Adrian Martin – Below Deck

By starrymag | January 15, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) It was touched on a bit during the show, but how did you get your start as a chef?

 

A) I started cooking when I was quite young in my father’s restaurant and quickly found a passion for food, and especially eating it! When I turned fifteen years old, I wanted to move out of the house. When my mother saw that chefs where becoming the next rock stars, she made a deal with me: if I got in to culinary school in Paris I could move out and get my own apartment…The rest is history!

 

Q) How did you begin working as a charter yacht chef as well? 

 

A) I got out of culinary school when I was twenty years old and my father, a yacht captain, offered me a position as chef on a 100ft motor yacht. I did a season in Canada and fell in love with the job but felt like I needed a bit more experience cooking before I could fully commit. I moved back to St. Martin to work in some of the best restaurants on the island. A few years later a friend offered me to work as chef on the 74ft Catamaran she was running. I took the job and within a couple of months got second place in one of the top yacht chef competitions in the world. After that I was hooked and have been working on the sea ever since.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of “Below Deck?”

 

A) I consider myself very adventurous, love a good challenge and want to live life to its fullest. It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity, as well as a fun gig, so I went for it!

 

Q) Had you been a fan of the show or familiar with it before joining the cast this year?

 

A) To be honest, I have never really lived in America and don’t watch television, so I had never been exposed to the show, but I had heard of it through the yachting grape vine.

 

Q) Were there certain parts of your life you deemed off limits to the camera?

 

A) I can’t say that there were. I was very vulnerable prior to joining the show seeing as I had just lost my father, but I felt comfortable sharing my life and story seeing as I am proud of who I am and have nothing to hide.

 

Q) Talk about working with Captain Lee.

 

A) It was such a pleasure working with Capt. Lee. He is a great captain who made me feel very safe onboard but at the same time someone that I felt I could talk to on a personal level and have a good laugh with!

 

Q) Kate [Chastain] and the guests were quite complimentary of your cuisine. What were some of your favorite dishes you prepared?

 

A) Yes, I was very honored by their compliments. I honestly cannot remember a single dish I made during the whole season. The food I prepare comes in one ear and right out of the other, total freestyle!

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Below Deck?”

 

A) Those days when everything seemed to be against us, but we would rally as a team and knock it right out of the park! The fire dancers and Luau on the second charter was an amazing experience as well and just waking up every morning to the breathtaking scenery of Tahiti and its surrounding islands was a blessing.

 

Q) Who have you stayed in contact with and become friendly with from the show?

 

A) Ross [Inia] and Ashton [Pienaar] I really consider as good friends and we chat quite regularly. I also keep in touch with Kate, Josiah [Carter], Chandler [Brooks] and Tyler [Rowland]. They are homies!

 

Q) We would love to see you back for a second season. Any interest?

 

A) Yes, I would love to rock another season. Let’s do it!

 

Q) You mentioned you are not able to share recipes, but would you want to write a book?

 

A) Yes, seeing as I don’t use any recipes and I freestyle all my food it would be tough to write a recipe book, but I have had some great ideas come from fans. For example, writing a book about culinary artistry, how to plate and make food look awesome, combined with some of the spiritual and life lessons I have gained over the years could be fun!

 

Q) We were sorry to hear about the passing of your father. What are some life lessons you learned from him?

 

A) Thank you for your words. I learned so much from him. He was and still is a beacon of light in my life, he taught me a great deal on empathy for all living creatures, how to appreciate nature, music, food and life in general.  He also taught me how to fully love with no restraints and how to be vulnerable in this world where it seems that most people always have their defenses up. I am who I am because of him and his love will resonate through me for the rest of my life.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to episodes?

 

A) It’s very interesting I must say. Until recently I only had Facebook and was not much on it so it’s definitely requiring some “integration!” That being said, I feel very blessed by all the beautiful people that have been sending me love and support from all over. And even though I cannot answer to everyone, seeing as I have quite a busy life, I strive to read most of the messages fans send me.

 

Q) What do you want to be sure fans know about you and your time on “Below Deck?”

 

A) Watching this season has been very introspective, it has showed me my qualities but also made me aware of my character flaws and issues I have to work on. I just want everyone to know that I was fully authentic during the show. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this show and I have only good memories to think back on! Sending much love and light to all the fans and hope to see you again.

 

 

 

“BELOW DECK” SEASON SIX AIRS TUESDAYS AT 9PM ET/PT