Darren Damonte　　Ceramic Artist　Chef　Lover of Good Food　　

　　1960　Born in New York, raised in California

　　1979　Came to Japan as an exchange student
　　　　　 Studied ceramic art with Banura Shiro

　　1982　Established kiln in Shigaraki
　　　　　 Worked with kohiki white slip and yakishime wood-fired techniques
　　　　　 Numerous solo and group exhibitions and workshops in Japan, the United States, and Korea

　　1995　Established the Yellow House Pottery in Iga
　　　　　 Began “Damontei” pop-up events celebrating food and ceramic vessels
　　　　　 Featured in NHK “Utsuwa Yume Kobo“

　　2010　Opened “bistro Damontei” in Omihachiman as a crossroads of food, vessels, love, and laughter. Sources local ingredients to present California cuisine on hand made ceramic vessels.
　　　　　Featured in Bungei Shunju, Amakara Techo, and others.
　　　　　Collaborates on food events with chefs and farmers from San Francisco and Portland. Travels frequently to the U.S. west coast and Italy to gather inspiration

2020 “bistro Damontei” moves to 160-year-old machiya in Shinmachi, Omihachiman. Opens craft chocolate shop and cafe “Damontei Chocolate.” Creates single origin chocolate bringing to life the unique qualities of cacao beans from around the world, as well as inclusion bars featuring local ferments such as miso and sakekasu, as well as locally grown fruits and herbs.