Chef Catalina Brennan

Chef Privado en La Herradura

I´m a culinary trained Chef, working in Luxury Villas and Yachts around the world for 15+ years, with very good reviews.

I work on and off for the American Ambassador, in her residence in Madrid (from January to March 2023, included, and special cocktails & events. I do not wish for a permanent job)

Also, in 2019 I was chosen by Simon Manley and his wife María Isabel as Head Chef for the British Embassy in Madrid. I finally turned down the job due to the very low budget of the Embassy.

My cooking is mostly Mediterranean, but also Japanese, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Peruvian… I love the fusion of flavors and of course, fresh produce and discovering new ingredients as I travel.

My life philosophy is Kaizen, Japanese for continuous improvement.

Soy una Chef con formación culinaria, trabajando en villas y yates de lujo en todo el mundo durante más de 15 años, con muy buenas críticas.

Trabajo intermitentemente para la Embajadora americana, en su residencia de Madrid (de enero a marzo de 2023, incluidos, y cócteles y eventos especiales. No deseo un trabajo fijo)

Además, en 2019 fui elegida por Simon Manley y su esposa María Isabel como Jefe de Cocina de la Embajada Británica en Madrid. Finalmente rechacé el trabajo debido al bajísimo presupuesto de la Embajada.

Mi cocina es mayoritariamente mediterránea, pero también japonesa, mexicana, tailandesa, china, peruana… Me encanta la fusión de sabores y por supuesto, los productos frescos y descubrir nuevos ingredientes mientras viajo.

Mi filosofía de vida es Kaizen, japonés de mejora continua.

Para mi la cocina es...

what makes me rock ;) lo que me pone las pilas ;)

Aprendí a cocinar en...

In my grandmother´s kitchen! la cocina de mi abuela!

Un secreto...

fresh produce and creativity el producto fresco y la creatividad

Mis menús

Fish & seafood menu

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote ( Canarian cheese spread) & olives

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & extra virgin olive oil

Veggieterranean bruschetta (ricotta, confited tomatoes & hazelnut pesto)

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro extra virgin olive oil

Boquerones en vinagre Madrid style (pickled anchovies)

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Traditional chorizo a la sidra (small tasty chorizos cooked in cider)

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos, & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs (optional, with smoked anchovie)

Marinera mussels or clams ( tomato, onion, fennel, garlic & white wine sauce)

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi (gambas pilpil)

Cocido madrileño award winning meat croquetas

Seafood salad (prawn, octopus, mussels, fresh fennel, Granny Smith...)

Parmigiana! Roasted aubergine, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella & hazelnut pesto

Seared scallops, gazpachuelo & fresh, green oil + 3€pp

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos + 5€pp

Paella, your choice ;) with homemade alioli

Traditional sepia meatballs (cuttlefish), from Málaga

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Basque cheesecake

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Chocolate coulant & red berries´coulis

Chocolate, cardamon & salt truffles

Crumble, passion fruit curd & berries

Creamy tiramisú

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Mediterranean & local tasting menu

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Tartlets, cured salmon, guacamole, creme fraiche & pickles

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & EVOO

Veggieterrenean bruschetta (roasted veggies, ricotta & pesto)

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote (Canarian cheese spread) & olives

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with red & green mojos

Ceviche of season fish with passion fruit & sweet potato

Marinera mussels ( tomato, onion, fennel, garlic & white wine sauce)

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi (king prawns)

Cocido madrileño award winning meat croquetas

Chorizo a la sidra (cooked in cider)

Panko deep fried, crunchy king prawns & mango chutney on shisho leaf

Parmigiana! Roasted aubergine, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella & hazelnut pesto

Seafood salad (prawn, octopus, mussels, fresh fennel, Granny Smith...)

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in Rioja red wine

Paella! Your choice ;)

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos + 5€pp

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Choice risotto: beetroot & gorgonzola; duck & pear; fresh fennel, green asparagus & guanciale; saffron & lemon...)

