Episode 17 - Brennan Dates
02/24/25 • 75 min
In this episode of the Montclair Podcast, host Chris sits down with Brennan Dates, a seasoned yacht chef with a diverse culinary background. Brennan recounts his journey from growing up in New England to attending culinary school and ultimately joining the yachting industry. He shares insights from his years working on various yachts, the challenges he faced, and the breathtaking experiences of cooking in remote locations like Alaska.
After 22 years in the industry, Brennan took a break to embark on a motorcycle journey through Latin America, raising funds for Parkinson’s research. Now, he runs Super Y Gallet Designs, a business focused on optimizing yacht galley layouts and equipment for chefs.
In their conversation, Chris and Brennan explore the chaos of yacht galleys, the urgent need for better design, and the importance of advocating for improved working conditions for chefs. They discuss how galley efficiency impacts guest satisfaction, the realities of yacht salaries, and the increasing shift toward rotational work schedules for crew members.
The discussion also dives into the significance of quality kitchen equipment, the challenges of open-flame cooking onboard, and the daily hurdles yacht chefs encounter. Beyond the professional aspects, they touch on the importance of relaxation amidst the demanding lifestyle and Brennan’s foray into YouTube as a platform for storytelling and inspiration.
Brennan shares his passion for travel, his motivation for documenting his journey, and his hope to inspire others in and beyond the yachting industry.
Follow Brennan here:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olive.oil.and.gasoline
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefBrennan
- Personal Website: https://www.brennandates.com
- Superyachtgalleydesign: https://superyachtgalleydesigns.com/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliveoilgasoline
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brennandates
The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com
Follow Montclair Chef ⤵
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM
📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs
Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book
🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud
In this episode of the Montclair Podcast, host Chris sits down with Brennan Dates, a seasoned yacht chef with a diverse culinary background. Brennan recounts his journey from growing up in New England to attending culinary school and ultimately joining the yachting industry. He shares insights from his years working on various yachts, the challenges he faced, and the breathtaking experiences of cooking in remote locations like Alaska.
After 22 years in the industry, Brennan took a break to embark on a motorcycle journey through Latin America, raising funds for Parkinson’s research. Now, he runs Super Y Gallet Designs, a business focused on optimizing yacht galley layouts and equipment for chefs.
In their conversation, Chris and Brennan explore the chaos of yacht galleys, the urgent need for better design, and the importance of advocating for improved working conditions for chefs. They discuss how galley efficiency impacts guest satisfaction, the realities of yacht salaries, and the increasing shift toward rotational work schedules for crew members.
The discussion also dives into the significance of quality kitchen equipment, the challenges of open-flame cooking onboard, and the daily hurdles yacht chefs encounter. Beyond the professional aspects, they touch on the importance of relaxation amidst the demanding lifestyle and Brennan’s foray into YouTube as a platform for storytelling and inspiration.
Brennan shares his passion for travel, his motivation for documenting his journey, and his hope to inspire others in and beyond the yachting industry.
Follow Brennan here:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olive.oil.and.gasoline
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefBrennan
- Personal Website: https://www.brennandates.com
- Superyachtgalleydesign: https://superyachtgalleydesigns.com/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliveoilgasoline
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brennandates
The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com
Follow Montclair Chef ⤵
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM
📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs
Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book
🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud
Previous Episode
Episode 16 - Nina Wilson
In this episode, yacht chef Nina shares her journey from working as a stewardess and deckhand to becoming a head chef. She started in restaurants like Nando’s and took a short culinary course before moving into yachting.
Nina worked on small yachts before landing a chef job on a 70-meter yacht with her partner. She now cooks for all kinds of guests, creating custom menus and fun dining experiences like tableside guacamole. She enjoys both charter and private trips and has even worked on a humanitarian yacht.
Follow Chef Nina Wilson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrewchef/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@the_crewchef
The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com
Follow Montclair Chef ⤵
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM
📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs
Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book
🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud
Next Episode
Episode 18 - Jemma Harisson
In this episode, Chris sits down with Jemma Harrison, a former journalist turned private chef and entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from the newsroom to the galley. Jemma shares how she transitioned from working in restaurants to becoming a yacht chef, embracing the autonomy and creativity that came with it. She also delves into the founding of The Galley Gang, a training program for yacht chefs, and highlights the importance of building a strong culinary community.
Throughout the conversation, Jemma and Chris explore the evolution of a yacht chef’s career, touching on skill development, mentorship, and the ingenuity required when cooking in a yacht’s ever-changing environment. They also discuss the influence of social media on chefs’ self-perception, the balance between quality and practicality in luxury dining, and how guest expectations can vary widely.
Beyond her culinary career, Jemma reflects on her shift from journalism to cooking, her passion for tea entrepreneurship, and her latest venture Four Twentea —a CBD tea brand. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of self-care, finding balance in a fast-paced profession, and the nostalgia of working at sea. Jemma offers insights into her projects, sharing the joys and challenges of her endeavours.
This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into the world of yacht chefs, their adaptability, and the pursuit of passion beyond the galley.
Follow Jemma Harisson and her businesses:
CBD Tea: https://fourtwentea.com/
The Galley Gang: https://www.thegalleygang.com/
The Galley Gang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galley_gang/?hl=en
Chef Jemma Harisson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemma.the.chef/?hl=en
The 🌎's Best Private Chef Agency: www.montclairchef.com
Follow Montclair Chef ⤵
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
✅ Find a Private Chef TODAY! t.ly/PM9fM
📍 Yacht & Private Chef Jobs: recruiterflow.com/montclairchef/jobs
Become a Yacht Chef Today! Read ➪ The Yacht Chef Guide Book
🎧 Sound track by Joakim Karud
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