In article ,
John Grossbohlin wrote:
Last week at my woodworker's club one of the relatively new members asked me
about finishing a cutting board he made out of walnut. My reaction was that
that was a poor choice of wood for a cutting board--adds some "flavor"
perhaps. However, with a finish on it would be OK for a serving board for
things like bread as long as no cutting was done on it...

It seems his daughter wants a cutting board made out of "dark wood." Off
hand I couldn't think any "dark wood" that would be appropriate for a
cutting board. Any suggestions? Did I overreact?

Considering the frequency with which walnut is used for carving boards; ones
that are sold commercially in stores, I'd say yes, you _did_ over-react.

Put a good food-safe oil finish on it, and it's good to go.
Or rubbed-in hard wax or parafin.