DARREN SIMPSON 

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 has trained and worked with some of the greatest, 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”.

Simpson dares to 'keep it simple'.  His culinary principle revolves around the unyielding belief and respect of delivering an experience to his customers.  His dishes are personally designed to reflect the freshest variety of Australian seasonal produce.

Darren is resident chef of Australia's highest rating morning current affairs program, 'Sunrise', on Channel 7.  His other TV appearances include presiding as Judge on hit reality show, 'My Restaurant Rules' on Channel 7, Presenter of lifestyle program 'Live This' on Channel 10 and guest chef on Ready Steady Cook on Channel 10.  Darren is the star of Lifestyle's exciting new television program 'The Best', featuring Ben O'Donoghue, Anna Gare and Darren in their quest to find the best of culinary dishes around!  Do not miss this hot new prime time program airing in June.

Off the screen, Darren has attended invitations as MC and/or speaker of key food and wine events across Australia, and holds the prestigious title of ambassador for the Children's Food Education Foundation.
Simpson has penned words for various national and overseas publications: Food Feature writer, 'Esquire Magazine' - UK; Food Editor, 'Live This Magazine' - Australia; and Contributor, Sydney Morning Herald's 'Good Living' - Australia.

Darren Simpson clearly knows how to cook courses of fine Italian dishes; all of garnished with his cheekily infectious Irish charm.  As he said, it's all about 'keeping it simple."

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