Steaks!!! with veggies & sauces + 5€ pp

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Chocolate, cardamon & salt truffles

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Basque cheesecake

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Creamy tiramisú

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Chocolate & churros

Chocolate coulant & red berries´coulis

Fusion! Travel with me!

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Amuse bouche. foie, blueberries, & caramelised apple

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote (Canarian cheese spread)& olives

Tartlets, guacamole, homecured salmon, creme fraiche & pico de gallo

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

Boquerones en vinagre Madrid style (pickled anchovies)

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & extra virgin olive oil

Veggieterranean bruschetta (ricotta, confited tomatoes & hazelnut pesto)

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Argentinian beef burrito with papaya guacamole & pico de gallo

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with red & green mojos

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi

Thai mussels, green curry, coconut milk & lime

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs (optional, with smoked anchovie)

Chicken crispy flautas & flavourful mole poblano

Traditional chorizo a la sidra (small tasty chorizos cooked in cider)

Cocido madrileño award wining meat croquetas

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in red curry

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos

Paella! Your choice ;) & homemade alioli

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, grilled corn on the cob with tajin butter

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Spaghetti frutti di mare (local seafood pasta!)

Tacos!!! Pastor, costilla, carnita...with sauces & toppings!

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Banana or apple tatin, salty caramel & icecream

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Chocolate, cardamon & salt truffles

Creamy tiramisú

Basque cheesecake

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Mediterranean tasting menu

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Tartlets, cured salmon, guacamole, creme fraiche, pickles

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & extra virgin olive oil

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote (Canarian cheese spread) & olives

Veggieterrenean bruschetta (roasted veggies, ricotta & pesto)

Amuse bouche. foie, blueberries, & caramelised apple

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Our very special garlic scampi (gambas pil pil)

Ceviche of season fish with passion fruit & sweet potato

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with red & green mojos

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Chorizo a la sidra (cooked in cider)

Roasted mushrooms, homemade alioli foam & ibérico ham

Cocido madrileño award winning meat croquetas

Parmigiana! Roasted aubergine, totato sauce, melted mozzarella & hazelnut pesto

Marinera mussels or clams ( tomato, onion, fennel, garlic & white wine sauce)

White asparagus, grilled, hollandaise & strawberries (in season)

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in Rioja red wine

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos + 5€pp

Choice risotto: beetroot & gorgonzola; duck & pear; fresh fennel, green asparagus & guanciale; saffron & lemon...)

Paella! Your choice ;)

BBQ! Ibérico pork & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, grilled corn on the cob with tajin butter

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Spaghetti frutti di mare (local seafood pasta!)

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Basque cheesecake

Lemon, cava & mint sorbet

Creamy tiramisú

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Apple or banana tatin, salty caramel & icecream

Mediterranean tasting menu delux

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

Mango ajoblanco, smoked sardine, pickled pear & pansy petals

Iberico patanegra ham, grated tomato, EVOO & rustic bread

Cava or Manzanilla wine, bread & homemade alioli included

Tartlets, cured salmon, guacamole, creme fraiche & pickles

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Our very special garlic scampi (gambas pil pil)

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs (optional, with somked anchovie)

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Artichoke flowers with foie & ibérico ham (in season)

Boletus duxelle, funghi foam, sous vide egg & truffle

Cocido madrileño award winning meat croquetas

Marinera mussels ( tomato, onion, fennel, garlic & white wine sauce)

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

Traditional chorizo a la sidra (small tasty chorizos cooked in cider)

Conchas finas (our "oysters")

Costa Tropical Chef´s salad: avocados, Raf tomatos, mango, prawns & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Foie fillet, brioche & melanosporum truffle (or summer truffle, depending on season)

Fresh fish tiradito, in beurre blanc & pico de gallo

Panko deep fried, crunchy king prawns & mango chutney on shisho leaf

Red or white wine pairing included

White asparagus, grilled, hollandaise & strawberries (in season)

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in Rioja red wine

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and yummy red & green mojos

Lobster & champagne risotto

Paella! Your choice ;) & homemade alioli

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, grilled corn on the cob with tajin butter

Steaks!!! with veggies & 3 different sauces to choose from: pepper, romesco or cheese

Wine pairing included

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Chocolate, cardamon & salt truffles

Basque cheesecake

Local sweet dessert wine included

Creamy tiramisú

Crumble, passion fruit curd & berries

Fusion!!! Let´s travel!

