Curtis Stone: The Australian Culinary Star Joins James Martin's Lineup
Esteemed Australian chef Curtis Stone is set to feature as a guest on ITV's popular programme, James Martin's Saturday Morning, airing on March 14. He will appear alongside fellow guests Jane McDonald and mixologist Merlin Griffiths, bringing his international culinary expertise to British television audiences.
A Distinguished Cooking Career Rooted in Family
Curtis Stone's journey into the culinary world began at the tender age of four, inspired by his grandmother, Maude. This early passion led him to pursue a commercial cookery apprenticeship, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. After honing his skills in Australian restaurants, Stone moved to London at 18, debuting at the prestigious Savoy Hotel.
He further refined his craft under the mentorship of legendary chef Marco Pierre White at establishments like the Café Royal and Mirabelle, eventually rising to head chef at Quo Vadis. Stone's entrepreneurial spirit shone through with his first restaurant, Maude, opened in Beverly Hills in 2014 and named after his inspirational grandmother. It earned a Michelin star in 2019. His second venture, Gwen, launched in Hollywood in 2016 and similarly received a Michelin star in 2022.
Television Fame and Viewer Backlash
Stone has become a familiar face on television screens across Australia, the US, and the UK. His credits include shows such as Dinner in a Box, Good Food Live, and Saturday Kitchen, along with hosting the first season of My Restaurant Rules in Australia. However, his frequent appearances on MasterChef Australia have not been without controversy.
Recent stints as a guest judge on the show sparked backlash from viewers, who criticised him for being "too harsh" and "unpleasant" towards contestants, as reported by the Daily Mail. Stone defended his approach, explaining that his "tough love" was intended to push competitors to excel and showcase their talents.
In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, he elaborated on his judging philosophy, stating, "So I always think as the chef, you have to be a good mentor, and you have to feel out your team, you have to understand where they're at and know how much pressure, how much to push." He added that contestants from the last season appreciated his rigorous criticism, which helped them extend their abilities.
Personal Life and Family Commitments
Beyond the kitchen, Curtis Stone leads a fulfilling family life. He began dating American actress Lindsay Price in 2009 after a blind date, became engaged in 2012, and married in June 2013. The couple has two sons, Hudson and Emerson, and Stone often shares glimpses of their life together on his official Instagram account.
For instance, he posted a celebratory photo from Mexico on Lindsay's birthday, captioning it, "Happy birthday to my beautiful baby @lindsayjprice so glad we can celebrate you in your favorite place, Mexico!" This balance of professional dedication and personal joy underscores his multifaceted persona.
James Martin's Saturday Morning airs on ITV at 9:30 AM on Saturdays and is available for streaming on ITVX.
