Chef Luis D Lagos
Private Chef In San RafaelLuis Lagos grew up in Mexico City and comes from a long history of cooking where hand written recipes had been passed on through generations for dishes that can take 4 days to prepare in traditional fashion. His memories are of spending hours in the kitchen with his mother, grandmother and aunts and of their dining room table set for 50 people. Every Saturday each relative's family would bring the same dish to the family cook-off, preparing their version of the traditional recipe all competing for the best flavor and style in their dish.
While working as a furniture designer in Mexico City Luis realized cooking was his passion and moved to Oaxaca where he began to cook for friends, turning his home into a restaurant. Every day he would go to the market and buy fresh fish and local vegetables and fruits to prepare a meal for whoever would show up. Sometimes his customers would sit for hours engaged in conversation and sipping wine while their meal was prepared for them in the traditional fashion.
One day he was invited to cook with the best French chef that was living in Mexico City. He sold his business and apprenticed for a year with a number of well known chefs from France, Spain, New York and Mexico. He was next invited to cook at Haramara Retreat, and learned how to cook healthy meals, taking several courses training him in the style that he cooks now.
Cooking and working in a kitchen is not just about perfection, for him it's about the input and opinions of everyone and respect for all those involved. He believes in giving as much love and good energy to the preparation of his meals as he can and believes he can learn from everyone. Luis loves to cook for people who are aware of their health and are interested in what they are eating. You can be sure to find delicious ingredients on the menu when Luis is in the kitchen and you can be guaranteed your meal was made with thoughtful attention and love. Enjoy!
More about me
For me, cooking is...
Enjoying to experiment with flavor
I learned to cook at...
At home with my grandmother
A cooking secret...
Do it and do it until you master perfection
My menus
Heirloom Tomato Tartare Diced heirloom tomatoes, shallots, capers, and fresh herbs, drizzled with a balsamic reduction, served with toasted sourdough crostini
Sonoma Cheese Board A selection of local cheeses including Point Reyes Blue, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, and Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam, served with honeycomb, fig jam, and assorted nuts
Dungeness Crab and Avocado Stack Layers of fresh Dungeness crab, creamy avocado, mango, and microgreens, finished with a citrus vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom Bruschetta Sautéed local wild mushrooms on a bed of ricotta spread, topped with arugula and a drizzle of truffle oil, served on toasted artisan bread
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad Grilled local peaches, creamy burrata, arugula, and toasted almonds, drizzled with a honey-lavender vinaigrette
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Mixed greens with roasted beets, Sonoma goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette
Butternut Squash Soup Creamy butternut squash soup with a hint of sage, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of crème fraîche
Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup A refreshing blend of cucumber and avocado with a hint of lime, garnished with fresh mint and a dollop of Greek yogurt
Pan-Seared Sonoma Duck Breast Crispy-skinned duck breast served with a cherry-port reduction, wild rice pilaf, and roasted seasonal vegetables
Grilled Pacific Salmon Fresh Pacific salmon grilled to perfection, served with a lemon-dill sauce, quinoa tabbouleh, and steamed asparagus
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops Local lamb chops crusted with rosemary and thyme, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini
Wild Mushroom Risotto Creamy risotto with a medley of local wild mushrooms, finished with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil
Meyer Lemon Cheesecake A rich and creamy cheesecake made with local Meyer lemons, topped with a blueberry compote and a graham cracker crust
Chocolate Almond Torte Flourless chocolate torte with a hint of almond, served with a raspberry coulis and whipped cream
Strawberry Basil Shortcake Fresh strawberries macerated with basil, served on a flaky shortcake with whipped cream
Olive Oil Citrus Cake Moist olive oil cake infused with orange and lemon zest, topped with a light citrus glaze and a dollop of mascarpone cream
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Mini Ahi Tuna Tacos: Crispy tortilla filled with ahi tuna tartare, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy aioli
Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini: Toasted baguette topped with whipped goat cheese, fig jam, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Dungeness Crab Cakes: Bite-sized crab cakes served with a lemon aioli
Avocado and Shrimp Ceviche Cups: Fresh shrimp ceviche served in mini avocado cups with cilantro and lime
Mini Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction
Grilled Artichoke Hearts with Lemon Aioli: Charred artichoke hearts served with a zesty dipping sauce
Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa: Perfectly seared scallops topped with a refreshing mango salsa
Duck Confit Lettuce Wraps: Shredded duck confit wrapped in butter lettuce with a light orange and fennel salad
Mushroom and Truffle Arancini: Crispy risotto balls infused with truffle oil and served with a light herb dip
Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets: Crisp tart shells filled with tangy lemon curd, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry
Almond Cake Bites with Fresh Berries: Small, soft almond cake squares topped with a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Fresh California strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt for balance
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JAMON CROQUETES
MUSHROOM CRUSTINI
SHRIMP TOSTADA
ARTICHOKE WITH ZEN VINAGRETE
AVOCADO SOUP
CARROT AND HERBS SALAD
SALMON WITH PUMPKIN SEED CRUST AND HERBS SALAD
Beef Arrachera Grilled with chimichurri and grilled seasonal veggies
