Every plate that we put together achieves the cuisine
defining balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty.
Every plate that we put together achieves the cuisine
defining balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty.
We create custom dining experiences just for you.
We create custom dining experiences just for you.
Founder of Dining by Design, Chef Thomas, leads his team to create a truly unique dining experience for his clients in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
A native of Canada, Thomas brings over 22 years of culinary experience to the table — crediting his inspiration to his mother, a trained cook from Switzerland. The first dish he helped her prepare was the classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara, still his favourite dish today.
Thomas attended the Culinary Arts Program at Fanshawe College in Toronto. Upon graduation, his desire to travel led him to Scotland and his first role as Sous Chef at the Claymore Hotel. His passion for using the freshest ingredients was born here in the Highlands.
The next phase of his journey brought a baker's apprenticeship in Switzerland. During his time off, he would do stages in various restaurants around the country, which formed the basis of his experience in classic French cuisine.
Following his tour of Europe, Thomas returned to formal education. He entered another Culinary Arts program at the George Brown College in Toronto, where he interned for the renowned Michael Stadtlander of Eigensinn Farm. With more qualifications gained, Thomas was named Chef de Tourant (Relief Chef) for the Distillery Group; with its multiple restaurants and menus — stepping into many different positions within a number of brigades was an invaluable experience. Thomas then honed his fine-dining skills and abilities to expedite for large numbers of diners efficiently and at an extremely high level in the kitchens of Habitat Lounge and Canoe, a top Toronto restaurant.
The chance to travel again first saw Thomas head West to Whistler, BC, where for a year he was the Sous Chef at Apres, a classic French dining restaurant. But the opportunity to enjoy the crystal blue waters, white sands and tropical climate of the Turks & Caicos was too tempting to ignore, and so began the Caribbean part of his career. He worked in the kitchens of the top resorts; their fine-dining restaurants considered amongst the finest in the region.
TCI attracts an affluent, well-travelling clientele who include and appreciate great food with family and friends during their vacation. This is often best enjoyed in some of the best villas on the island, and Thomas now brings his experience and skills to service this market. His passion and personalized approach to his craft surpass expectations, and he is grateful and humbled by the many clients who return and refer new clients to him. Thomas is now one of the busiest, most successful private chefs on the island.
Chef Thomas looks forward to bringing you, your family & friends on a unique culinary adventure!
Get In Touch
Get In Touch