Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Daniel Norton was raised in what most people would consider the epicenter of innovative cuisine. San Francisco is home to world renowned markets overflowing with organic produce, from the Napa Valley Wine Country, to the fresh Pacific seafood. His childhood was enriched by local and cultural fare, thus peaking his curiosity for rich culinary delights that eventually lead him to seek an education at The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
It was while attending the California Culinary Academy that Daniel discovered that relationships would be the cornerstone of the foundation of his career. The Academy gave Daniel the opportunity to build lasting relationships with his mentors, and he would soon harvest the benefits. As one such relationship would lead Daniel from the Academy to an externship in the Florida Keys, an experience he credits for giving him the chance to eat, breath, and live the food he loves. Daniel spent his time there gleaning all the knowledge he could from Anthony Keen, the Executive Chef at the Palm Beach Resort where he worked.
When his externship came to an end Daniel reached out to another relationship he had fostered. It was with Colorado Springs legendary chef James Davis. Out of his comfort zone, but hungry for more knowledge, Daniel accepted the only position available under Chef Davis,Executive Pastry Chef. The position was a bit of a stretch, and Daniel was grateful that Chef Davis took a chance on him. It was a successful endeavor for all, and a highlight of Daniel’s journey.
In 2007, Daniel accepted the position of Sous Chef at The Flying Horse Club in Black Forest. He left The Flying Horse in early 2008 to focus solely on the Private Chef business he had begun in 2006. Crave was created in response to many customer requests, as Daniel sought to raise the status quo of the Private Chef.
It was through this endeavor that a woman with IC heard about Daniel and contacted him expressing a desire for help in creating a meal that she could enjoy that would fit her unique needs. Excited by the challenge of creating a menu with very limited ingredients, Daniel met with her and listened as she explained her current diet restrictions, and he was overwhelmed with compassion. He wondered how anyone could enjoy the culinary delights that abound with only 20 ingredients to work with. He was immediately struck with inspiration. Daniel worked with her over a period of time, helping her to create several meals that she can enjoy flare-free. Her excitement grew as she began to try new things. Today she enjoys sumptuous meals, created with a variety of ingredients, that have opened her world up to the culinary delights she so desired. Daniel continues to work with her, and she is one of his biggest fans.
Daniel began feverishly researching IC and after learning that more than one million people are stricken with the disease, he re-committed his goals to enhancing the flavors of your everyday food style. It is his desire to empower each and every one of you by introducing into your world the culinary delights that he is so passionate about, thus combining his love for food and his love for people.
