Local SB Chef To Be On ABC’s “The Taste”

“The Taste” features no-holds barred chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef and author Ludo Lefebvre and restaurateur Brian Malarkey. Each of the four culinary superstars and “Taste” mentors – Bourdain, Lawson, Lefebvre and Malarkey – will coach a team of four competing pro and amateur cooks chosen from a nationwide casting call as they vie to create the best tasting dish.

She packed up her apron and knives and went to Los Angeles in September as one of dozens of finalists selected from thousands, she knew she had a great shot to appear on the first reality chef show a network television station has produced.

“I was just so psyched to be in the same room as Anthony Bourdain…even if he was going to be rude to me. “But I can take what he dishes – so to speak!”

Dayna cannot disclose many details of her trip to Los Angeles, but it is enough to say that she did meet Bourdain, and he was his trademark self.

“Doing the “The Taste” was a life changing experience for me, I met some incredible people and learned a lot about myself. I cant wait to see how it comes out!” – Chef Dayna

I look forward to the country seeing some of the awesome chefs and food that was made on the show.

One blind spoonful could change everything on ABC’s “The Taste.” This new cooking competition show is literally all about taste.

About the Chef…Dayna’s Bio

Dayna Mcleod has prepared exceptional meals for the world’s most elite celebrities. Her culinary creations have graced the plates of Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Steven Spielberg and Gwyneth Paltrow, but nothing makes her happier than watching her 5 year-old daughter devour a healthful serving of organic fruits and veggies from her local farmer’s market.

A chef who works her magic for private clients as well as sharing her knowledge at the California Health and Longevity Institute, Dayna is at the forefront of the clean lifestyle movement. She works hand-in-hand with registered dietitians, teaching classes and leading demonstrations in the wellness kitchen, made famous on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

Dayna’s expert knowledge of plant-based diets reflects a lifelong love of global travel. Extensive traveling has taken Dayna through France, Greece, Italy, Thailand and South America and her approach to healthy food has been shaped by the more than 40 countries she has visited throughout her career. Dayna’s experience in customizing menus to individual dietary preferences, including gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan regimens has made her a natural advocate of healthy and clean culinary enjoyment.

A regular at all six of Santa Barbara’s farmer’s markets, Dayna is passionate about using locally and sustainably sourced food. She’s often spotted sharing recipes with very the farmers she supports.

More than 50 of her unique recipes can be found in the New York Times Bestseller The Lean: A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss By author Kathy Freston.

As a mother, Dayna learned early on that diet and lifestyle play a significant role in one’s overall health. When her daughter was born in 2007, doctors predicted that she would not survive 24 hours. Then they warned Dayna and her husband that she would live with significant brain damage and cerebral palsy. Thus triggering Dayna’s impassioned exploration into the world of wellness, nutrition and health as a way to compliment the necessary medical treatments.

Nearly five years later, their daughter is an exceptionally healthy little girl – a bundle of energy running circles around her parents. While her development and recovery is largely due to a successful early intervention program, Dayna attributes much of her daughter’s healing and strength to the transformative power of a plant-based diet.

Dayna’s love of clean, healthy food is contagious. Sharing what she has learned about preparing quality meals and achieving a balanced lifestyle is the next natural step in her journey. She is available for personalized health coaching, expert commentary on plant-based diets, private cooking classes and catering. Dayna lives with her husband and daughter in Santa Barbara, California.