Chef Raul Garcia

Private Chef In Playa Del Carmen

All started with passion , and with gratitude I had to evolve in to this passion following my craft and finding it where I could. Seeking a path to evolve Into his profession , traveling to understand about it….

This has allowed me to understand the culinary basics of different cultures and learn about great gastronomies, having also done workshops to update my craft. I worked in different places from North America to South America, then in Italy and places in Europe, updating my knowledge I am also prominent in Spanish and Mexican cuisine, and also interacting with the beautiful tastes of the world…

I initially learned to cook at my grandmother’s house and having interest to follow my passion I escalated finding knowledge in books, curses, and start from the beginnings…. proceeded to pass through the well known restaurants, understanding basics and the way to do this passion of craft…

Looking forward to cook and nurture your taste and exceed our expectations.........

For me, cooking is...

Nourishment, passion, equilibrium, nature, conscious, and having a great moment to share and enjoy ourselves also......

I learned to cook at...

My grand mother’s house and professional kitchens such as… The slanted door, philosophy, ósmosis, Spago.

A cooking secret...

To find the best products and treat them as equal to find a balance in taste and to apply technique into them, with care and passion into this craft!

My menus

Kosher

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Medley of cheeses

Marinated olives

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Medley of Sparragus with hummus

Ribeye Escabeche de nopales y mantequilla de 5chiles

Beet salad with leeks and fresh goat cheese

Chicken lime soup traditional from yucatan

???? vegan .)Fresh jicama salad with Asian flair citrus and local herbs

Classic Guacamole and fried chips

Ajo blanco soup with coliflower thyme oil

Ajillo mushrooms with ancho relish on a citrus sauce

....Vegan! grilled avocado with creamy spiced buttersquash local herbs and dry fruits

Coliflower Aguachile a classicRiviera

Baba ganoush with mint and confit garlic

Tuna Aguachile a classic in the Riviera (tostada)

Kosher ceasar salad “

Green salad with lemon citrus vinaigrette

Kosher Adobada taco with cucumber and habanero mint salsa

Mushroom taco with truffle and huitlacoche

Gluten-free pasta with pesto and roasted almonds

Butternut squash salad with cincochiles and medley of nuts

Marinated ribeye salad with orange

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Asparragus & leeks with romesco sauce

Arrachera with cactus salad. baja style

Vegetarian lasagna with pumpkins and herbs

Chicken a la cassolana... signature dish

Parmeggiana di melanzzane with fresh basil, and ricotta

Salmón mi-Cuit with marinated peppers and orange mustard sauce

Duck breast a la orange with wild mushroom fricasé

Marinated tuna on a orange reduction, AND seassonal veggies

(a la brasa) catch of the day on a zarandeado sauce

Kosher”Mayan style catch of the day with a sublime garlic herbs crust with veggies

Tomahawk with seasonal veggie

Duck confit with spices “tacos”

Kosher”Filet mignon on a creamy mushroom sauce and sublime purée

Kosher”T bone steak for two with Mexican sides

DESSERT

All inclusive

Arroz con leche (coconut)and lemon sorbet

Arros con leche in a chocolate icecream and mint

Charlotte with red fruits . (No daily)

American cheese cake

???? vegan Chocolate mousse

3 Birthday cake tres leches

Walnut tart with vanilla icecream

Nemesis chocolate tart

Matzo s’mores chocolate

Banana tart with cinnamon and coconut icecream

Fruit tart seasonal

Brunch in the riviera

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Sparkling wine (mimosas)

Daily breads (artesanal )

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Butter and homemade jams

Energetic smoothie

Medley of healthy local fruits

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Frittata with veggies and cheese

Salmon bagels with cream cheese and herbs

Banana pancakes with cinnamon and maple syrup

French toast with red fruits and lemon custard

Mexican ranchero eggs with beans , salsa mexicana . avocado, coriander

Omelette with vegetables and cheese

Poached eggs on a toast with avocado and tomatoes

Scrambled eggs (perfect my way). sessonal veggies

DESSERT

All inclusive

Japanese in the riviera

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Miso soup with shitake

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Avocado crab roll, ponzu sauce

Maki rolls with tuna, prawn, veggies

Crispy Seafood and veggies tempura with soja mayonaisse

Zucchini roll with prawns pickked mustard AND shoyu sauce

Wakame salad with miso dressing

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Seabass Marinated, grilled on a citrus-miso

Caramelised octopus baked on salt with mírin-shoyu sauce

Whole organic chicken marinated on teriyaki sauce seassonal veggies asian style

New york steak with asparragus, sweet potatoe puree with a creamy mushroom sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mochi medley

Birthday cake

Baked rice cake with matcha icecream

Creamy tapioca with coconut and mango and basil

Rice pudding with chia and coco icecream

???? vegan Chocolate mousse with passion fruit coulis

BBQ IN THE RIVIERA

STARTER

All inclusive

Sparkling wine

Signature Margaritas

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Prawn salad with citrus and ancho dressing

