Donald Zammit

Donald Zammit concluded his impressive 23-year career as a chef in 2017, having nurtured a deep passion for the culinary arts from a young age. Throughout his career, he worked in various esteemed establishments, where he developed a knack for creating foundational flavors, mastering sautéing techniques and exploring the art of sauce-making. He was dedicated to the harmony of sweet and savory and was a strong advocate for using fresh ingredients, which he believed were crucial for enhancing a dish's flavor and texture. He often sourced these ingredients from local farmers' markets. Over the years, his culinary approach evolved to include a strong emphasis on seasonal fruits and vegetables, aiming to provide the freshest and most enriching dining experiences. His career was also profoundly influenced by his passion for travel, which allowed him to explore a vast array of cuisines and cultures. His culinary adventures took him throughout Western Europe, including visits to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, and Malta, where he immersed himself in each nation's unique history, food, and traditions. In England, he took particular pleasure in traditional dishes like humble pies and Beef Wellington. His experiences in France and Italy were transformative, infusing his dishes with staple ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh herbs and adopting techniques that celebrated each region's culinary arts, from Tuscany's rustic dishes to Sicily's rich seafood. His exploration extended to the Caribbean and Mexico, where the vibrant local flavors further enriched his culinary palette. He enjoyed traditional Caribbean dishes like stew chicken and coconut-infused seafood, and in Mexico, he explored new takes on tacos that incorporated unique local flavors. Although he no longer practices professionally, he continues to explore the diverse culinary landscape of the United States, bringing the flavors he discovers to life in his kitchen for friends and family. Beyond his culinary endeavors, he is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, sailing, biking, and swimming. He is also an adventurer at heart, holding a scuba diver’s certification and experiencing thrills through skydiving and heliskiing. Donald Zammit retired early to devote more time to philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of the Edward H. Butler Foundation in Buffalo, New York. This foundation supports various educational and cultural projects and provides grants to multiple organizations annually. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology, completed in 2000.