Bond with the earth and
the produce it creates

Born and bred in the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand, Executive Chef & Culinary Director Damon Budd has always had an affinity with nature from a young age. This bond with the earth and the produce it creates has always influenced his cooking in one way or another. With 20 years of culinary experience, Damon made his way to Australia’s gastronomic hub of Melbourne where he worked at, then owned and operated Il Vicolo, a modern Italian eatery with an Australian flair. A local favorite among those that sought creativity and its list of constantly changing specials.

Berlin’s culinary renaissance

It was here, Damon first met his wife and business partner, Maria, when she walked into his restaurant and soon became the Front of House Manager. Originally from Germany, Maria’s experience extends through some of Melbournes well known establishments where she found her passion for hospitality.

In 2018 they returned to Maria’s homeland of Germany where Damon is currently the Executive Chef of 19grams specialty coffee & cafe network with four locations scattered around Berlin. In 2019, The Odd Plate was conceived as a passion project or creative outlet, it is finding its place among the inventive caterers that define Berlin’s culinary renaissance today.