Chef Dan Castro

Personal Chef In Austin

I emigrated to Los Angeles at 13 years old. I got exposed to basic cuisines like Panda Express, Tacos, and all sorts of foods. It was a cultural shock.

I went to the Culinary Institute of America for my scholarship. Here, I learned how to cook food using French techniques while being exposed to many other aspects of the food industry and various cuisines.

After I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, I worked at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 3 years. I worked multiple rotations from banquet cooking, brasseries, taverns, pub style cooking, baking and pastry.

I then went to Uchiko here in Austin, and worked as a line cook and ending my tenure there as a sushi chef. Here, I learned not only cooking techniques but how to handle guests at the sushi bar as well, and this is how I approach a lot of my parties - with genuine hospitality and delicious food, which leads to a great night.

For me, cooking is...

a love language. We do it to take care of the people around us as a basic need and as we celebrate people, I want to put out my best for that day.

I learned to cook at...

-The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York - The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs - Uchi/Uchiko, Austin TX

A cooking secret...

Work clean and drink a lot of water. If you look good, you cook good, and if you cook good, the clients pay well.

My menus

Ashley’s Husband’s Birthday Menu!

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Mushroom Ravioli, Green Beans, Tomato, Peanut Curry Sauce

Bbq Wrapped Shrimp, Coleslaw

Chicken Picatta, Lemon Caper Sauce. Fettucine

Scallop Aguachile, Oranges, Pomegranate, Avocado Puree

Salmon Sashimi, Oranges, Cassava Chips, Green Goddess

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

New York Strip, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Charred Beoccolini, Romesco Sauce

Grilled Citrus Chicken Leg, Scallion Pancake, Zucchini Noodles

Miso Glazed Halibut, Roasted Cauliflower, Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Matcha Tiramisu, Strawberries

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Jasmine Cream, Pineapples

Honey Cheesecake, Pistachio, Cherry Compote

Chef Dan's Indulgent Local Texas Style Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

Fruit and Cheese Platter, Crackers and Assorted Jam

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggs Benedict, English Muffin, Canadian Bacon, Hollandaise

Fried Chicken and Waffles, Hot Honey

Roasted Potatoes and Broccolini

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

DESSERT

All inclusive

Blueberry French Toast, Vanilla-Lavender Cream

Chef Dan's Las Vegas Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Austin Street Corn Salad, Lime Cream, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Mushroom and Onion Sliders, Swiss Cheese, Crispy Oniond

Fried Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Sauce

Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Peanut Sauce

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Cilantro, Sweet Chili

DESSERT

All inclusive

Churros and Chili Chocolate Mousse

Strawberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Chef Dan’s Sushi Party!

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Steamed Edamame

Vegetable Potstickers, Cilantro Ponzu

Chicken Egg Rolls, Banana Ketchup

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hamachi Sashimi, Cucumber and Bell Pepper Relish, Herbed Yogurt

Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Avocado Puree, Radish, Salsa Macha

Salmon Sashimi, Oranges, Yuca Chips, Green Goddess

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Tropical Salmon Roll, Pickled Bell Pepper, Mango, Cilantro, Fried Onion

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Garlic Aioli

Shrimp Tempura Roll, Apples, Mint, Lime Fish Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Sesame Chocolate Mousse Cake, Strawberry Jam

Matcha Tiramisu, Cherry Compote, Pistachios

Ube Mochi, Peach-Mango Compote

Chef Dan's Simple Asian Fusion Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Pork Belly, Green Beans, Japanese Curry Butternut Squash Puree

Custom First Course - Inquire In Chat

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Halibut, Grilled Broccolini, Five Spice Carrots, Miso Sauce

Custom Entree Option - Inquire In Chat

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Sesame Chocolate Mousse Cake, Strawberry Jam, Coconut Ice Cream

Custom Dessert Option - Inquire In Chat

Chef Dan's Simple Mediterranean Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Hummus with Pita and Vegetables - Roasted Red Pepper and Basil Pesto Hummus, Cucumber, Carrot and Bell Pepper STicks

Spanakopita Triangles

Mediterranean Meatballs, Tomato Dipping Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Herbed Grilled Chicken with Lemon Orzo

Braised Lamb Shank, Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini and Carrots

Grilled Branzino with Olive Tapenade, Rice Pilaf and Green Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Baklava with Honey Syrup

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Panna Cotta with Berries and Cinnamon

Chef Dan's Basic Pasta Party Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

Foccaccia, Herb and Sundried Tomato Butter for the table

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, Artichoke Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Zest

Fettucine Pesto, Arugula, Tomatoes

Watermelon and Tomato Salad, Balsamic, Pistachios

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

New York Strip, Beet, Orange and Fennel Salad, Goat Cheese

Salmon, Basil Chimichurri, Roasted Squashes and Carrots

Cornish Game Hen, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Tomato Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Lavender Cream, Cherry Compote

Chocolate and Coffee Tiramisu

Peach Cobbler, Vanilla Ice Cream

Basic Sushi Rolling Class - Interactive

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Steamed Edamame

Vegetable Potstickers, Cilantro Ponzu

Chicken Egg Rolls, Banana Ketchup

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Tropical Salmon Roll, Pickled Bell Pepper, Mango, Cilantro, Fried Onion

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Garlic Aioli

Shrimp Tempura Roll, Apples, Mint, Lime Fish Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Sesame Chocolate Mousse Cake, Strawberry Jam

Matcha Tiramisu, Cherry Compote, Pistachios

Ube Mochi, Peach-Mango Compote

Ashley’s Husband’s Birthday Menu!

