Chef Conrad Nowak

Personal Chef In Vaughan

My name is Conrad Nowak and I am a trained chef with over 17 years experience in the food industry. For as long as I can remember I've had a passion for cooking. I was fortunate to learn from my parents how to host at the youngest of ages which led me to study Culinary Management at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Following that I explored an arrangement of food service avenues including General Manager of Scarlett House Food Group, Seafood Specialist at the famous Maple Leaf Garden Loblaws and am currently Director of Operations at Mary Macleod's Shortbread.

When free from executing unique at home dining experiences, I personally enjoy experimenting with different techniques, ingredients and cuisines. Honing my skills providing quality meals to those closest to me. I recently relocated to Nova Scotia for a year and am now back in Ontario. My time on the East Coast further encouraged me to work diligently to support local farmers, fisherman, butchers, bakers, pastry coinsures and Mom & Pop shops. I personally go to great lengths to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, some of which occasionally come from my own backyard. I have a close affinity with Italian, Indian and Asian cuisines who's unique flavor and simplicity allow for magical combinations on the plate. Lastly, I love to entertain! There are not many things that bring me more satisfaction in life than someone enjoying one of my events.

Feel free to reach out to me at anytime to personalize a menu proving your guests with the exact dining experience you desire.

For me, cooking is...

Everything! It is tedious and time consuming at times, but eating is an essential part of everyone's life and should be enjoyed to the fullest!

I learned to cook at...

The age of 4, when I had to step onto a step stool to see the counter top. Very fortunate to have developed a love for cooking from such a young age.

A cooking secret...

Pure passion and local ingredients. Everything I consume is a conscious decision, I wouldn't want anything else for my customers.

My menus

Lebanese Favorites

STARTER

All inclusive

Classic Hummus with Pine Nuts and Olive Oil

Tabbouleh Salad, Bulgur, Tomatoes, Onions, Parsley, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Falafel served with Pita and Tahini Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Shawarma Plate served with rice, stuffed grape leaves, salad and Tahini sauce

Kofta Skewers, minced meat mixed with parsley, spices, and onions, served with potatoes in a tomato sauce with stuffed grape leaves

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baklava, Layered Filo Dough, Honey, Assorted Nuts

French Cuisine

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Escargots Gratin in the shell, Butter, Garlic, Swiss Emmental, Panko, Herb de Provence

Classic Garlic Bread, Toasted French Loaf, Whipped Garlic Butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, Oregano

Homemade Caesar Salad, Crisp Romaine, Double Smoked Bacon, Garlic Croutons, Chipotle Caesar Dressing, Crispy Shallots, Parmigiano Reggiano

Local Crab Stuffed Cremini Caps, Whipped Coconut Cream Cheese, Panko, Herb de Provence

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Seared Tiger Shrimp, White Wine, Shallots, Dill, Cream

Oyster Rockefeller, Local Oysters, Garlic Spinach, Shallots, Panko, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Local's Only Oyster Plater, Classic Mignonette, Homemade Hot Sauce, Fresh Horseradish, Citrus (4 per person)

Oven Roasted Red Pepper & Field Tomato Soup, Garlic Croutons, Coconut Cream, Parmesan Garlic Bread

Seared Digby Scallops, Parmesan Parsnip Puree, Saffron Cream Sauce

Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise), Russet Potatoes, Le Gruyere, Thyme Sprigs, Garlic, Cream

Chicken Cordon Bleu, Double Smoked Ham. Dairy Free Mozzarella, Panko

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Surf & Turf, Denver Steak, Seared Digby Scallops, Garlic Mash, Roasted Root Vegetables, Dill Cream Sauce

Roasted Halibut with Basil Pesto Crust, Pearled Couscous, Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Half Stuffed Lobster w Smoked Salmon & Whipped Cream Cheese, Mushroom Risotto, Blistered Brussel Sprouts

Parchment Poached Grouper, Garlic Rappini, Rainbow Rosemary Potatoes Lemon Caper Sauce

