Farmerie studied mechanical engineering Penn State. Two years into his studies it became apparent the cooking he did to pay his tuition was the real source of his contentment.
He took a year-long hiatus to explore the cuisines and wines of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Antipodes Islands. One year turned to seven, and his wanderings turned serious when he settled in Great Britain, earning a “Grand Diplome” at Le Cordon Bleu. He rounded out his education and technique at acclaimed restaurants such as Coast, Chez Nico, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, the Sugar Club and the critically-acclaimed The Providores and Tapa Room. In 2003 Farmerie moved back to the States to help conceive PUBLIC, AvroKO’s first self-propelled restaurant. There, his creative, global approach was described by the New York Times as one that “swings for the fences with each and every dish”, and Michelin awarded the restaurant a coveted star in the 2009 Red Guide. 2006 saw the opening of The Monday Room, a 20-seat wine bar within PUBLIC, where Farmerie offers some of his most creative dishes yet, designed expressly to pair with the Monday Room’s eclectic wine selections.
In the fall of 2008, Farmerie extended his culinary reach as executive chef of AvroKO Restaurant Group’s Double Crown and Madam Geneva, which takes as its inspiration the unique cuisine that emerged when the British colonized the countries of South Asia and the Far East. Shortly after opening, the restaurant received a 2- (out of 4) star review from the New York Times.
Farmerie showcased his culinary talent on national television on Iron Chef America, which aired Sunday, August 23rd, 2009. He was the winner of his ‘kitchen battle’ in a ‘maple syrup’ challenge. Following this achievement, he was invited to be a contestant on the Food Network Next Iron Chef America which aired in October and November of 2009.
