Chef Dave Mau

Private Chef In Orange

My cuisine is a fusion all on its own; there is absolutely no pretense to my culinary style. I cook for the best of reasons: love for people, friendship, and the magic that happens over a few bottles of wine with just the right folks. I firmly stand by my mantra: “good company is the best ingredient and pretense make a lousy garnish

My kitchen experience is formed around being puro Californio, my indigenous ancestors go back before the Spaniards arrived and the European side sailed from France to settle Sonoma in the 1850s. Those roots run deep in ancestry and attitude. My palate reflects that and draws from Americana, Regional Mexican, Mediterranean, Moroccan, and even aspects of Vietnamese. The West Coast experience is in my blood and the purest expression of that for me is via the plate and pen. I also have a gritty, sentimental side that I pour onto each preparation. Every dish has a story and that story deserves to be told.

I pride myself on being super easy to work with. Food should be fun and I think good company makes for the very best of ingredients. As a writer I love to talk about cuisine and restaurant culture, it’s a passion of mine to create a narrative for my guests. Most of all I like to craft memories as well as dishes, let’s have a meal to remember!

For me, cooking is...

An act of profound skill and dedication to people and the culinary craft.

I learned to cook at...

Beside my Father as a child and onto my professional journey from the hip, urban spots to the California wilderness.

A cooking secret...

Good company is the best ingredient and pretense makes a lousy garnish

My menus

From The West Coast Grill - 3 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh chips and guacamole classic style with house salsas from scratch

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salad Corte Madera with Avocado, Tomato, Cured Olives, Napa Cabbage, Grilled Cebollita and House Dressing

Authentic Sofrito Black Beans with Jasmine Rice

Grilled herbed Sweet Peppers and Cebollitas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Citrus Marinated Free Range Chicken grilled A la Plancha

Striped Sea Bass La Paz - with Garlic, Oregano, Myer Lemon, Jalapeños and Olive Oil

DESSERT

All inclusive

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Creme Fraiche and Berries

Provence On The West Coast - 5 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fig and Goat Cheese Gallets with Rosemary

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salad of Grilled Local Vegetables tossed with Arugula, Cabbage and House Dressing

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets and Local Butter served tableside

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Beef Daube Provençal - Braised Prime Beef in Consommé, Red Wine, Shallot, Pearl Onions and Herbs

Line Caught Local Halibut poached in Courtboullion with mint burre blanc

Creamy Cruchade (Polenta) with Espagnole

Gratin au Dauphinois - Shaved Pee Wee Potatoes, Cream, Garlic, Butter and Cheeses baked to perfection

DESSERT

All inclusive

Puff Pastry with Berry Compote and Cream

The California Table - 3 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets served tableside

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

California Potato Salad - Organic Pee Wee Potatoes, Olives, Roasted Sweet Peppers, Cebollita, Rosemary Aioli

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Broasted whole Farmhouse Chicken

Poached North Coast Salmon - Caldo, Egg, Lemon, Dill and Capers

Grilled Baja Oysters - Estilo Baja Sur with grilled lemon and herbs

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Candied Pecans

The California Table - 4 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets served tableside

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

California Potato Salad - Organic Pee Wee Potatoes, Olives, Roasted Sweet Peppers, Cebollita, Rosemary Aioli

Olives San Leandro - Marinated Olives in my family tradition served with crudités

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Broasted whole Farmhouse Chicken

Poached North Coast Salmon - Caldo, Egg, Lemon, Dill and Capers

Grilled Baja Oysters - Estilo Baja Sur with grilled lemon and herbs

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Candied Pecans

From The West Coast Grill - 4 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh chips and guacamole classic style with house salsas from scratch

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salad Corte Madera with Avocado, Tomato, Cured Olives, Napa Cabbage, Grilled Cebollita and House Dressing

Authentic Sofrito Black Beans with Jasmine Rice

Grilled herbed Sweet Peppers and Cebollitas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Citrus Marinated Free Range Chicken grilled A la Plancha

Loganiza Gutamalteca - Guatamalan pork sausage with farm cheese and herbs

Striped Sea Bass La Paz - with Garlic, Oregano, Myer Lemon, Jalapeños and Olive Oil

DESSERT

All inclusive

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Creme Fraiche and Berries

Road To The Valle - 4 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh chips and guacamole classic style with house salsas from scratch

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Avocado and Citrus Salad with arugula, red onion and Japanese Mint