Beef Wellington, Mushroom Duxelles, Prosciutto, Potatoes Confit, Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Prime Rib Roast, Mustard, Peppercorn, Garlic, Au Jus served with Yorkshire Pudding and Green Peas w Lemon & Parmigiano Reggiano

Braised Beef, Demi Glace, Garlic Mash, Cremini Mushrooms Citrus Green Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Mousse, Vanilla Whip, Raspberry Coulis

Parfait, Greek Yogurt, Quinoa Granola, Local Berries, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Vanilla Bean

Gourmet Mini Cake Platter: An assortment of seasonal and classic flavours of both Mini Layer Cakes and Mini Cheesecakes

Pleasure Platter: An assortment of unique mini desserts, mini povlovas, mini cupcakes, squares, cream puffs, cake truffles, and cookies

Authentic Thai

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Authentic Mango Salad, Green Mango, Cilantro, Spring Onion, Bird Chili, Fish Sauce, Shallots, Lime, Traditional Thai Side Sauce (Nam Pla Prik)

Vegetable Spring Rolls, Napa Cabbage, Shitake Mushrooms, Shredded Carrot, Bamboo Shoots, Sweet Soy & Vinigar Sauce (See Eeu Prik Tham)

Fresh Rice Paper Rolls, Tiger Shrimp, Vermicelli Noodles, Bean Sprouts, Mint Leaves, Homemade Peanut Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Breaded Coconut Shrimp, Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, Shredded Coconut, Panko, Homemade Sweet Chili Thai Sauce

Thai Chicken Wings, Glutinous Rice, Traditional Thai Side Sauce (Nam Pla Prik)

Tom Yum Talay, Tiger Shrimp, Manilla Clams, Lime Leaf, Coconut Milk, Fish Sauce, Lemon Grass, Cilantro, Crispy Shallots

Traditional Street Pork Skewers (Moo Ping), Pork Shoulder, Glutinous Rice, Traditional Thai Side Sauce (Nam Pla Prik)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Pad Thai, Chicken Thigh, Rice Noodles, Thai Basil, Bean Sprouts, Fish Sauce, Roasted Peanuts, Lime

Ginger Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry, Beef Tenderloin, Ginger, Sesame Oil, Steamed Jasmine Rice,

Manuka Honey & Soy Baked Salmon, Thai Vegetable Stir-Fry, Steamed Jasmine Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niaow Ma Muang), Ripe Mango, Glutinous Rice, Coconut milk, Toasted Coconut

Coconut Ice Cream, Diced Mangos, Roasted Almonds Slivers, Coconut Crisps, Thai Mint

Fried Bananas (Goreng Pisang), Coconut Whipped Cream, Hazelut Drizzle, Truffle Honey

Mexican Fiesta

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Traditional Guacamole with Purple Corn Tortilla Chip, Pico de Gallo

Loaded Nachos, Ground Beef, Black Beans, Jalapeno, Onion, Bell Pepper, Lime Crema, Pico de Gallo

Spicy Refried Beans with Purple Corn Tortilla Chip, Pico de Gallo

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fish Ceviche, Atlantic Haddock, Pacific Snapper, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Citrus

Chili Con Quinoa, Veggie Ground, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Guacamole, Yogurt

Chicken Stuffed Peppers, Black Beans, Corn, Red Onion, Brown Rice

Refried Bean Tostadas, Crispy Fried Corn Tortilla, Refried Beans, Grated Cheddar, Avocado, Tomato, Chunky Salsa

Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Thigh, Tortilla Wrap, Homemade Enchiladas Sauce, Refried Beans, Corn, Peppers, Pico de Gallo

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Burrito, Cheese Sauce, Refried Beans, Rice, Pickled Onion, Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Blue Corn Tortillas Chips

Red Snapper Vera Cruzana, Olives, Capers Berries, Raisins, Toasted Almonds with Guacamole

