Chef hits career heights indubai
From a chip shop at Waitarere Beach to an exclusive restaurant in the world’s tallest building, the career of a former UCOL student has gone sky high.
Dwayne Cheer is the executive chef at At.mosphere, the highest restaurant in the world at 422 metres on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building and a long way from Mr Cheer’s beginnings in the wider Manawatu.
Born in Upper Hutt, Mr Cheer was raised on a farm in Dannevirke before moving to Waitarere Beach and attending Horowhenua College. He graduated from UCOL in 1998 with a Certificate in Catering.
At At.mosphere, Mr Cheer’s responsibilities include creating menus and leading a team of 24 chefs.
He said running a restaurant at the top of the world’s highest building had its challenges.
‘‘Logistics are tough and we need to be very organised. I avoid too many trips in the elevator, a 57-second ride up 442 metres. One day I came up five times, after which you feel a bit dizzy. You only want to come up twice.’’
Mr Cheer actively works to promote New Zealand food in Dubai. Last Sunday he cooked a barbecue and talked about New Zealand products at a function to help raise the profile of the New Zealand consulate in Dubai.
He also has some advice for aspiring chefs. ‘‘Believe in yourself and work harder than the guy or girl next to you. Don’t move around too quickly, because real knowledge is gained through time and hard work.’’
After graduating from UCOL, Mr Cheer worked in Wellington at Kimble Bents, Cafe Menton and Te Papa’s Icon restaurant.
He moved to Sydney in 2000 and on to London two years later. Mr Cheer has been based in Dubai for five years and took up the position at At.mosphere last year.