Personal Chef
Personal chef services with custom menu planning available for private parties, small special events, holiday gatherings and themed events. Chef John has a diverse culinary background and can integrate international flavors and techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarian and Gluten-free menu options are always available. Sample menus are available below.
For more information on availability and pricing, please contact Chef John at: chefjohn@culinarybud.com
Holiday Dinner Party
Celebrate the Holiday and enjoy time with your friends or family by having Chef John shop, prep, cook, serve and clean so you can relax and have fun with a gourmet feast in your home. Prices vary by size of group, but typically cost around $650. Two sample menus below, or a custom menu can be created for you and your guests:
Southwest Holiday Dinner
Spanish Charcuterie Board
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pepitas, Pistachios, Dried Cranberries and Walnuts
Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon, Oranges and Grand Marnier
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Ancho Crema
Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing
Mesquite or Pecan Grilled Fresh Turkey Breast served with a Pomegranate Ginger Chutney
Pumpkin and Gorgonzola Flan with Candied Pecans
Bistro Holiday Dinner
3-Cheese Board, Challah Bread with Oil & Herbs and Shrimp Cocktail
Baked Celery with Pine Nuts, Pancetta and Shallots
Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Star Anise, Pears and Sambuca
Corn & Scallion Potato Cakes with a Smoked Paprika Oil
Smoked Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce
Baked Pears in Marsala Wine with Crème Fraiche
Private Dinner Party
Ideal for small groups and feature custom menu planning, shopping, up to a 5-course meal with appetizers and dessert, and wine pairings - including all clean-up. Private parties typically cost about $650-$900 total for 8-10 people depending on menu and location.
Small Special Events
Celebrate a special occasion or host a small event with appetizers, 4-course meal or custom menu focused on regional flavors. Prices are based on total hours for planning, preparing and cleaning and typically range from $600 to $800 depending on group size, location and menu.
Holiday Meals or Events
Entertain friends or family at your home or Chef John's home with a special meal and wine pairings during any holiday. Includes custom menu planning, shopping, up to a 4 -course meal or heavy appetizers and dessert, with wine pairings - and all clean-up. Holiday parties typically range from $750 to $1200 total for 10-14 people. All fees are based on location, menu and group size.
Themed Events
Create a special meal or wine tasting based on an event or flavor you enjoy. All themed events include custom menu design and specialty items. Events typically cost about $75 per person for groups of 10-14 people, and all fees are based on location, menu and group size. Some options include:
Sample 1 - Italian Fusion Menu
Antipasti and Pani
Green Chile Chicken Liver Pate Crostini
Warm Herbed Goat Cheese with Arrabiatta Sauce
Sautéed Mushrooms with Melted Oaxacan Cheese and Cilantro Pesto
Assorted Salami, Mortadella, Roasted Peppers and Cheeses
Primi 1 - Tuscan Shrimp and Crab Chowder ala Veracruzana and warm Sourdough Baguette
Primi 2 - Spanish Chorizo Crepes with Fontina Cheese in a Chipotle Béchamel Sauce
Contorni - Tomato, Basil, Avocado and Mozzarella Salad with Sicilian Olive Oil and Mexican Oregano
Secondi - Tequila Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Chile Queso Polenta
Dolci - Mexican Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries and Toasted Pepitas in Agave Syrup
Sample 2 - Borderland Bistro Menu
Antojitos
Hopi Hummus with Blue Corn Chips
Warm Cheese, Crab and Pancetta Dip with warm Bread
Warm Dates filled with Blue Cheese and wrapped in Serrano Jamon
Queso Fresco with Red Chile Powder and Mesquite Honey
Course 1 - Spinach and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese, Roasted Pepitas and Prickly Pear Vinaigrette
Course 2 - Shrimp and Spanish Chorizo Soup with Kale and Herb Crema
Course 3 - Wild Mushroom, Carnitas and Cascabel Chile Flan
Course 4 - Roasted Fennel with Pine Nuts and Dill
Course 5 - Berbere Spiced Grilled Leg of Lamb with Corn Bread Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce
Dessert - Margarita Key Lime Pie
Sample 3 - Mexican Fiesta Menu
Antojitos
Huitlacoche Empanadas with Tomatillo Salsa
Queso Fundido with Sonoran Chorizo or Mushrooms with Tortilla Chips
Shrimp Cocktail
Pickled Carrots, Onions and Jalapenos
Course 1 – Nopale Cactus Salad with Tomatoes and Cheese
Course 2 - Cream of Avocado Soup with Cilantro and Crab
Course 3 - Hazlenut Mole with Seared Scallops and Sweet Corn Biscuits
Course 4 - Poblano Chile stuffed with Potatoes, Corn and Cheese in a Pasilla Salsa
Course 5 - Mesquite Grilled Sonoran NY Strip Steaks
Dessert - Tres Leches Cake with Cajeta Sauce and Fresh Berries
Private Cooking Classes
Private cooking classes, menu preparation and gourmet shopping options are available by request. They are also available in my home or outdoor kitchen, or at your home. I live in Portimao, on the beach of Praia da Rocha, Portugal.
Please contact Chef John at: chefjohn@culinarybud.com