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Crunchy plantain, guacamole, homecured salmon, creme fraiche & pico de gallo

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote & olives

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & extra virgin olive oil

Veggieterrenean bruschetta (roasted veggies, ricotta & pesto)

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with red & green mojos

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

Argentinian beef burrito with papaya guacamole & pico de gallo

Chicken crispy flautas & flavourful mole

Pink tomato "fillet" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs (optional, with somked anchovie)

Thai mussels, green curry, coconut milk & lime

Chili crab! My favourite :)

Panko deep fried, crunchy king prawns & mango chutney on shisho leaf

Cocido madrileño award wining meat croquetas

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Tacos!!! Pastor, costilla, carnita...with sauces & toppings!

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Paella! Your choice ;) & homemade alioli

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in red curry

Sticky ribs, slowly cooked, come off the bone & potato mash

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, grilled corn on the cob with tajin butter

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos + 5€pp

Choice risotto: beetroot & gorgonzola; duck & pear; fresh fennel, green asparagus & guanciale; saffron & lemon...)

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Banana or apple tatin, salty caramel & icecream

Creamy tiramisú

Basque cheesecake

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Chocolate & churros

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

BBQ!

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Tartlets, guacamole, homecured salmon, creme fraiche & pico de gallo

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote ( Canarian cheese spread) & olives

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & extra virgin olive oil

Veggieterrenean bruschetta (roasted veggies, ricotta & pesto)

PRIMERO

Elegir 1 plato

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate, pistacchio and mint dressing

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

Thai mussels, green curry, coconut milk & lime or Marinera (fresh fennel, onion, tomato & white wine)

Greek salad with sweet mini cucumbers & yoghurt dressing

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Todo incluido

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat or ibérico pork

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with 3 yummy sauces (red & green mojos and homemade alioli)

Grilled corn on the cob with spiced tajin butter

Moroccan style marinaded chicken & vegetable skewers

Traditional chorizo a la sidra (small tasty chorizos cooked in cider)

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Creamy tiramisú

Basque cheesecake

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Menú degustación esencias del Mediterráneo

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote (Canarian cheese spread) & olives

Bruschettas with ibérico ham, tomato & EVOO

Tartlets , guacamole, homecured salmon, creme fraiche & pico de gallo

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Pink tomato "sirloin" with mango, strawberries, avocado, pinenuts & fresh herbs

Burrata, wild rocket, Raf tomatos & pomegranate and mint dressing

Our very special garlic & ginger scampi

Panko deep fried, crunchy king prawns & mango chutney on shisho leaf

Marinera mussels or clams ( tomato, onion, fennel, garlic & white wine sauce)

Canarian papas arrugás (wrinkled potatoes) with red & green mojos

Tropical ceviche, seabass, passion fruit & sweet potato

Cocido madrileño award wining meat croquetas

Parmigiana! Roasted aubergine, totato sauce, melted mozzarella

Patatas bravas & homemade alioli

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Extremely tender Spanish ibérico pork casserole cooked in Rioja red wine

Fresh season local fish with papas arrugás and red & green mojos + 5€pp

Paella , your choice ;) & homemade alioli

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat or ibérico pork & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, grilled corn with spiced butterter

Beef tenderloin with veggies & sauces + 5€pp

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Traditional Spanish meatballs with tomato or Andalucian almond sauce

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Banana or apple tatin, salty caramel & icecream

Crumble, passion fruit curd & berries

Basque cheesecake

Creamy tiramisú

Fudgy brownie, hot chocolate & icecream

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Ver más fotos

Opiniones sobre Catalina

4.68

•

120 servicios

Cata made the first night of our holiday one to remember. The 5 course meal was absolutely delicious, couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Cata var mycket vänlig, skicklig och flexibel då vi var tvungna att byta boende i sista stund. Hon lagade en fantastisk måltid åt oss! Vi hade cirka tio olika kockars menyer att välja på och Catas var bäst och mest prisvärd!