Fish, Pulled Chicken, Pastor or Veggie Ground Tacos, Corn Tortillas, Avocado Crema, Salsa Roja, Cilantro, Pickled Onion

Tilapia with Fiesta Rice, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Corn, Black Beans, Cilantro, Lime Juice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Churros, Deep-fried Dough, Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate Sauce, Dulce de Leche

Dinner Party

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Classic Bruschetta, Toasted Sourdough, Roasted Garlic Puree

Caprese Bites, Cheery Tomato, Mini Bocconcini, Genovese Basil, Balsamic Reduction

Crispy Fried Calamari served with a trio of sauces, Garlic Aioli, Chipotle Mayo, Spicy Marinara

Homemade Caesar Salad, Crisp Romaine, Double Smoked Bacon, Garlic Croutons, Chipotle Caesar Dressing, Crispy Shallots, Parmigiano Reggiano

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Aged Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Arugula Pesto, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Arancini, Mozzarella Di Bufala, Marinara, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Classic Pasta Di Aglio Olio, Linguini, Olive Oil, Garlic, Pepper Flakes, Herbs

Creamy Five Mushroom Risotto

Pan Seared Tiger Shrimp, White Wine, Shallots, Dill, Cream

Oven Roasted Red Pepper & Field Tomato Soup, Garlic Croutons, Coconut Cream, Parmesan Garlic Bread

Creamy Lobster Risotto, Arborio Rice, Atlantic Lobster, Green Peas, Chives

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Nona's Spaghetti & Meatballs, Marinara, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Genovese Basil

Panko Crusted Local Haddock, String Beans, Garlic Mash, Lemon Butter

Chicken Parmigiana, Roasted Penne, Broccolini

Braised Beef, Demi Glace, Garlic Mash, Cremini Mushrooms Citrus Green Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisu. Ladyfingers, Espresso, Grand Marnier, Mascarpone, Cocoa Dust

Parfait, Greek Yogurt, Quinoa Granola, Local Berries, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Vanilla Bean

Gourmet Mini Cake Platter: An assortment of seasonal and classic flavours of both Mini Layer Cakes and Mini Cheesecakes

Pleasure Platter: An assortment of unique mini desserts, mini povlovas, mini cupcakes, squares, cream puffs, cake truffles, and cookies

Seafood Specialty

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Fried Calamari served with a trio of sauces, Garlic Aioli, Chipotle Mayo, Spicy Marinara

Escargots Gratin in the shell, Butter, Garlic, Swiss Emmental, Panko, Herb de Provence

Local Crab Stuffed Cremini Caps, Whipped Cream Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Panko, Herb de Provence

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Seared Tiger Shrimp, White Wine, Shallots, Dill, Cream

Oyster Rockefeller, Local Oysters, Garlic Spinach, Shallots, Panko, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Local's Only Oyster Plater, Classic Mignonette, Homemade Hot Sauce, Fresh Horseradish, Citrus (4 per person)

Local Seafood Ceviche, Lobster, Digby Scallops, Atlantic Haddock, Cold Water Shrimp, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Citrus

Creamy Lobster Risotto, Arborio Rice, Atlantic Lobster, Green Peas, Chives

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Panko Crusted Local Haddock, String Beans, Garlic Mash, Lemon Butter

Half Stuffed Lobster w Smoked Salmon & Whipped Cream Cheese, Mushroom Risotto, Blistered Brussel Sprouts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisu. Ladyfingers, Espresso, Grand Marnier, Mascarpone, Cocoa Dust

Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Mousse, Vanilla Whip, Raspberry Coulis

Gourmet Mini Cake Platter: An assortment of seasonal and classic flavours of both Mini Layer Cakes and Mini Cheesecakes

Pleasure Platter: An assortment of unique mini desserts, mini povlovas, mini cupcakes, squares, cream puffs, cake truffles, and cookies

Top Shelf Table

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Olive Oil, Smoked Maldon Salt

