About

Native to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Rocky Durham has cooked professionally on 5 continents. Chef Durham began his culinary career at the age of 13, washing dishes at a French Bistro. The summer job evolved into a 3½ year apprenticeship with Chef Jean Jacques Alexandre of Bordeaux, France. Rocky later went on to study Classical French Technique at Western Culinary Institute in Portland Oregon, where he received his degree, Certificate of High Honors and Certificate of Perfect Attendance. After school Rocky worked in New Orleans at The Royal Sonesta before returning to Santa Fe to assume the role of Chef De Cuisine at Santacafe’.

During his four year term he received numerous awards - most importantly to him - the allegiance of his fellow Santa Feans. In 1999 Rocky moved to England where he opened eight restaurants in eight British cities. The group of restaurants bore the name of his home town, Santa Fe. While fulfilling the role of Executive Chef at these stylish, modern properties Rocky wrote and presented the hit TV show, "Plates From The States," a 50-part series examining the diverse, regional food offerings of the 50 American States. Five years later Rocky returned to Santa Fe where he took the helm as Culinary Director of the Santa Fe School of Cooking.

Today Rocky is a contributing columnist to New Mexico Magazine, an Adjunct Professor at the Santa Fe Community College in the Culinary Arts Program, and an active participation in the Cooking With Kids Program. Rocky works closely with local farms, wineries and breweries promoting his homeland through the vehicle of food.