Kate Horton is the Director of Culinary Operations and Development at Acorn in Denver, Colorado. Horton’s culinary journey began in Washington D.C., when she enrolled in the culinary arts program at the Art Institute of Washington. Upon graduation in 2005, Horton worked under Chef Brendan Cox at Circle Bistro in D.C., whom she credits for shaping her core philosophy in the kitchen – sourcing top quality products and ingredients and maximizing its natural essence. After spending a few years in the D.C. area, Horton moved to Denver, Colorado, where she honed her skills in several acclaimed kitchens, including Duo Restaurant, Black Pearl Restaurant and Z Cuisine Bistrot. A frequent guest at OAK at fourteenth in Boulder, Colorado – Horton met Chef Steven Redzikowski, who was opening a new restaurant, Acorn at The Source. She jumped at the opportunity to work the line, and quickly rose the ranks to a sous chef position just shortly after opening. Today, Horton oversees the hiring and training of Acorn’s kitchen staff, manages relationships with local purveyors and assists in ingredient buying, and works with Redzikowski on menu ideation. Kate currently lives in the West Washington Park neighborhood of Denver.