Chef Calvin Di Giovanni
Private Chef In College ParkGet to know me better
I’m a passionate Chef with extensive knowledge. My background includes vegan, vegetarian, classic French gastronomy (European foods).
I am a professional Chef in the DMV area. My background includes vegan, vegetarian, classic French gastronomy (European foods), pastries, and avant-garde fine dinning in high volume restaurants or in home caterings.
I possess pristine culinary experience in menu creations, research and development.
The following is a brief summary of my qualifications:
• 18 years of professional culinary experience
• Menu development and budget pricing
• Training and mentoring technical and behavioral skills
• Inventory management and high-volume purchasing ability
• Up-to-date on HACCP and sanitation for regulatory compliance
• National Serve Safe certified
• Broad vegan and vegetarian cooking repertoire
• Passionate and specialized in French-European pastries
• Organized and detail oriented for a fast pace or exclusive private VIP environment
• Ability to manage payroll, scheduling, employee hours/labor cost, paying vendors/providers, and maintaining customer relations
• Lead by example through systems, goals, acknowledgement, hard work and dedication
• A passion for excellence in customer service and culinary expertise
• A laser focus devotion to excellence and the highest standards for exclusive VIP environments
• My Motto is “Above & Beyond.” I fully devote to each project I undertake
More about me
For me, cooking is...
A passion, a philosophy, a mindset, an ephemeral art, a universal language and a joyful unifying experience to share with others.
I learned to cook at...
Home and for various Chefs, the most impactful being Chef Jean Andre at the restaurant “Bistrot du Sommelier” in Paris, France.
A cooking secret...
Love&Care, freshness&Quality of the ingredients.
My menus
Escargots de Bourgogne Traditional Burgundy snails baked with garlic-parsley butter, served with crusty baguette
French Onion Soup Rich, slow-cooked onion soup topped with a melted Gruyère cheese crust
Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Fresh arugula topped with creamy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a light balsamic vinaigrette
Duck Liver Mousse with Cornichons Smooth duck liver mousse served with cornichons, mustard, and slices of toasted brioche
Duck Breast à l’Orange Seared duck breast with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, served with a side of potato gratin and sautéed green beans
Coq au Vin Chicken slow-braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, served over buttered noodles
Braised Beef Short Ribs à la Bourguignonne served with Mash Potato/Potato Purée and Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Chocolate Soufflé Classic airy chocolate soufflé served with a side of vanilla crème anglaise
Tarte Tatin Caramelized upside-down apple tart, served warm with a dollop of crème fraîche
Crème Brûlée Rich vanilla custard topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Greek yogurt layered with granola, honey, and mixed berries
Fresh Fruit Platter: Seasonal sliced fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, berries, and oranges, served with a honey-yogurt dip
Assorted Pastry Basket: Mini croissants, muffins, and Danish pastries served with butter, jam, and honey
Mini Avocado Toasts: Smashed avocado on multigrain toast, topped with cherry tomatoes and chili flakes
Smoked Salmon Crostini: Crisp crostini topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and dill
Truffle Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs infused with truffle oil and garnished with chives
Classic Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs on an English muffin, topped with Hollandaise sauce and served with sautéed spinach and hash browns
Crab & Spinach Frittata: Oven-baked frittata with fresh crab meat, spinach, and parmesan cheese
Stuffed French Toast: Thick brioche French toast stuffed with cream cheese and strawberry compote, served with maple syrup
Breakfast Burrito: Filled with scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, black beans, and salsa, wrapped in a flour tortilla
Buttermilk Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes with toppings of maple syrup, fresh berries, or chocolate chips
Vegetarian Quiche: Spinach, mushroom, and feta cheese quiche with a buttery crust, served with a side salad
Mini Churros: Warm mini churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces
Ricotta Pancakes: Light ricotta pancakes topped with lemon curd and fresh berries
Warm Cinnamon Rolls: Freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese icing
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: Classic bread pudding served warm with a side of vanilla sauce
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Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Crème Fraîche
Truffle Deviled Eggs
Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Pear Roasted Butternut Squash Soup • Creamy butternut squash soup garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of crème fraîche
Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula and Walnuts
Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans, and Maple Vinaigrette
Kale Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crisps
Stuffed Mushrooms, Mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, an
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Traditional Stuffing
Honey-Glazed Ham
Crispy Skin Salmon with Citrus Glaze
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Root Vegetables and Lentils
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Streusel
Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest
Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
Green Bean Casserole, Green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions
Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Crea
Pecan Pie with Bourbon Caramel
Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Chocolate Tart with Salted Caramel Drizzle
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Mini Tuna Tataki** Lightly seared tuna slices with a ponzu sauce
