About Chef Daniel Cantu

To be honest, I'm not sure if I picked food or if food picked me.

My path began during high school working in diners, fast food joints, and the local bakery. I quickly moved on to family restaurants and high-end hotels so I could work with a wider range of foods. Each place that I worked, I learned a great deal and came to realize the limitless combinations of what could be created with food. And I saw a vision before me—a lifetime of opportunity and personal expression feeding people delicious and nutritious food.

I decided to get a degree in the Culinary Arts to develop my skills and training further. It was one of the best times of my life. I made great friends with other cooks, and learned the basic foundation of what makes outstanding food.

I learned the secret ingredient of "sweet love" with my classmates, which took my food to the next level. Fueled by my love and passion for cooking, I emerged with confidence and gratitude for the gift that I had grown and nurtured.

When we have the intent to share a wonderful meal with somebody, and we express that joy in the process of putting the meal together, there is a love vibration that is infused into the food. This has always flowed naturally into my culinary creations.

Culinary school also taught me the state of food in the world and the paths that it takes in order to arrive at our plates. I have cultivated relationships with local growers and food distributors that provide organic, wholesome, and sustainable produce that is grown in balance with this precious planet that we share.

The top chefs in the world all know that the best ingredients to use are those that are local and fresh. This understanding along with the diverse cooking techniques and styles that I've acquired through my career, are what allow me to create savory and healthy dishes that draw from many cultural traditions.

With gratitude, I bring these dishes into homes, catered occasions, and outdoor vending events. After seeing the smiles, hearing the "yums," and taking your first bite, you'll understand what a cooking career filled with love and passion tastes like.

Namaste,

Chef Daniel Cantu