Cilantro Rice - Classic Green Cilantro Rice with Cumin and Onion

Corn Tortillas Hecho a Mano (by hand from scratch)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Striped Sea Bass La Paz - with Garlic, Oregano, Myer Lemon, Jalapeños and Olive Oil

Shrimp Skewers - with Herbs, Chiles and Roja Dipping Sauce

Grilled Baja Oysters - Estilo Baja Sur with grilled lemon and herbs

Chicken Tinga - Shredded Chicken in a smoky, spicy Tomato Sauce. An Ensenada classic

DESSERT

All inclusive

Assorted fresh baked Mexican Pastries with Candied Tajin Pecans and Polincillo Cresmoso

Tales Of The Bay - 3 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Caesar Salad - made a la minute with Fresh Croutons, Organic Olive Oil, Egg, Shaved Romano Cheese and Citrus

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Pasta North Beach - Al Dente Linguine tossed lightly with Herb-Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Garlic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Striped Sea Bass Nob Hill - Wrapped and baked in a delicate Pasty Crust with Myer Lemon, Japanese Mint, Cured Salmon and baked

Shrimp Scampii - The real deal with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, butter, capers and Romano cheese

Cioppino à Portuguesa - A Portuguese take on the classic Seafood Stew with Shrimp, Mussels, Whitefish, House Broth and Spicy Portuguese Linguica. Served with Crusty Bread

Crab Louie - Fresh Crab with Avocado, Scallion, Coddled Egg, Fresh Herbs, Olive Oil served over crispy greens

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake with Sweet Cream and Organic Berries

Tales Of The Bay - 4 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Caesar Salad - made a la minute with Fresh Croutons, Organic Olive Oil, Egg, Shaved Romano Cheese and Citrus

Caprese - with grilled bread, herbed olive oil and scallion

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Pasta North Beach - Al Dente Linguine tossed lightly with Herb-Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Garlic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Striped Sea Bass Nob Hill - Wrapped and baked in a delicate Pasty Crust with Myer Lemon, Japanese Mint, Cured Salmon and baked

Shrimp Scampii - The real deal with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, butter, capers and Romano cheese

Cioppino à Portuguesa - A Portuguese take on the classic Seafood Stew with Shrimp, Mussels, Whitefish, House Broth and Spicy Portuguese Linguica. Served with Crusty Bread

Crab Louie - Fresh Crab with Avocado, Scallion, Coddled Egg, Fresh Herbs, Olive Oil served over crispy greens

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake with Sweet Cream and Organic Berries

From The West Coast Grill - 3 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh chips and guacamole classic style with house salsas from scratch

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salad Corte Madera with Avocado, Tomato, Cured Olives, Napa Cabbage, Grilled Cebollita and House Dressing

Authentic Sofrito Black Beans with Jasmine Rice

Grilled herbed Sweet Peppers and Cebollitas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Citrus Marinated Free Range Chicken grilled A la Plancha

Striped Sea Bass La Paz - with Garlic, Oregano, Myer Lemon, Jalapeños and Olive Oil

DESSERT

All inclusive

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Creme Fraiche and Berries

Provence On The West Coast - 5 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fig and Goat Cheese Gallets with Rosemary

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Salad of Grilled Local Vegetables tossed with Arugula, Cabbage and House Dressing

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets and Local Butter served tableside

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Beef Daube Provençal - Braised Prime Beef in Consommé, Red Wine, Shallot, Pearl Onions and Herbs

Line Caught Local Halibut poached in Courtboullion with mint burre blanc

Creamy Cruchade (Polenta) with Espagnole

Gratin au Dauphinois - Shaved Pee Wee Potatoes, Cream, Garlic, Butter and Cheeses baked to perfection

DESSERT

All inclusive

Puff Pastry with Berry Compote and Cream

The California Table - 3 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets served tableside

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

California Potato Salad - Organic Pee Wee Potatoes, Olives, Roasted Sweet Peppers, Cebollita, Rosemary Aioli

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Broasted whole Farmhouse Chicken

Poached North Coast Salmon - Caldo, Egg, Lemon, Dill and Capers

Grilled Baja Oysters - Estilo Baja Sur with grilled lemon and herbs

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Candied Pecans

The California Table - 4 Course

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Baked Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cruets served tableside

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

California Potato Salad - Organic Pee Wee Potatoes, Olives, Roasted Sweet Peppers, Cebollita, Rosemary Aioli

Olives San Leandro - Marinated Olives in my family tradition served with crudités

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Real Deal Thin Sliced Beef Tri Tip Roast Coastal Style with Salsa Cruda

Broasted whole Farmhouse Chicken

Poached North Coast Salmon - Caldo, Egg, Lemon, Dill and Capers

Grilled Baja Oysters - Estilo Baja Sur with grilled lemon and herbs

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Candied Pecans

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Chef Dave's reviews

4.99

•

369 services

Chef Dave was extremely personable, an outstanding Chef, and a lot of fun. He prepared a delicious meal with a great presentation, making a very memorable experience. Would strongly recommend Chef Dave to anyone wanting a terrific personal chef. Private Feedback: We had a great time, thank you very much.

