Gary Danko facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gary Danko

Gary Danko (center) at B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Born	Massena, New York
Cooking style	French, Mediterranean, and American
Education	The Culinary Institute of America
Rating(s) Michelin stars AAA Motor Club
Current restaurant(s) Restaurant Gary Danko, San Francisco, California, United States (1999–present)
Previous restaurant(s) Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena, California (1985–1989) Chateau Souverain, Sonoma County, California (1989–1992) Terrace restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, San Francisco (1992–1999)
Official website
GaryDanko.com

Gary Danko is a famous American chef. He is known for mixing different cooking styles. His food combines French, Mediterranean, and American flavors. He is most famous for his own restaurant in San Francisco, California, called Restaurant Gary Danko.

Gary Danko's Early Life

Gary Danko was born in Massena, New York. His father came from Hungary. Gary grew up enjoying Hungarian cooking, often with Jewish influences, thanks to his grandmother.

Becoming a Chef: Gary's Culinary Journey

Gary Danko started cooking at a local restaurant called Village Inn when he was just 14 years old. By the time he finished high school, he had learned about every job in a restaurant. He then went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, to study cooking.

In 1977, Gary moved to San Francisco and worked as a waiter. He later returned to New York in 1983 to take a special cooking class with Madeleine Kamman. In 1985, Gary became the head chef at Beringer Vineyards. After that, he was the head chef at Chateau Souverain in Sonoma County.

In 1992, Gary Danko became the chef at the Terrace restaurant in the Ritz Carlton, San Francisco. He was later named the head chef of the Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton. In 1999, Gary opened his very own restaurant, which quickly won many awards, including a Michelin star in 2007.

Gary Danko's Famous Restaurant

In 1999, Chef Danko opened his own restaurant, named after himself, near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. This restaurant, called Restaurant Gary Danko, has won many awards. Since 2001, it has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award. In 2002, it was named one of only 18 Relais & Chateaux properties in North America.

Gary Danko has also appeared on TV shows. He has been a featured chef on the Food Network and PBS.

What's on the Menu?

At Restaurant Gary Danko, diners can choose from a special menu with three, four, or five courses. This is called a "prix-fixe" menu. Some of Gary Danko's most famous dishes include:

• Roast Maine lobster with white corn, tarragon, and chanterelle mushrooms.
• Pancetta-wrapped frog legs with garlic purée.
• Roasted quail stuffed with mushrooms and foie gras.

Most dishes are served all year. However, the ingredients change with the seasons to use the freshest local produce. For example, his seared foie gras used to be served with Bing cherries in spring. Now, it is served as Salt Cured Foie Gras Torchon with Pear Compote, Spiced Walnuts, and Country Bread.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Chef Gary Danko and his restaurant have received many important awards: