Chef David Cunningham

Chef At Home In Point Washington

While I have been working in professional kitchens for over 35 years, I have been cooking my entire life. Fueled by an early passion for the outdoors, I learned to clean and prepare game and seafood at an early age. Surrounded by many great cooks, southern cuisine and culture were part of my everyday childhood.

After graduating from Louisiana State University in 1993, I attended culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC. After culinary school, i continued to pursue my education at the University of New Orleans, where I completed my second Bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration.

While at UNO, I worked at the famed Commander's Palace under James Beard winner Chef Jamie Shannon. I eventually worked my way up to Executive Sous Chef and ultimately took the helm at Commander's Palace in Destin as the flagship restaurant for the Emerald Grande Resort.

After leaving Commander's Palace, I led the kitchens at several well known restaurants on the Gulf Coast 30A corridor. I was the Chef at V Seagrove, Trebeache, Stinky's Fish Camp, and most recently at Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions.

I specialize in Gulf Coastal cuisine with a healthy dose of my Louisiana upbringing and a dash of Lowcountry. I love to source fresh local product and have a passion for wood fired cuisine combined with classical techniques. I compete in BBQ competitions as a hobby. Open fire cooking creates a unique flavor, you can't duplicate, especially on fresh seafood. A mentor once told me, "the best food comes out of your own backyard." My backyard is the Gulf of Mexico.

For me, cooking is...

Growing up surrounded by food as a culture & part of everyday life it is a huge part of who I am. Food brings people together. Togetherness is family.

I learned to cook at...

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC , I finished my formal training at Commander's Palace in New Orleans.

A cooking secret...

To me cooking is about technique and layering flavors. Every ingredient sourced to be the best, treated properly & combined at exactly the right time

My menus

Indulgent Brunch Buffet

STARTER

All inclusive

Brunch Parfait, greek yogurt, seasonal berries, sweet nonna granola, local honey

Assorted Fruit Tray

Sunrise Pastries, blueberry muffins, buttermilk biscuits, apple turnovers, homemade preserves, whipped butter

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Frittata Bites, breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, caramelized onion, arugula

Avocado Crostini, smashed avocado, tiny tomatoes, queso fresco, chopped egg, pickled shallot

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Eggs To Order, chef manned station, eggs cooked your way or build your own omelet. Sausage, bacon, cheese, scallions, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach

Brown Sugar Smoked Bacon

Cracked Corn Cheese Grits

Home Fried Fingerling Potatoes

Dutch Baby Pancakes, raspberries, maple syrup, creme fraiche chantilly

DESSERT

All inclusive

Traditional Brunch Buffet

STARTER

All inclusive

Brunch Parfait, greek yogurt, seasonal berries, sweet nonna granola, local honey

Assorted Fruit Tray

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Frittata Bites, breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, caramelized onion, arugula

Sunrise Pastries, blueberry muffins, buttermilk biscuits, apple turnovers, homemade preserves, whipped butter

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Eggs Benedict, toasted english muffin, choice of country ham or smoked salmon, roasted tomato, poached eggs, hollandaise

Home Fried Fingerling Potatoes

Cracked Corn Cheese Grits

Brown Sugar Smoked Bacon

Dutch Baby Pancake, raspberries, maple syrup, creme fraiche chantilly

DESSERT

All inclusive

Mediterranean Four Course Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artichoke and Shrimp Gratin, naan

Sopressata Flat Bread, sweet onion, impastata, arugula, hot honey

Falafel, tahini yogurt

Ceviche, local fish, lime, tomato, parsley, piquillo peppers

Sigara Borek, feta cheese filled pastry, toasted garlic yogurt sauce

Arancini, roasted tomato agrodolce

Dukkah Cauliflower Hummus, first press olive oil, Egyptian flatbread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fennel Arugula Salad, pine nuts, feta, pita croutons, lemon honey vinaigrette

Harira, lentils, chickpeas, ginger turmeric broth, chilies

Roasted Eggplant Caponata, olives, capers, tomato, basil, crostini

Roasted Beet Salad, mixed greens, goat cheese, fennel, orange, olive oil

Tomato Cucumber Salad, red onion, parsley, lemon, sumac

Hazelnut Pesto Couscous, toasted chickpeas, sundried tomato, sweet onion, fennel, feta