Ceasar salad a classic

Aguachile a classic in the Riviera (tostada)

Guacamole with jicama crudités and chips

Grilled corn with chipotle sauce on a panela cheese and pimienton

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Famous local octopus a la Mayan style with local veggies and recado negro

T-bone steak with rocket and tomatoes. on a chipotle onions

Grilled chayote squash with asparragus on a coloradito pipian

Grilled golf prawns with lemon and morita chilli

Grilled tuna on a lime - orange olive oil marinade,

(a la brasa) catch of the day on a zarandeado sauce

Local organic and free range chicken marinated with herbs and citrus sauce

Grilled Lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and creamy mint sauce

Grilled medley of seassonal veggies. on an olive-citrus and herby sauce

Lobster on a butter pepper-mezcal sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Assorted cheeses from the region

Bowl of fruits

Flan a la mexicana

Arros con leche in a chocolate icecream and mint

Apple tart with vanilla ice cream

American cheese cake

Flavors of the mediterranean

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Sparkling wine

Assorted cold meats and cheeses

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Asparragus with calzot sauce

Salmon with great orange reducción and seasonal herbs

Beet root salad with roquefort and walnuts,endives

Beef tartar with delmonicos mayonnaise

Bruschetta, caponata, capresse, fegato a la Toscana

Cáprese salad a classic

Asparragus with poached egg and pesto rosso

Prawn salad with olives and orange

Ajo blanco soup with coliflower thyme oil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Risotto al porccini

)Tagliatta di Manzo & Parmiggiano reggiano

Chicken saltimboca with sage and potatoes purée

T bone steak for 4 with seasonal veggies

Lobster with citrus sauce and conchiglie

Duck a la orange with pomme purée

Lasagna with bechamel . and ragu

Osso buco with roasted potatoes and cream

Paella seafood with saffron and catch of the day

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate cake

Arroz con leche and vanilla ice cream

Arros con leche in a chocolate icecream and mint

Apple tart with vanilla ice cream

American cheese cake

Chocolate mousse with passion fruit

Esencias de la riviera maya

STARTER

All inclusive

Sparkling wine

Assorted Cold meats

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Guacamole and fried chips

Beetroot salad with chayote squash, jicama smokey vinaigrette

Prawn cocktail with avocado and coriander

Avocado roll with lobster and habanero mayonnaise

Tar- tar of tuna with mango and avocado

Aguachile a classic in the Riviera

???? vegan .)Fresh jicama salad with Asian flair citrus and local herbs

Catch of the day Ceviche , strawberry , local herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Asparragus with brócoli and chia. Mayan

Lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and creamy mint sauce

Ajillo prawns with ancho relish on a citrus sauce

Famous local octopus a la Mayan style with local veggies and recado negro

T bone steak for two with Mexican sides

Catch of he day with lemon and thyme salsa verde y quintoniles

Duck breast with mole on a sweet potato purée

Avocadoes filled with prawns on a citrus cream

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Arros con leche in a chocolate icecream and mint

Bowl of fruits seasonal

Apple tart with vanilla ice cream

Charlotte with strawberries

American cheese cake

Birthday cake tres leches

Mexican & mediterranean

STARTER

All inclusive

Sparkling wine (mimosas)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Shrimp salad with mango and passion fruit

Cáprese salad

Catch of the day Ceviche , mango, passion fruit

Fish tacos baja style

Classic Guacamole and fried chips

Shrimp tacos with mango and chipotle sauce

Octopus tostada with pickled cabbage radish on a ancho sauce

Quesadilla with chicken and mushroom fricasee

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Lemon prawns with guajillo chilli and buttered lemon sauce

Local T-bone thick steak with salsas mexicanas and seasonal veggies

Catch of the day lemon sauce, thyme. sarandeado style

Grilled octopus, seasonal veggies.mayan style

Roasted chicken with lemon and seasonal veggies on a ancho sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon cake

Chocolate cake

Chocolate mousse

Flan a la mexicana

Panna cotta with basil and pineapple

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Chef Raul's reviews

4.93

•

125 services

We had the absolute pleasure of having Chef Raul prepare a special, custom menu for my surprise proposal meal, and it was nothing short of perfect. From start to finish, his communication was excellent—he really listened to my vision and gave thoughtful suggestions that took the evening to the next level. He was incredibly punctual, professional, and detail-oriented, ensuring everything went off without a hitch. The food was absolutely incredible, and his attention to detail helped make this one of the most memorable nights of our lives. Highly recommend Chef Raul for any special occasion!

Raul exceeded our expectations in every way. The food was delicious, professionally presented and served, high quality fresh products he used to cook, and he cooked the whole dinner from scratch at our place— no pre-made things or whatever. Our group of friends enjoyed his company while observing the cooking process, and it was a great experience. Even though our Airbnb villa didn't have an oven like it said, Raul flawlessly cooked up a delicious paella with lobsters over an open fire in our backyard. It was an additional adventure and surprising moment for us, which we enjoyed a lot! It was my first time booking a chef online, and Raul made it awesome. Definitely going to book him again next time we are in Tulum!

