To say food is Daniel Staley's life is an understatement. The son of iconic Melbourne restaurateur Gloria Staley grew up in the kitchen of Fanny's and Glo Glo's. As a child he absorbed the atmosphere, the tastes and the knowledge. As an adult, he took part in his own right, as chef and cellarmaster.

"I can't help being passionate about food and wine. I just love it. I love the creativity, the flavours and everything it represents.

"In catering, food is much more than something to eat. It's the focus of the event. It sets the mood, it's part of the celebration."

Daniel brings to his catering years of experience in such roles as Head Chef through to wine and menu consultant in many high profile Australian restaurants, as well as a love of travel and too many hours buried in cook books to mention!

"What I've learned," he says, " is the need for simplicity. Simple flavours, artfully combined and beautifully presented."

When Daniel says simple, he doesn't necessarily mean easy.  "I like it to look effortless. Whether it's six or six hundred, it's managed. The food, the wine, the staff. We work as a team and we know our stuff.

"We get a kick out of other people's enjoyment.

"That way, it's smiles all round".