Local Dreamer - Philip Johnson

Map Magazine, July, 2010

It's a breezy winter's afternoon when Philip Johnson settles down for a chat at one of the precisely set tables of e'cco bistro. Sunlight streams through the large windows, dancing delicately on the pristine surfaces of polished wine glasses. Far from the enfant terrible stereotype associated with many renowned chefs, Philip's affable presence is no doubt one of the defining elements of his success. From the polite nod he gives to numerous local who pass by the restaurant's windows, to his considered responses to questions he's undoubtedly answered many times, to the delight that lights up his blue eyes whenever he speaks of his restaurant (or watering hole, e'cco bar), it's clear that Philip is grateful for the path destiny has paved for him.

Philip Johnson's love for cooking was born out of necessity. Growing up in New Zealand with parents who owned a third-generation motor garage, the motor-sports-mad young lad was virtually set for a career in mechanics ...