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.

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Chef Dan's reviews

4.85

•

58 services

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!!

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