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp and Eggplant Stuffed Flounder, melted leeks, charred fennel, carrot, lemon olive oil broth

Pesto Roasted Salmon, toasted almond rice pilaf, broccolini, lemon

Skillet Grilled Lamb Chops, tahini roasted brussel sprouts, baby carrots, minted yogurt

Baked Gulf Grouper, parsley potatoes, haricot vert, lemon tomato cream

Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth

Blue Crab Risotto, roasted mushrooms, lemon parsley broth, shaved parmesan, truffle oil

Za'atar Roasted Chicken, jasmine rice, roasted eggplant, tomato onion relish

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Empanadas, served fresh out the oven with honey drizzle

Crema Catalana, citrus milk custard, cinnamon, torched sugar

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, greek yogurt whipped cream, fresh berries

Toasted Almond Semifreddo, warm white chocolate ganache

Raspberry Lemon Clafoutis

Italian Four Course Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Smoked Wagyu Meatball, roasted tomato agrodolce, Grana Padano

P.E.I. Mussels, creamy white wine broth, toasted garlic, ciabatta

Capicola Toast, hot copa, fig, gorgonzola, ciabatta, marcona almonds

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, lemon brown butter aioli

Crawfish Gnocchi, hand rolled, brandy garlic cream, Manchego

Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp, tiny tomatoes, basil, balsamic drizzle

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli

Italian Mixed Greens, tiny tomatoes, feta, cucumber ribbons, carrot, lemon parmesan vinaigrette

Heart Romaine, Gorgonzola, red onion confit, roma tomato, prosciutto, creamy lemon black pepper dressing

Kale Caesar, ripped kale, romaine, coal toasted croutons, Parmesan, rustic miso Parmesan dressing

Truffle Roasted Mushrooms, arugula, leeks, skillet roasted mushrooms, truffle aged sherry vinaigrette

Burrata, ripe tomato, basil, sweet onion, crisp pancetta, balsamic drizzle

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Seared Gulf Fish, olive oil roasted, smoked tomato butter, shallot mushroom caponata

Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, angel hair pasta, haricot vert

Pappardelle Bolognese, beef, veal, pancetta, red wine pomodoro

Blue Crab Risotto, roasted mushrooms, lemon parsley broth, shaved parmesan, truffle oil

Garlic Shrimp Arrabbiata, linguine, piquillo peppers, tomatoes, crushed chili, lemon white wine broth

Veal Piccata, Milanese cutlet, angel hair, lemon, caper, parsley, Parmesan

Braised Short Ribs, cracked corn polenta, tomato, red wine, lemon rosemary gremolata

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, fresh berries

Toasted Almond Semifreddo, warm white chocolate ganache

Affogato, vanilla ice cream, pressed espresso

Key Lime Meringue Parfait, crisp cinnamon pastry, bruleed meringue, caramel, raspberry

Dark Chocolate Tart, almond linzer dough, blackberry coulis, espresso chantilly

Family Style Dinner - Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade

Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple

Oven Fired Oysters, crisp bacon, chimichurri, Parmiggiano Reggiano

Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle

Smoked Feta & Radish Toast

Crudites & Crostini, roasted garlic balsamic spread

Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil, crisp prosciutto

Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, grilled shrimp, pickled scallion

Blue Crab Ravigote, blue crab mousse, old bay cracker, jumbo lump crab

Bacon Wrapped Scallops, grapefruit prosecco gastrique

Crispy Paper Wrapped Fish, orange chili dipping sauce

Bourbon Molasses Braised Pork Belly, green tomato jam

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette

Chopped Romaine, chopped egg, tiny tomatoes, shaved Manchego, creamy black pepper dressing

Heart of Romaine, pork belly lardon, sweet onion confit, Asher blue cheese, blistered tomato, black pepper dressing

Truffle Roasted Mushrooms, arugula, leeks, skillet roasted mushrooms, quail egg, truffle aged sherry vinaigrette

Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, smoked feta, hot iron skillet bacon molasses

Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette

Marinated Hot House Tomatoes, basil, sweet onion, white balsamic avocado aioli

Coastal Seafood Gumbo, gulf shrimp, blue crab, dark roux base, bay infused jasmine rice

Crawfish and Corn Chowder, potato, andouille, tabasco butter crostini

Florida Oyster Stew, local oysters, scalded cream, salty bacon, "blackened" crackers

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon, French bread

Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus

Pan Roasted Gulf Fish, lemon parsley meuniere, blistered tomatoes

9 Line Farms Wagyu Beef Meatball, Grana Padano, tomato agrodolce,

Cast iron Seared Diver Scallops, smoked tomato buerre blanc, blistered corn relish

Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna,caramelized onion, pork belly lardon, smoked chipotle oil, aged balsamic reduction

Garlic Butter Poached Warm Water Lobster Tail

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Key Lime Parfait, brown sugar cinnamon phyllo, dulce de leche, bruleed meringue, fresh raspberry

Bittersweet Chocolate Napolean, sweetened pastry, Belgian chocolate ganache, blackberry coulis

Lemon Thyme Creme Brulee, torched sugar

Brown Butter Gooey Cake, smoked sea salt bourbon toffee, toasted orange chantilly cream

Double Chocolate Tart, chocolate satin sauce, warm raspberry compote

Family Style Dinner - Basic

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Citrus Poached Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, white remoulade

Bourbon Molasses Braised Pork Belly, green tomato jam

Peppercorn Ahi Tuna Bites, unagi glaze, smoke pineapple

St. Andre Cheese Canapes, poached apple, toasted pecen, smoked honey

Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs, pickled scallion

Tamarind Whipped Goat Cheese, toasted flatbread, pickled strawberry, stout caramel drizzle

Caprese Skewers, tiny tomato, cucumber, basil, mozzarella, red wine reduction

Oysters on the Half Shell, honey chili cocktail, black pepper mignonette

Smoked Feta & Radish Toast

Crudites & Crostini, roasted garlic balsamic spread

Bruschetta, tomato, shallot, basil, crisp prosciutto

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Kale Caesar, ripped kale, romaine, coal toasted croutons, Parmesan, rustic miso Parmesan dressing

Potato and Corn Chowder, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini

Mixed Baby Greens, local lettuces, smoked feta, pomegranate, candied pecans, cucumber, smoked honey vinagrette

Chopped Romaine, chopped egg, tiny tomatoes, shaved Manchego, creamy black pepper dressing

Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, cornbread croutons, roasted corn, sweet onion, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette

Strawberries and Spinach, Florida berries, baby spinach, caramelized onions, crumbled feta, molasses dijon dressing

Hot Ginger Cucumbers, tamari, mirin, smoked honey, radish, crushed chili, black sesame

Smoked Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, dark roux base, jasmine infused rice

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Gochujang Lentil Stir Fry, seasonal vegetables, smoked mushroom bulgogi, ginger pickled cucumber

NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, Worcestershire, toasted garlic, lemon, French bread

Seasonal Gulf Fish, pan seared fresh local fish, Creole brown meuniere, lemon

Skillet Grilled Top Sirloin, charred onions, mushroom ragout, smoked tomato bearnaise

Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus

Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, haricot vert

Charred Fennel & Tomato Fettuccine, ripped herbs, seasonal vegetables, white wine saffron broth

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Seasonal Berry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream

White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream

Key Lime Pie, bruleed meringue, dulce de leche drizzle

Iron Skillet Mixed Berry Cobbler, served hot from the oven with buttermilk chantilly cream

Four Course Coastal Seafood Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Oven Fired Oysters, crisp bacon, chimichurri, manchego

Pork Belly & Crispy Oyster, bourbon molasses glaze, green tomato jam

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, garlic seared greens, key lime brown butter

