Damien is a second generation Australian of French descent. His mother was a wonderful cook whose craft inspired him to make restaurants his career. In 1966 Damien began a four year comprehensive course in catering and hotel management at William Angliss College in Melbourne.
His career began in catering and led to teaching at and the administration of a Melbourne cooking school. His dream was realised six years after graduating when he was appointed Executive Chef of Pavilion on the Park in 1978, then one of Sydney’s top restaurants.
In 1981 Damien and his wife, Josephine bought Claudes restaurant and devoted 13 years to his highly acclaimed boutique restaurant. In 1992 Damien went into partnership with Ron White and purchased the Woollahra Hotel, creating Bistro Moncur, now in its 16th year. The partnership also owns the Bellevue Hotel in nearby Paddington offering a high standard of pub food.
Damien has established nine successful Sydney restaurants and maintained his teaching career throughout.
Damien’s first book French was published in October 2005 which has been a brilliant success and his next book is due in September 2010.
