About Donald Zammit
About Donald Zammit
Donald Zammit ended his 23-year tenure as a chef in 2017, leaving behind a legacy marked by passion, creativity, and a profound understanding of the culinary arts. His journey began at a young age and led him through the doors of numerous esteemed establishments, where he sharpened his skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for quality ingredients—often handpicked from local farmers' markets. He believed firmly that the caliber of components fundamentally shapes the flavor and texture of every dish.
Throughout his career, Zammit's culinary approach matured. He embraced seasonal produce to enhance the authenticity and richness of his cuisine. This commitment to freshness was not just a preference but a principle that defined his style.
Zammit’s passion for cooking was paralleled by his love for travel, which took him across the diverse landscapes of Western Europe. His explorations spanned the bustling cities and serene countryside of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, and Malta. In each place, he immersed himself in the local history, food, and traditions, enriching his culinary repertoire and broadening his horizons.
In England, Zammit delighted in the traditional flavors of humble pie, enjoying versions filled with steak and kidney, steak and ale, and chicken and mushroom, all nestled in rich pastry. Another favorite, Beef Wellington, featured a succulent beef filet enhanced with mustard, encased in mushrooms, Parma ham, and puff pastry.
The cuisines of France and Italy also heavily influenced his cooking. From France, he adopted techniques and ingredients like garlic, onions, carrots, celery, fresh herbs, butter, cream, and wine, integrating them into dishes that celebrated both flavor and finesse. Italian cuisine, from Tuscany’s rustic offerings to Sicily’s exquisite seafood, taught him to appreciate the diversity and creativity of regional cooking.
Donald Zammit's culinary journey extended to the Caribbean and Mexico, where he explored new flavors and techniques. His travels included the British Virgin Islands, the American Virgin Islands, Martinique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, and Mexico. Each destination offered unique culinary delights, such as stew chicken, savory fried plantains, coconut-infused seafood, and hearty rice and peas, reflecting the vibrant culture of each region.
In Mexico, he experienced innovative taco recipes, which included fillings such as suckling lamb in avocado leaf adobo and braised pork on smoked tortillas adorned with coriander, red jalapeño, and chickpea puree. These experiences underscored the importance of innovation in cooking, a principle that Zammit held dear.
Zammit also dedicated time to exploring the vast culinary landscape of the United States, traveling across most of the lower 48 states. His travels allowed him to sample a plethora of cuisines, enriching his palate and inspiring dishes that he continued to prepare for friends and family long after his professional career ended.
Beyond the kitchen, he is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, sailing, biking, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Fishing offshore remains one of his favorite activities, combining his love for nature with the thrill of the catch.
He also pursues adventure sports, holds a scuba diver’s certification, and has experienced the exhilaration of skydiving and heliskiing, activities that reflect his adventurous spirit.
Upon retiring, Zammit dedicated himself to giving back to the community. He serves on the board of the Edward H. Butler Foundation in Buffalo, New York, which supports a range of causes, including education and health. The foundation annually distributes grants to various organizations, helping to foster growth and development within the community.
Donald Zammit’s educational foundation was laid at Brooks School, where he graduated in 1995. He later attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science in 2000. This education not only prepared him for his culinary career but also instilled in him a lifelong commitment to learning and community service.
Zammit's Portraits: https://donaldzammit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/donald-zammit-believes-in-the-transformative-power-of-good-food-Copy.jpg