room), a modern Italian restaurant in 2005.
Darren can soon be seen on the brand new series of, The Best in Australia. The second 8x60mins series, based on the hit BBC series, The Best, will screen on The LifeStyle Channel from the end of August.
His TV appearances also include resident chef on Sunrise; presiding as judge on hit reality show, My Restaurant Rules; presenter on lifestyle program, Live This; and Ready Steady Cook. Off the screen, Darren has attended invitations as MC and/or speaker of key food and wine events across Australia.
Darren has written for various national and overseas publications: Food Feature writer, ‘Esquire Magazine’ - UK; contributing food writer, ‘FHM’ – Australia; contributing food writer, ‘Selector Magazine’ – Australia; Food Editor, ‘Live This Magazine’ - Australia; and contributor, Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Good Living’ - Australia.
Darren clearly knows how to cook courses of fine Italian dishes; all garnished with his cheeky infectious Irish charm. As he says, it’s all about “keeping it simple.”
You have to try the Nemesis recipe...... Amazing!
Darren you are such an amazing chef :) Love your work
So kfc is great food? $ have anything to do with it? Zero credibility left Darren
What a co-incident my son is also a Darren but he spells his name with an at the end and he too loves tp cook and create scrumptous meals.
Darren I'm going to try your tater Margarita :) Yummm
where are you now Darren? Lyn.
darren i like when you cook you do alot of good meals. i think you should come up to the whitsundays and show these chef's how to cook real food.
Yum Yum Yum Darren is :D
ok daz diet time
Where are you going next ... I can't wait to follow you!!!
Hello Darren Where are you now? We are missing you at Barrenjoey House!
darren you are the best on show. need a lambshank recipes please.
Great show! Love the banter between the 3 of you and the food always looks and sounds so scrummy. Wish I could be one of the judges some time
I love u heaps Darren!! You are so awesome and funny! I wanna marry u you're that cute!
Ben and Anna give you heaps Dazza please give it back....you know you want too
OMG I can’t stand Ben! He seems to forget that his attitude is documented on film! Does anyone recall the ridiculous statement he made about Darren using French butter?
Ben: Sure you’d use French butter, isn’t Aussie butter good enough for you? Darren: Well I’m sure the fish sauce you’re using isn’t Australian Ben: Yeah, but it’s not from the other side of the world
Yeah, great argument Ben... does he even work in a restaurant?
I'm a big fan Darren you are letting us follower's down or has the sass in the sheila won the hearts of the???? foodies.
Oh please Darren, wipe the smile off Anna's and Ben's faces and get back up in the points!! I loved it last season when you were completely overtaking them!! I don't like people who gang up on others so 'bring them down'!! You're an awesome chef who creates fab food, so keep it up. Cheers!!
I LIKED DARREN ON READY STEADY COOK, SUCH A LAUGH WHEN INTERACTING WITH PETER. I ALSO LIKE HIM AS A HAPPY GO LUCKY PERSON.
hi Darren I love the black serving dishes you used in a couple of the recipes. Any idea where I can get some
I agree that Ben and Anna are giving you a bit of a hard time on the best 3 . Hang in there . Love Irish accents .
The Best in Australia must be the most entertaining cooking show on TV. I am looking forward to the next series. Does Darren have a restaurant here in Perth?
Hi no his Restaurant is Barrenjoey House in Plam Beach Sydney.
darren you are the biggest spunk in the world will you cook me breakfast??????? LOL
Darren, I'm missing you as well as Anna and Ben on The Best In Australia. Any chance of another series happening soon?
Series 3 of The Best starts August 15 on Lifestyle Food.
darren your awesome i love everything you cook and your hot!!
Interesting show
I agree, it is a great show and all three chefs are outstanding. I think the healthy rivalry and comic banter helps to make the show what it is, entertaining while imparting knowledge and skills.
it is the best show cant get enough love it is great
I think you are brilliant. I would eat every single dish you create. I wish Ben would stop mocking every single thing you do! It's becoming annoying (and even Anna is joining in!). Can't wait to see what you come up with next...YUM!
I really enjoy watching you on Ready, Steady Cook. I find your recipes inspiring and often wish I could be the one eating them. I think you are very funny and I don't think the show would be the same without you. Good luck in the future and keep up the good work.
Your food is spectacular. I really enjoyed all 3 courses on NYE at Barrenjoey House and nice to meet you following our meal. All the best - you deserve all the success that comes your way