Donald Young
Executive Chef, Napa Valley Wine Train
Donald Young is an extraordinary culinary talent originally from Boston Massachusetts and brings his passion for cooking to his role as executive chef of the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Prior to his move to Napa, Young spent three years as executive chef at PGA National Resort & Spa a four star- four diamond resort located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida overseeing a kitchen staff of 75 cooks, and five chefs in a venue that included several dining outlets, high volume catering and served as host to one of the largest golf tournaments in the United States, The Honda Classic.
Before working at PGA National Resort and Spa, Young spent a year consulting in Curitiba, Brazil where he helped spearhead the Madero Brazilian Restaurant Group’s first international venture on South Beach Miami.
Young has worked in many facets of the restaurant industry, holding positions as executive sous chef at The Boca Raton Resort and Club, executive chef at Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club and banquet chef for The Four Seasons Ocean Grand Hotel in Palm Beach.
Outside of his professional life, Young is a humanitarian. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity to construct affordable housing for families in need. In addition he is passionate about playing golf and is an avid reader of History.
Young graduated from Johnson and Wales College in Providence, R.I. with a degree in Culinary Arts and Hotel Restaurant Management. He credits his first professional chef David Woodward from Liverpool England and Robbin Haas from Baltimore for encouraging the strong work ethic and ability to multi-task that has enabled him to be successful for so many years.