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Aged Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Arugula Pesto, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Oyster Rockefeller, Local Oysters, Garlic Spinach, Shallots, Panko, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Local's Only Oyster Plater, Classic Mignonette, Homemade Hot Sauce, Fresh Horseradish, Citrus (4 per person)

Local Seafood Ceviche, Lobster, Digby Scallops, Atlantic Haddock, Cold Water Shrimp, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Citrus

Arancini, Mozzarella Di Bufala, Marinara, Parmigiano-Reggiano (3pc)

Oven Roasted Red Pepper & Field Tomato Soup, Garlic Croutons, Coconut Cream, Parmesan Garlic Bread

Seared Digby Scallops, Parmesan Parsnip Puree, Saffron Cream Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Half Stuffed Lobster w Smoked Salmon & Whipped Cream Cheese, Mushroom Risotto, Blistered Brussel Sprouts

Parchment Poached Grouper, Garlic Rappini, Rainbow Rosemary Potatoes Lemon Caper Sauce

Beef Wellington, Mushroom Duxelles, Prosciutto, Potatoes Confit, Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Pink Peppercorn Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisu. Ladyfingers, Espresso, Grand Marnier, Mascarpone, Cocoa Dust

Gourmet Mini Cake Platter: An assortment of seasonal and classic flavours of both Mini Layer Cakes and Mini Cheesecakes

Pleasure Platter: An assortment of unique mini desserts, mini povlovas, mini cupcakes, squares, cream puffs, cake truffles, and cookies

Tempt Your Taste Buds

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Olive Oil, Smoked Maldon Salt

Crispy Fried Calamari served with a trio of sauces, Garlic Aioli, Chipotle Mayo, Spicy Marinara

Roasted Beet Salad, Mesclun Mix, Seasonal Beets, Sweet Potato, Pecans, Truffle Honey Vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Aged Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Arugula Pesto, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Arancini, Mozzarella Di Bufala, Marinara, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Pan Seared Tiger Shrimp, White Wine, Shallots, Dill, Cream

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Parmigiana, Roasted Penne, Broccolini

Surf & Turf, Denver Steak, Seared Digby Scallops, Garlic Mash, Roasted Root Vegetables, Dill Cream Sauce

Roasted Halibut with Basil Pesto Crust, Pearled Couscous, Roasted Brussel Sprouts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisu. Ladyfingers, Espresso, Grand Marnier, Mascarpone, Cocoa Dust

Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Mousse, Vanilla Whip, Raspberry Coulis

Gourmet Cheesecake Platter

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Chef Conrad's reviews

4.83

•

8 services

I highly recommend Conrad Nowak and his sous chef, Chef Raxx. They were professional, clearly had a passion for what they do, and they were a delight to work with from beginning to end. They prepared a delicious menu of Italian food for 5 couples. Before each course Chef Conrad Nowak provided information about his vision for the dish and where the ingredients were sourced. At the end of the evening, they kitchen & dining room were spotless, and when we opened the fridge we were extremely happy to discover take-away containers with some of the amazing food from the evening! Honestly the evening was perfect and we'll be reaching out to Chef Conrad Nowak and Chef Raxx again soon!

Absolutely amazing experience, far exceeding our expectations! Phenomenal food with exquisite artistic presentation. Chef Conrad was extremely professional - responsive communication and found the exact balance between engaging conversation and allowing space. Also super impressed with how clean the kitchen was left. Just a 5 star experience the whole way, highly recommended!

I will use Take a Chef again

Great Experience. will def do it again. .

Chef Conrad was excellent. We asked for Thai food and he certainly delivered. He drove to our home after a snow storm. He was punctual with a positive disposition. Each course came with an explanation of the ingredients along with his personal travels to Thailand. He engaged in conversation yet didn’t hover. All of his creations were amazing, particularly the coconut shrimp and spring rolls. He left the kitchen neat. He brought several take out containers with him which he filled with leftovers including the sauces. We will definitely have him again.