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken: California chicken marinated in fresh herbs and lemon,seasonal roasted vegetables
CHOCOLATE CAKE
CHOCOLATE MOUSE
CREAM TART
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MARINATED MOZARELLA like a witch potion the ingredients ofthe marinade do magic
Tostada de Atún Fresh ahi tuna tartare with avocado, sesame seeds, and a soy-citrus drizzle
Mini Veggie Flatbreads Personal-sized flatbreads topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese
"CANVAS" ASPARAGUS SOUP. Blanched Asparagus, Shaved Carrots & Beets, Croutons. Creme Fraiche
Salade Composeé Fried Artichoke, Baby Carrots, Snap Peas, Ramps, Tender Greens, Meyer Lemon - Basil Aioli I
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup A comforting soup made with canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of cream, served with crispy Parmesan croutons
Farmers’ Market Salad A mix of seasonal greens, radishes, shaved carrots, and toasted sunflower seeds, drizzled with a honey-mustard vinaigrette
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs Juicy chicken thighs roasted with garlic, lemon, and rosemary, served with roasted baby potatoes and a side of sautéed green beans
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Pasta tossed in a light garlic butter sauce with tender shrimp, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon
CREAM LIME TART fresh light tart to finish
California Citrus Bars Tangy lemon bars with a shortbread crust, dusted with powdered sugar
Berry Crumble Seasonal berries topped with a buttery oat crumble, baked until golden and served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Jamon Croquetas
BOQUERONES WITH PIPERADE
PATATAS BRAVAS
Gazpacho with Heirloom Tomato, Avocado, and Crispy Garlic
Tomato salad
Acorn Squash Salad with maple vinaigrette
PAELLA NEGRA AL MEZCAL
BASQUE SQUID RINGS old school spanish dish with tomato and olives
Bell peppers stuffed with a hearty mixture of rice, chickpeas, tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil
CLASSIC FLAN
BLUE BERRY POLENTA AND OLIVE OIL CAKE gluten-free
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ARTICHOKE WITH VINAIGRETTE
Cambozola Crostini
Seasonal Farmers Market Pappardelle
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with a balsamic glaze Sprinkled with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chicken Piccata Lightly breaded chicken breast cooked in a lemon-caper sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans
Black risotto with calamari and chorizo
White chocolate tiramisu
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French Onion Soup A classic soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese over a toasted baguette
Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart Flaky puff pastry topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a sprinkle of herbes de Provence
Mixed Green Salad (Salade Verte) Crisp greens with a simple Dijon vinaigrette, garnished with shaved radishes and toasted walnuts
Coq au Vin Traditional braised chicken with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon, served with buttered noodles
Grilled Steak Frites Juicy grilled steak with a side of crispy French fries and a dollop of herb butter
Ratatouille A hearty Provençal vegetable stew of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, served with a crusty baguette
Tarte Tatin A caramelized upside-down apple tart with a flaky crust, served with a dollop of crème fraîche
Chocolate Mousse Light and airy chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Crêpes Suzette Thin crêpes with a buttery orange sauce,
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Burrata and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Creamy burrata cheese served with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic reduction, accompanied by grilled crostini
Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs Fresh figs wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto, drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze, and garnished with arugula and toasted pine nuts
Dungeness Crab Arancini Crispy risotto balls filled with Dungeness crab and mozzarella, served with a spicy marinara sauce
Polenta Fries with Truffle Aioli Crispy polenta fries dusted with Parmesan cheese, served with a side of truffle aioli
Panzanella Salad A classic Tuscan bread salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, and toasted bread cubes, tossed in a red wine vinaigrette
Tuscan Kale Caesar Salad Chopped Tuscan kale with house-made Caesar dressing, topped with garlic croutons, Parmesan shavings, and a sprinkle of lemon zest
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup A rich and creamy soup made from roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, garnished with a swirl of pesto and served with Parmesan crisps
Minestrone Verde A light and fresh minestrone soup with seasonal green vegetables, cannellini beans, and a touch of pesto, served with a slice of rustic bread
Pan-Seared Branzino with Caponata Pan-seared branzino fillet served with a Sicilian caponata of eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, finished with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil
Osso Buco with Gremolata Slow-braised veal shanks in a rich tomato and wine sauce, served with saffron risotto and topped with a bright gremolata of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley
Porcini Mushroom Tagliatelle Fresh tagliatelle pasta tossed with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and truffle oil
Chicken Piccata Lightly breaded chicken breast cooked in a lemon-caper sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans
Tiramisu Cheesecake A decadent fusion of tiramisu and cheesecake, featuring layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder
Limoncello Panna Cotta A silky panna cotta infused with limoncello, topped with fresh raspberries and a mint sprig
Affogato al Caffè Vanilla gelato served with a shot of hot espresso and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings
Ricotta Cannoli Crisp cannoli shells filled with a sweet ricotta and orange zest filling, garnished with pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar
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