We,
at Petaluma Market are very happy to have Chef Don Horton
on our team. He is very positive, artistic individual with
a passion
for creating exceptional cuisine. Chef Don pays attention
to detail and
enjoys a challenge and firmly believes in maintaining order
with style.
Chef
Don Horton's culinary venture began at the age of 17 while
working
as a chef's apprentice at Sacramento's renowned Aldos Restaurant.
Aldos was a leader in fine dining in Sacramento since 1965
and
established itself as a premier restaurant, winning many awards
throughout its history.
Aldos
was given four stars status for its impeccable French-Italian
and Continental cuisine. Don was mentored by Executive Chef
Thomas Forsea, who learned his talents from French Chef Paul
Coulat
and the teachings of Scoffier, a French culinary classic.
Chef
Don spent eight years at Aldos learning culinary dishes from
many different regions. His fundamentals of cooking and importance
of flawless stocks and the use of earth's great resources
lead to
great dishes, soups and sauces from different regions.
This importance of flawlessness in what Chef Don prides himself
in.
Chef Don finished his apprenticeship in 1993 and became the
Sous Chef when he ventured to the wine country.
Chef
Don relocated to Santa Rosa in 1994 where he became Executive
Chef at the Chalais Restaurant at Oakmont where he created
the
wonderful cuisine that wine country is known for. He also
paired the
great wines of our region with his tasteful cuisine.
Chef
Don has prepared elegant meals for specials events such as
weddings, golf tournaments and business meetings located on
and off site. Seeing the satisfaction from the smiling faces
and
hearing the praises for a wonderful meals, provided Chef Don
with the pride of knowing his job was well done.
Chef
Don was also the chef at Sellini Grill at Sonoma County Airport
for several years. Most recently Chef Don was the Executive
Chef
at Charlie's Grill at the Windsor Golf Course. During his
tour at Charlie's,
he won 1st place for Best Appetizer at Celebrity Chef for
Canine
Companions in 2003.