As a first time user of Take a Chef, I realize I should have spent even more time in understanding the menu. I would have chosen differently if I had known more about the suggested food. The food for the children was a little disappointing. The salsa was missing and I expected a wider variety of fruits for them, being in Spain in May.

Catalina and the food were amazing. A really interesting woman who gave us a good backstory of the food. Clean up was great. Calm, discreet…..Would highly recommend.

The best meal we had while in Malaga by far!! She was accomodating to our groups dietairy restrictions and made the most delicious meal! I would highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!!

Catalina did an amazing job in catering for my 30th birthday. Her food was super taste full and very nice presented. Defo my recommendation for the south of Spain!!

Chef Catalina was very nice and offered us a great menu which everyone really enjoyed. The food was great, the preparation quick and the communication was easy and quick. She prepared everything according to our dietary restrictions and offered great alternatives. We fully enjoyed our evening!

Chef Cata prepared a delicious dinner for our group. It made for a perfect last night in Malaga. I would 100% recommend her. Her food was superb and she could not have been more pleasant!

Catalina was very good. The food was very pretty and very tasty. I would recommend her to anyone!

Wow! We had Cata this week to cook us a birthday dinner for my dad’s 60th. The food was unreal and everyone has not stopped talking about it since. Thank you so much for such a relaxing and delicious meal. Highly recommend Cata!

We had the absolute pleasure of having Cata as our private chef for two nights during our holiday, and we can’t recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, Cata was a dream to work with—friendly, flexible, and incredibly engaging. She made the entire experience seamless and stress-free, and was absolutely wonderful with our small children, bringing warmth and ease into our home. Now the food—where do we even begin? Every dish Cata prepared was nothing short of exceptional. The flavours were bold, creative, and beautifully balanced, and the presentation rivaled that of a fine dining restaurant. Each course felt like a work of art. The standout? Her ceviche with tiger’s milk—utterly unforgettable. We’re still talking about it! Cata delivered a truly elevated dining experience that made our holiday feel extra special. Worth every Euro and then some. Thank you, Cata, for your incredible talent, warmth, and professionalism. We hope to have the pleasure of enjoying your cooking again soon!

Cata was amazing! Food was delicious and service incredible. Cannot fault a single thing

We had the best experience and the food was amazing! I would recommend this chef to anyone, she was very flexible when it came to menu choices and was so friendly. Thanks so much again!

Catalina provided us with a memorable meal. Each course was delicious and was presented with an explanation and looked great. We couldn't have been happier. Despite having some issues with our villas kitchen she remained professional and cheerful. Thank you Catalina.

Catalina was fantastic, her food was presented beautifully and tasted amazing. She was very attentive and took the time to explain each dish to us. Catalina is a wonderful, interesting and professional chef who made my friends 70th an incredible experience, would highly recommend.

We was very happy. Cata was also great to listen about one of us that was allergic.

Catalina was absolutely incredible. I booked her to cater for 14 of us for my friends hen do celebrations. She was by far the most polite and accommodating in choosing the menu. All of the food was outstanding. Every single guest loved it. The paella was the best we’d ever had. Despite our villa being spaced out and having lots of steps, Catalina and the waiter’s service was fabulous and cleanup was spot on. I would absolutely recommend!

Excelente experiencia, muy atenta y flexible. Supero con una actitud positiva la falta de tiempo. Un placer.

Chef Cata provided an incredible experience for us on our recent trip to Malaga! Her food was absolutely delicious, communication was excellent and the overall experience was unforgettable! We would highly recommend a private chef experience and hope to try Cata‘s delicious cooking again in the future!

Absolutely fantastic!