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David Waltuck
James Beard Award winner
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i. Biography
David Waltuck is an Executive Chef Consultant who has moved between the kitchen, consulting, and teaching. He and his wife Karen opened Chanterelle in SoHo in 1979; he later served there as executive chef and restaurateur in TriBeCa from 1979 to 2009. He has said, "Stay grounded in the classics."
The Essentials He has also worked as a consultant and teacher. His approach is stated clearly in his own words: "Mastery of technique and respect for tradition allows for creativity and improvisation." He has also said, "Since the vast majority of my career has been spent in my own kitchen, I did not work under a chef who was a mentor to me."
In Their Words “Mastery of technique and respect for tradition allows for creativity and improvisation.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of David
Who is David Waltuck?
He is an Executive Chef Consultant and executive chef at First Course NYC in New York City, and he and his wife Karen opened Chanterelle in 1979.
What is David Waltuck known for?
He served as executive chef and restaurateur at Chanterelle from 1979 to 2009 and favors a classics-first approach built on technique and tradition.