Edamame with Sea Salt** Steamed edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt
Uni (Sea Urchin) Shooter** Fresh sea urchin served with a dash of citrusy yuzu
Goma-ae Spinach** Blanched spinach dressed with a savory sesame sauce
Chawanmushi** Silky savory egg custard with shrimp and mushrooms
Kani Su** Delicate crab meat with cucumber in a light vinegar sauce
Ikura (Salmon Roe) with Dashi Gelée** Salmon roe served with a delicate dashi jelly
Agedashi Tofu** Lightly fried tofu in a warm dashi broth topped with scallions and bonito flakes
Tuna and Avocado Tartare** Fresh tuna and avocado cubes mixed with a light soy dressing
Sake-steamed Clams** Clams steamed in sake with a touch of garlic and butter
Ebi Shumai** Steamed shrimp dumplings with a soy dipping sauce
Gyoza** Pan-fried pork and vegetable dumplings
Chicken Karaage** Crispy Japanese fried chicken served with a side of spicy mayo
Sunomono** A refreshing cucumber and seafood salad in a sweet vinegar dressing
Sushi Platter** An assortment of nigiri and maki rolls featuring fresh fish and seafood
Tempura Udon** Udon noodles in a savory broth, topped with crispy tempura shrimp and vegetables
Teriyaki Salmon** Grilled salmon glazed with a sweet teriyaki sauce, served with steamed rice
Beef Sukiyaki** Thinly sliced beef and vegetables simmered in a sweet soy sauce broth
Unagi Donburi** Grilled eel served over a bowl of steamed rice with unagi sauce
Vegetable Tempura** A variety of vegetables lightly battered and fried, served with a dipping sauce
Chicken Katsu** Breaded and fried chicken cutlet served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce
Matcha Ice Cream** Creamy green tea flavored ice cream
Mochi Trio** A selection of mochi in various flavors (red bean, matcha, and mango)
Yuzu Sorbet** Refreshing yuzu-flavored sorbet
Dorayaki** Sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste
Green Tea Cheesecake** A fusion dessert combining rich cheesecake with the subtle flavor of green tea
Black Sesame Pudding** Smooth and creamy pudding with a nutty black sesame flavor
Anmitsu** A traditional Japanese dessert of agar jelly, sweet beans, and fruit, served with a sweet syrup
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Mini Crab Cake with Remoulade** A bite-sized Maryland crab cake topped with a tangy remoulade sauce
Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Shooter** Chilled shrimp served in a zesty Old Bay-spiced cocktail sauce
Oysters Rockefeller** Fresh local oysters baked with spinach, parmesan, and a touch of anise
Chesapeake Bay Scallop Ceviche** Marinated scallops with citrus, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño
Smoked Bluefish Pâté on Crostini** Rich and smoky bluefish pâté served on a crisp crostini
Duck Liver Mousse with Fig Jam** Creamy duck liver mousse paired with a sweet fig jam on a petite toast
Miniature Tomato and Basil Tart** A flaky tart shell filled with heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil
Rockfish Carpaccio** Thinly sliced rockfish drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and capers
Heirloom Tomato Salad** Assorted heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic reduction
Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs** Tender grilled octopus served with a bright lemon and herb dressing
Sweet Corn Soup with Lump Crab** Creamy sweet corn soup garnished with fresh lump crabmeat
Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese**
Crispy fried green tomatoes served with a dollop of tangy pimento cheese
House-made Charcuterie Board** An assortment of locally cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables
Wild Mushroom Risotto** Creamy risotto with a mix of local wild mushrooms and parmesan cheese
Maryland Blue Crab Imperial** Baked blue crab with a rich imperial sauce, served with seasonal vegetables
Seared Rockfish with Butter Sauce** Fresh rockfish filet seared to perfection, topped with a lemon butter sauce
Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction** Pan-seared duck breast served with a sweet and tart cherry reduction
Braised Short Ribs** Tender short ribs braised in a rich red wine sauce, served with creamy mashed potatoes
Lamb Chops with Rosemary Garlic Glaze** Grilled lamb chops finished with a rosemary and garlic glaze
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes** Classic Maryland crab cakes served with a side of coleslaw and tartar sauce
Smith Island Cake** Maryland’s state dessert: a multi-layered chocolate and vanilla cake
Old Bay Caramel Popcorn** Sweet and spicy caramel popcorn with a hint of Old Bay seasoning
Blueberry Cobbler** Warm blueberry cobbler served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Black Bottom Cupcakes** Moist chocolate cupcakes with a cheesecake center
Peach Upside-Down Cake** A moist cake topped with caramelized peaches
Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake** Light and fluffy cheesecake with a zesty lemon flavor
Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream** Classic pecan pie topped with a bourbon-infused whipped cream
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Rancini**: Small, fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and peas, served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping
Gorgonzola and Walnut Crostini**: Toasted baguette slices topped with creamy gorgonzola cheese and a walnut half, drizzled with honey
Prosciutto e Melone**: Skewers of sweet cantaloupe melon wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto, drizzled with a balsamic glaze
Antipasto Platter**: A selection of cured meats (like prosciutto, salami, and mortadella), assorted cheeses (such as pecorino, gorgonzola, and fresh mozzarella), marinated olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and grilled vegetables
Caprese Salad**: Slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, layered with fresh basil leaves, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic reduction, and sprinkled with sea salt and cracked black pepper
Bruschetta con Funghi**: Toasted bread slices topped with a warm mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese
Stuffed Mushrooms**: Large mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, and finely chopped mushroom stems, baked until golden and bubbly
Carpaccio di Manzo**: Thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, topped with capers, shaved parmesan, and arugula leaves
Lasagna alla Bolognese**: Layers of fresh pasta sheets, rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly
Risotto ai Funghi**: Creamy risotto cooked with a variety of wild mushrooms, white wine, and parmesan cheese, finished with a touch of fresh parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil
Spaghetti alla Carbonara**: Spaghetti tossed with crispy pancetta, a creamy sauce made from eggs and pecorino romano cheese, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper
Pollo alla Cacciatora**: Chicken pieces simmered in a rustic sauce of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, olives, and fresh herbs, served with a side of crusty bread or polenta
Osso Buco alla Milanese**: Tender braised veal shanks cooked in a flavorful sauce of white wine, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, traditionally served with a side of saffron-infused risotto (Risotto alla Milanese)
Panna Cotta**: A smooth and silky cooked cream dessert, often flavored with vanilla and served with a berry coulis or caramel sauce
Cannoli**: Crisp pastry tubes filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling, often studded with chocolate chips or candied fruit and dusted with powdered sugar
Tiramisu**: A rich and creamy dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder
Gelato**: Italian-style ice cream that is dense and intensely flavored, available in a variety of flavors such as pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, and fruit
Zabaglione**: A light, foamy dessert made from egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine, served warm and often accompanied by fresh berries or a biscotti
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Truffle Infused Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs infused with black truffle oil and garnished with truffle shavings
Escargot Vol-au-Vent: Puff pastry shells filled with garlic butter-infused escargot
Gougères with Gruyère and Herbs: Cheese-filled choux pastry puffs flavored with Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs
Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini: Crostini topped with creamy goat cheese and a dollop of fig jam
Salmon Tartare on Cucumber Rounds: Fresh salmon tartare served on thinly sliced cucumber rounds with a hint of lemon zest
Beetroot and Goat Cheese Mousse Cones: Mini cones filled with whipped goat cheese mousse and roasted beetroot
Moules Marinières: Steamed mussels cooked in white wine with garlic, shallots, and parsley
Quiche Lorraine: Savory tart filled with bacon, cheese, and custard
Salade Niçoise: Salad made with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and anchovies
Veal Scallopini with Mushroom Sauce: Thinly sliced veal sautéed with mushrooms in a creamy sauce
Cassoulet: Hearty white bean stew with duck confit, sausage, and pork belly
Salmon en Papillote: Salmon fillet baked in parchment paper with herbs, lemon, and vegetables
Beef Bourguignon: Slow-cooked beef stewed in red wine with mushrooms, carrots, and onions
Duck à l'Orange: Roast duck served with a sweet and tangy orange sauce
Confit de Canard: Duck leg confit cooked in its own fat until tender and served with crispy skin
Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon
Tournedos Rossini: Beef tenderloin topped with seared foie gras and truffle sauce
Crème Brûlée: Rich custard topped with a caramelized sugar crust
Macarons: Delicate almond meringue cookies filled with ganache or buttercream
Tarte Tatin: Upside-down caramelized apple tart served with vanilla ice cream
Profiteroles: Cream-filled choux pastry balls topped with chocolate sauce
Opera Cake: Layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, ganache, and coffee buttercream
Éclairs: Long pastry shells filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing
Mille-Feuille: Layers of puff pastry filled with pastry cream and topped with icing
Pavlova: Meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh berries
Choux à la Crème: Cream-filled choux pastry puffs topped with powdered sugar
Tarte au Citron: Lemon tart with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling
Madeleines: Small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell shape, often flavored with lemon or almond
Croquembouche: Tower of cream-filled profiteroles bound together with caramel
Clafoutis: Baked French dessert made with fruit (traditionally cherries) covered in a thick flan-like batter
Baba au Rhum: Yeast cake soaked in rum syrup and served with whipped cream
Pots de Crème: Creamy custard dessert served in small pots or jars
Tarte aux Fraises: Fresh strawberry tart with pastry cream or custard filling
Cannelés: Custard-filled pastries with a caramelized crust and a soft, custardy center
Floating Island (Île Flottante): Poached meringue served with crème anglaise and topped with caramel
Galette des Rois: Flaky puff pastry filled with almond cream, traditionally served for Epiphany
Pain Perdu: French toast made with thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar
Tarte aux Pommes: Classic French apple tart with thinly sliced apples arranged on top of a buttery crust
Paris-Brest: Ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream
Bûche de Noël: Yule log-shaped cake made of sponge cake and rolled with filling, often decorated to resemble a log
Chocolat Fondant: Molten chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center, often served with vanilla ice cream
Pain au Chocolat: Flaky pastry filled with chocolate, similar to a chocolate croissant
Fraisier: Layered sponge cake filled with strawberries and pastry cream, topped with marzipan or whipped cream
Dacquoise: Layered dessert made with nut meringue layers and whipped cream or buttercream filling
Tarte Tropézienne: Brioche-like cake filled with pastry cream and topped with pearl sugar
Crêpes Suzette: Thin pancakes served with a sauce made from caramelized sugar, butter, orange juice, and liqueur
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