Chef Raul and his team were absolutely incredible!! I hired him to prepare a dinner for my friend’s birthday and the meal, presentation and wine pairings went above and beyond our expectations. Many people said the ceviche was the best they had ever had and the ribeye was cooked to perfection. The pairing sauces gave the dishes a nice kick and up leveled the flavor profiles. We would absolutely recommend this chef, the entire party had a blast!

Chef Raul was incredible. He was very understanding of the shift in my plans and was more than accommodating. More importantly the food was outstanding. Cannot recommend the duck breast more! It was one of the best duck dishes I’ve had if not the best.

We had a wonferful experience thanks to chef Raul, thank you

This experience was amazing from start to finish he was very respectful, caring and well prepared he made my birthday one of the best days ever. I never had a private chef and the experience was amazing and I thank him for the dinner it was super delicious I felt like a Queen

Chef Raul was an amazing and attentive chef. My group and I were thoroughly impressed with his cooking and timing of the tasting course. I wouldn't just recommend Chef Raul, I would say that his dinner service is required for any good vacation in the area.

The price turned out to be more than what was first paid for. Once the chef showed up we were told that alcohol and grocery were not included in the price that airbnb charged. It would have been nice to know this from the start of the booking. Had to have the dinner twice to go to an bank to pay for additional cost. Food and service were good but having to now double of what was initially charged was a bummer.

Raul was great and have great personalities and food was also great enjoyed the whole experience.

This dinner was booked for a 5 year anniversary. Let me just say Juan Carlos from Cancun, Really outdid himself!! 10/10 definitely recommend. The presentation, taste and service was on point! We felt like we were in a 5 start restaurant. Juan Carlos made sure to host & ask questions about our plates before making to feel personalized.

100% Recommend! Our chefs were phenomenal and so was the food and the experience. Our chef gave background stories for each meal he put on the table which made the experience great because we got to learn about what we were eating while enjoying it at the same time. Upon arrival, the chefs provided me with flowers for my birthday. It was truly the highlight of our trip. I 100% would recommend this experience and cannot wait until I am back to try it again!

The chefs was amazing. They explained everything that was served. They were so professional and clean. To add to this, this was the best meal during my stay in Cancun.

I will be honest here...we were nervous about this, having somebody unknown into your home was different for us. If you go to a public restaurant and things go crazy you can just leave! However, the entire evening was spot on perfect. Great food, great setup and great clean up. Raul showed up on time, was interesting and engaging. He really knows his craft as well, he was able to not only explain 'what' he was doing but 'why' and some history behind the ingredients he was using. We enjoyed our experience beyond just the meal, after clean up we all retired to our outside area for a bit of conversation and a night cap. My wife and I would like to thank Raul for making the evening special. The only downside would be the fact that 'Take A Chef' handled a lot of the initial communication and there was some language barrier issues. This was us talking to somebody besides Raul ahead of time and they provided some answers to our questions that were not only confusing but incorrect. Finally Raul was brought into the loop directly and everything was cleared up at that point. I wish that he was available in our home area for future special occasions, we would not hesitate to use him and to recommend him to our friends.

From beginning to end my taste buds were excited and satisfied. My entire party raved on how succulent the meats were, the freshness, the flavor and presentation was immaculate. Raul and Julie was truly everything, and made our bachelorette weekend feel exquisite.

If you’re hesitating, don’t be silly, just book it! You will enjoy a high value chef prepared meal made with intention, true passion and culinary skill

Food was great

The entire experience was amazing. Chef Raul was very attentive, kind, and fun. This experience was very interactive, as he explained every ingredient that was being put into the dishes. Chef Raul was also very flexible; if we needed to change times, certain dishes, or desired the interaction part, he gave us that choice no questions asked. Chef Raul really went above and beyond for my birthday, with tons of surprises throughout the night. He made our experience in Mexico even greater than what is was. 10/10 would do it again!

Excellent work by Raul! I will be booking him again in the future! Highly recommended!

First let me say that I have been using Personal Chefs for quite some time now all over the country. Chef Raul is currently my top pick out of all of them and definitely out the 3 that we secured while in Playa. His presentation and explanation of the dishes, the quality of the local ingredients, his professionalism and the extra attention and effort he put into to the detail were all VERY OUTSTANDING. My Entire bday party in hindsight would have liked to have him as the ONLY Chef. He was by far the BEST hands down!

Was a good meal but not what I had ordered and paid extra for ! We were told not to take photos of chef! We were not invited to help in the kitchen ! He seemed in a hurry ! Food was minimal . I had to pay extra for cake even though they had said the chocolate mousse was included . No marinated octopus that I had paid extra for . The food tasted good . Our company made it better . Sorry I felt a bit ripped off ! When I paid him for the cake he offered my money back which put me in an awful position . I probably wouldn’t do this experience again.