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. These include French, Mediterranean, and American flavors. He is most famous for his own restaurant in San Francisco, California. It is simply called "Restaurant Gary Danko."

Early Life and First Steps in Cooking

Gary Danko was born in Massena, New York. His father came from Hungary. Gary grew up eating Hungarian food with some Jewish influences from his grandmother.

He started cooking very young, at just 14 years old. His first job was at a local place called the Village Inn restaurant. By the time he finished high school, he had learned about every job in a restaurant. This early experience helped him understand how restaurants work.

Becoming a Top Chef

After high school, Gary Danko went to a special school for chefs. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. This is a very well-known cooking school.

In 1977, he moved to San Francisco. He first worked as a waiter at the Waterfront Restaurant. But he wanted to learn more about cooking. So, in 1983, he went back to New York. He took classes from a famous chef named Madeleine Kamman.

After his training, Gary Danko became an executive chef. This means he was the head chef in charge of the kitchen. He worked at several well-known places. These included Beringer Vineyards (from 1985 to 1989) and Chateau Souverain (from 1989 to 1992). In 1992, he became the chef at the Terrace restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. Later, he became the executive chef for the main dining room there.

In 1999, Gary Danko opened his very own restaurant. It quickly became famous and won many awards. One of its biggest achievements was earning a Michelin star in 2007.

Restaurant Gary Danko

Gary Danko's restaurant, which carries his name, opened in 1999. It is located near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. This area is very popular with visitors.

His restaurant has received many honors. Since 2001, it has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award. This award is for restaurants with excellent wine lists. In 2002, it became one of only 18 Relais & Chateaux properties in North America. This means it is recognized for its high quality and unique character.

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

Signature Dishes

At Restaurant Gary Danko, diners can choose from special menus. These menus offer three, four, or five courses at a set price. This allows guests to try a variety of dishes.

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 (a dish he made before it was no longer allowed in California).

Most of his dishes are available all year. However, he changes some ingredients with the seasons. This way, he can use the freshest local produce.

Awards and Recognitions

Gary Danko and his restaurant have won many important awards over the years. These awards show how highly respected he is in the cooking world.

In 2024, his restaurant lost the Michelin star it had kept for 17 years in a row.