NOLA Barbequed Gulf Shrimp, rosemary, toasted garlic, Abita beer, French bread

Blue Crab Ravigote, pan-fried green tomato, blistered corn, avocado basil aioli

Hand Rolled Gnocchi, brown butter, smoked shiitake, spinach, toasted garlic

Crawfish Gnocchi, hand rolled, brandy garlic cream, Manchego

Wagyu Meatball, roasted tomato agrodolce, Grana Padano

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Truffle Roasted Mushrooms, arugula, leeks, skillet roasted mushrooms, quail egg, truffle aged sherry vinaigrette

Strawberries & Spinach, local strawberries, sweet onion, smoked feta, hot iron skillet bacon molasses

Cornbread Panzanella, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, crusty cornbread, blistered corn, baby lettuce, lemon basil vinaigrette

Florida Oyster Stew, local oysters, scalded cream, salty bacon, "blackened" crackers

Mixed Baby Greens, cucumber, tiny tomatoes, smoked feta, candied pecans, honey pomegranate vinaigrette

Smoked Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, dark roux base, bay infused jasmine rice

Heart of Romaine, pork belly lardon, sweet onion confit, Asher blue cheese, blistered tomato, black pepper dressing

Summer corn and Crawfish Chowder, LA crawfish, blistered corn, potato, Tabasco butter crostini

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna, pan fried potatoes, caramelized onion, pork belly lardon, smoked chipotle oil, aged balsamic reduction

Pan Roasted Black Grouper, toasted pecan "Grand Isle" rice, flambeed crawfish, Florid citrus piquillo pepper relish

Shrimp N' Grits, Creole spices, garlic chardonnay broth, smoked tomatoes, andouille, pepper jack cheese grits

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, confetti couscous, smoked tomato buerre blanc, blisted corn relish

Crawfish & Eggplant Stuffed Flounder, charred fennel, roasted carrots, melted leeks, buttery lemon broth

Panko Crusted Chicken, basil tomato risotto, smoked chicken consomme, asparagus

Prime Beef Filet Mignon, rosemary beef fat smashed potaoes, charred onion mushroom ragout, smoked au jus, maitr d' butter

Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb, ratatouille provencal, sweet potato, bourbon mint reduction

Chicken Franchese, paneed, lemon parsley pan jus, angel hair pasta, haricot vert

Gochujang Lentil Stir Fry, seasonal vegetables, smoked mushroom bulgogi, ginger pickled cucumber

Bacon Wrapped Duroc Pork Tenderloin, charred onion guava au jus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Double Chocolate Tart, velvet chocolate ganache, raspberry compote, coconut chantilly

Seasonal Berry Shortcake, scratch-made buttermilk shortcake, macerated berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream

Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Napoleon, sweetened pastry, satin chocolate sauce, blackberry coulis

Key Lime Parfait, brown sugar cinnamon phyllo, dulce de leche, bruleed meringue, fresh raspberry

White Chocolate Bread Pudding, bourbon white chocolate sauce, praline whipped cream

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gooey Cake, smoked sea salt toffee, toasted orange buttermilk chantilly

Lemon Thyme Creme Brulee, torched sugar, 10X dusted raspberries

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Chef David's reviews

•

6 services

I had the pleasure of hiring Chef David through Take a Chef for a special event with my clients, and he exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, the experience was flawless. My clients were incredibly impressed with the plate presentation, which was nothing short of artistic. Each dish was not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Chef David's attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every bite. Additionally, his customer service was top-notch, making everyone feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the event. I highly recommend Chef David for any occasion where exceptional food and service are desired. Thank you, Chef David, for making our event a memorable success!

Chef David was incredible! My family was very pleased!

We brought Chef David on board to assist in birthday festivities while vacationing in the 30A area. He managed to turn, what could only be described as the tiniest kitchen on the Emerald Coast, into a professional work space. Chef David's menu selections for us were unique and better than what we could have imagined! As someone who has eaten in all of the "hot spots" and "must try" places in the area, I can confidently tell you this is the best meal we have had in 30A. Besides the food blowing our minds, we enjoyed every minute of Chef David's company! He had great stories and shared in conversation and laughs with all of us. If you are looking for an experience that you will not forget, Chef David is your guy! Make sure you play some good music for him and enjoy watching someone so passionate about their work bring that joy to you and your guests!