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Mushroom Ravioli, Green Beans, Tomato, Peanut Curry Sauce

Bbq Wrapped Shrimp, Coleslaw

Chicken Picatta, Lemon Caper Sauce. Fettucine

Scallop Aguachile, Oranges, Pomegranate, Avocado Puree

Salmon Sashimi, Oranges, Cassava Chips, Green Goddess

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

New York Strip, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Charred Beoccolini, Romesco Sauce

Grilled Citrus Chicken Leg, Scallion Pancake, Zucchini Noodles

Miso Glazed Halibut, Roasted Cauliflower, Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Matcha Tiramisu, Strawberries

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Jasmine Cream, Pineapples

Honey Cheesecake, Pistachio, Cherry Compote

Chef Dan's Indulgent Local Texas Style Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

Fruit and Cheese Platter, Crackers and Assorted Jam

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggs Benedict, English Muffin, Canadian Bacon, Hollandaise

Fried Chicken and Waffles, Hot Honey

Roasted Potatoes and Broccolini

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

DESSERT

All inclusive

Blueberry French Toast, Vanilla-Lavender Cream

Chef Dan's Las Vegas Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Austin Street Corn Salad, Lime Cream, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Mushroom and Onion Sliders, Swiss Cheese, Crispy Oniond

Fried Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Sauce

Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Peanut Sauce

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Cilantro, Sweet Chili

DESSERT

All inclusive

Churros and Chili Chocolate Mousse

Strawberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Chef Dan’s Sushi Party!

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Steamed Edamame

Vegetable Potstickers, Cilantro Ponzu

Chicken Egg Rolls, Banana Ketchup

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hamachi Sashimi, Cucumber and Bell Pepper Relish, Herbed Yogurt

Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Avocado Puree, Radish, Salsa Macha

Salmon Sashimi, Oranges, Yuca Chips, Green Goddess

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Tropical Salmon Roll, Pickled Bell Pepper, Mango, Cilantro, Fried Onion

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Garlic Aioli

Shrimp Tempura Roll, Apples, Mint, Lime Fish Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Sesame Chocolate Mousse Cake, Strawberry Jam

Matcha Tiramisu, Cherry Compote, Pistachios

Ube Mochi, Peach-Mango Compote

Show me more

Chef Dan's reviews

4.81

•

78 services

Wonderful experience!!

The overall experience was enjoyable and the food was visually appealing and tasty. Chef Dan also provided a server, who really helped in getting the guests their drinks and meals in a timely manner. Best of all, the kitchen was left clean and in order! One suggestion for improvement -- paying all this money for a private chef, we expected him to be professionally dressed in a chef jacket and hat (instead of wearing jeans and shirt).

Dan was an excellent chef who went above and beyond for our meal! I really appreciated his explanations and help to make a special day even better

We had Chef Dan cook dinner for us during a bachelor party trip to Austin, and it couldn’t have been better. The smoked brisket tacos and blackened catfish were unreal — easily the highlight meal of the trip. Chef Dan made everything super easy, kept the vibe relaxed, and left the place spotless. Would absolutely book again.

What a treat to enjoy such high end foods at home while being able to be hands off and absorb the experience

Chef Dan was great. He did a sushi class for us, brought all the gear we’d need. Each of us produced at least 1 respectable roll by the end of the night. Everything was delicious and he was a good hang. We’ll likely do a philipino feast with him in the future. Thank you!!!

Chef Dan was incredible. 10/10 would recommend. I couldn't have asked for anything more. The food was great.

Chef Dan was amazing! I would 100% recommend booking this experience. Not only was the food delicious, everything was thoughtfully curated together. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great experience!

Our experience with Chef Dan was outstanding. The food was top notch and presented so beautifully. We were so well taken care of. We didn’t have to lift a finger! It was like dining at a 5 star restaurant in the convenience of your home. We also got a cooking demonstration along with all the amazing food. That was really fun! And communication throughout was perfect. I would do this again in a heart beat. All of our guests raved about it and wanted to know where I found him. Wonderful experience!!!

Great experience for any special occasion

Chef Dan has a great sense of humor and is a pro at his craft. We enjoyed our time with him and the food was awesome!!

Chef Dan and his team exceeded expectations! The team was both highly professional and personable. They provided a Michelin-quality experience right at home. The food was incredible! If I have the opportunity to do it again, Chef Dan will be the first person I call.

Chef Dan did a terrific job. The food was amazing. Service was also very good. We did have a few small bumps along the way but the overall experience was great. Chef Dan was very responsive throughout the entire process including letting me know he was on his way the night of. The presentation of food was fabulous as were the dishes themselves. He and his assistant did a very good job of clean up afterward. Definitely a good experience overall and I will do it again.

Chef Dan was amazing! Everyone had a great time and raved about the food and the overall experience!

Wonderful experience!!