CHEF BEN

Chef Bendur (Ben, for short) is based in the beautiful region of San Sebastian, Spain. 

Ben has worked in the culinary arts in New York, London, Madrid and San Sebastian over the past 25 years and honed his skills working a variety of different restaurants.

After attending culinary school at El Txoko del Gourmet, in San Sebastian, he went on to have apprenticeships and training at different restaurants in the region-- Spainas Casa Nicolasa and Casa Urbano. After finishing cooking school, his innate curiosity led him to start travelling around the world to learn about different cultures and food traditions.

His first stop was London, England. London opened his mind to many diverse cooking influences from European to Asian cuisines.  He spent 5 years working in highly regarded restaurants and hotels, including Lauceston Place, Konditor&Cook and the Harrington Hall Hotel. His second stop was New York where he joined Ibuco NYC as a sous chef. 

After travelling and working abroad for seven years, he returned to San Sebastian, where he continued working in different restaurants until he became a partner and co-ower of Don Vito Cafe/Restaurant, an 80 seat popular spot in the heart of San Sebastian´s old town. Both Basque and Mediterranean food offerings on the menu.

Ben soon began teaching at San Sebastian Food Company a cooking school for tourists in San Sebastian. He quickly became head chef/head teacher and discovered a new passion meeting new people from all over the world and teaching them about Spanish food.

He now owns his own cooking experience, CHEFBENSANSEBASTIAN, that he runs with his wife Maria.

Cooking with Ben is an introduction to the Basque/Spanish culture of food. His  motivation is to share, enjoy and cook together will have you wanting to return for more. You will enjoy a wide variety of wholesome, ethically raised food. He sources the freshest ingredients of the season.  Now, he can't wait to go into your home to teach you about his beautiful Spanish traditions. Book a class with Ben, and learn all about San Sebastian and it's beautiful food traditions.