Anything But Bland

Bland. When you think of food, if the word bland is the first thing that comes to mind, it probably wasn’t the most memorable meal. Unless you’re having a meal prepared by me, Chef Dave Bland! I know what you’re thinking, “How did I, a man whose family name is Bland, become a chef?” Here’s my story: My first job, at age sixteen, was as a prep cook at a local St. Augustine eatery. This is where I cut off the tip of my thumb with a cleaver while prepping coleslaw. During a six year stint at a chain restaurant, I decided (with my future wife’s prodding) to attend culinary school. Upon graduation, we got married and moved to Orlando. I worked my way up into the Executive Chef position at a fine dining Italian restaurant in Downtown Disney, where I was employed for 10 years. Then a whirlwind eighteen months working as the Travolta’s private chef which brings me here and now I’m 'On Top of the World' in Ocala, Florida! I’m only 41 but I’ve been in the business for 25 years!