Superb experience with great attention to detail and personal connections regarding the meal experience, highly recommend. Private Feedback: Thank you so much for the amazing meal and wonderful experience. You definitely enjoy your work and it shows, thank you!

Tien was awesome! Would highly recommend! Super communicative, friendly, professional, and the brunch was absolutely amazing! Private Feedback: A million thank yous!

This was a wonderful experience. Chef arrived on time, made an amazing dinner for the four of us and left things spotless. We got to sit back and enjoy each other’s company. Would highly recommend this experience.

What a great experience! Chef Dave was a pleasure to work with and made the evening a memorable experience for all. It’s no wonder he has endless rave reviews. If you’ve ever considered a ‘private chef’ experience, this is the one to try and you’ll be hooked! Private Feedback: Thanks again Chef Dave for making the evening so special! The gang is still talking about that evening. We fully understand all the rave reviews!

Chef Dave is friendly and easy to work with! It was a breath of fresh air to arrive to the Airbnb and have food being prepared and ready for us. It made the first day so much easier! My friends really enjoyed his company and the energy that he brought into the space. The salsa was delicious! Private Feedback: Glad we booked this experience!

Absolutely phenomenal experience. Such a gifted chef!

Awesome personality, great food just a wonderful evening

Chef Dave was great, from the transparent communication prior to the dinner and throughout. Our party of 7 thoroughly enjoyed every dish. It was a memorable experience that we would likely do again. Private Feedback: Thanks to Chef Dave for a great evening to help celebrate my dad’s 80th.

We had the most amazing time!! The food was excellent and Chef Dave was amazing. We had dinner for 8 people. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough! It was so special for my family.

Really enjoyed Tien’s personality. I have to say his Bread Pudding desert was the absolute highlight! Best desert ever. Private Feedback: Loved it. Thank you so much. You are very talented

Wow! Chef Dave was so much fun! If you are looking for a fun and truly unique experience, definitely book Chef Dave! From the moment he walked in, he spoiled us with the most amazing appetizers and then the most delicious dinner. We enjoyed talking to him and letting us be a part of the whole experience. We will definitely be back and book him again!

What a wonderful experience! Chef Tien was a pleasure to have for our special birthday dinner. Friendly, funny and fully prepared. His efficient and seemingly effortless service allowed us to relax and enjoy the evening. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves great food and great people. Private Feedback: Thank you so much chef. You were truly a pleasure. The food was spectacular and your presence a gift.

Dave was awesome and we all had a great time with him!! The food was so delicious and the banana foster and the espresso martinis were extra special!! Highly recommend Chef Dave!!!

Chef Dave prepared a wonderful dinner. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and personable. My husband, guests and I had a great evening of great food prepared by a wonderful chef.

Chef Dave was a dream to work with. Regardless of a tricky set of menu and dietary requests, Chef Dave created a curated, thoughtful and compassionate menu. He not only delivered an amazing dinner, but was so kind, relatable and generous with his time and story. Logistically, Chef Dave is great communicator, efficient, super tidy and a considerate kitchen guest. Experientially, Chef Dave knows how to let the flavor of the ingredients sing, makes intuitive menu changes and provides something truly special. I can't wait to find another opportunity to work together again.

Chef Dave went above and beyond, crafting an amazing menu based on our dietary restrictions. The homemade tortillas and lentils were spectacular.

A wonderful experience comprised of delicious food and fun conversation. We felt well taken care of and Chef Dave made sure of that.

Wonderful food and a great story teller and entertainer. He absolutely knows his way around the kitchen and food! Book in a heartbeat.

We had the pleasure of Chef Tien being in our air bnb kitchen. Everything was amazing and exceeded my expectations! Great experience to have on any vacation!

Tien was awesome! Would highly recommend! Super communicative, friendly, professional, and the brunch was absolutely amazing! Private Feedback: A million thank yous!