COLLIN THORNTON
EXECUTIVE CHEF, MONARCH BEACH RESORT
I grew up just outside of Toronto, in Hamilton, Ontario and began my kitchen career at 14 in Edmonton, Alberta as a dishwasher. I loved the energy in the kitchen and quickly worked my way up to an apprenticeship at the Edmonton Petroleum Club and then at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald. After that, I relocated to Grand Cayman, B.W.I., and spent the next chapter of my career working in The Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii and Canada. I am excited to bring my blend of classical applications and island contemporary techniques combined with vibrant, clean presentations, to the Orange County dining scene with AVEO Table + Bar, 33° North, Sombra, Part & Parcel Market, Club 19 and Monarch Bay Club at Monarch Beach Resort.
Month and year came to OC: September 2015
Where you’ve lived, traveled, and what you like about So Cal: I’ve lived everywhere from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, with several stops in-between. One of my favorite things about Southern California is that I can ride my Harley almost every day.
MONARCH BEACH RESORT
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629