RIDGEWAY - Key Persons

Like many of the world's greats, his inspiration for cooking stems from fond young memories in the kitchen. He was first introduced to the kitchen at age seven, cooking alongside his Thai Aunty preparing banquets as well as helping in his family's traditional pizza restaurant after school. At 14, Daniel started in his first professional kitchen and at 15 began his apprenticeship at a five-star international resort where his passion for cooking flourished. After working in London at Michelin star restaurants including The Square at Mayfair London, Daniel headed to Vancouver and worked with award winning Chef David Hawkesworth at West Restaurant. He then returned to Australia to take a position with well-known Melbourne chefs including Andrew McConnell. Daniel was then requested to return to the Gold Coast to open Sofitel Gold Coast's signature restaurant, Room81 and soon became Executive Chef for Sofitel Broadbeach. However his career swiftly progressed when he was asked to relaunch the luxurious JW Marriott in Khao lak Thailand. When he finally returned home to Australia at 28, he became the youngest Executive Chef at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - and indeed within the international brand worldwide. Over the years Daniel had developed his own sought-after flair with food, gaining a myriad of industry recognition and restaurant success beyond his years. It was then time to fulfil his lifelong dream of starting his own culinary empire starting with Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar which open in 2010. The fine dining restaurant has won numerous awards including the Gold Coast Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best European Restaurant Australia and hats with the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide and Good Food Guide Queensland. Following the success of Little Truffle Dining Room and Bar, the BiN Bar & Dining brand was created with the first location in Burleigh in 2013 titled BiN 12. The Ridgeway Group headed by Daniel & Ruggie Ridgeway now own and operate three notable restaurants - Little Truffle, BiN 232 & PBA, with sister company Ridgeway Catering offering premium food, beverage & service to wedding, corporate events & beyond.