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

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 & 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

Artichoke chips with ibérico ham & foie

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 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...)

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

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

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

Steaks!!! with veggies & sauces

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Banana or apple tatin, salty caramel & icecream

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

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

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

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

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Paella! Your choice ;)

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

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

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

De luxe, menú fusion - español

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Cucharitas de foie con granny smith caramelizada y arándano

Patacones , salmón curado, guacamole, creme fraiche & pico de gallo

Pan rústico, alioli casero, almogrote & olivas

Gazpacho de fresas, brotes de rabanito & aceite de cilantro

Cava incluido o vino de aperitivo

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Tiradito de bogavante, beurre blanc & pico de gallo

Gamba blanca o roja, (según mercado) & papas arrugás con mojos

Ceviche tropical de lubina salvaje & maracuyá

Burrata, raf, rúcola salvaje, vinagreta de granada, menta & pistacho

"Solomillo" de tomate rosa con mango, papaya, aguacate, piñones & hierbas aromáticas

Futomaki de pato y hoisin de cerezas, en tempura

Uramaki de salmón & aguacate

Flauta crujiente de pollo & mole poblano

Escalope de foie, brioche & pisto de berenjena y Granny Smith

Huevo a baja temperatura, duxelle de boletus, espuma de hongos, miga de ibéricos & trufa melanosporum

Gambones al ajillo & jengibre

Gambones crujientes con panko, hoja de shisho & chutney de mango

Mejillones Thai, curry verde, leche coco & lima

Maridaje incluido

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Carrilleras Ibéricas al curry rojo, cocinadas a baja temperatura

Lomos de pescado local con papas arrugás canarias & sus respectivos mojos, rojo y verde

Tacos!!! Pastor, costilla, carnita...con sus salsas & toppings

Burritos de ternera argentina con guacamole de papaya y pico de gallo de Granny Smith

Paella (arroz negro, Senyoret...a elegir)

BBQ! Chorizos, brochetas, presa ibérica & pan de ajo con queso

Spaghetti frutti di mare (con marisco!)

Solomillo de ternera & verduras de la huerta (a elegir, salsa de pimienta; romesco o queso)

Lamb roulade, autumn fruits & roasted sweet potato

Maridaje con vino a medida incluido

Roast beef de pato, gnocchis fritos & chutney

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Brownie, helado & chocolate caliente

Tarta de queso La Viña & coulis de cerezas ácidas

Tarta tatin con caramelo salado & helado

Trufas con sal & cardamomo

Crumble, curd de fruta de la pasión & frutos rojos

Tiramisú meloso

Sorbete de cava, limón y hierbabuena

Mediterráneo!

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Tartaletas, salmón curado, guacamole, creme fraiche, encurtidos & pétalos

Pan rústico, almogrote, oilvas & alioli casero

Gazpacho de fresas, brotes de rabanito & aceite de cilantro (en temporada)

Bruschetta de jamón ibérico, tumaca & AOVE

Bruschettas con ricotta, tomate y ajos confitados y pesto de avellana

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Burrata, raf, rúcola salvaje, vinagreta de granada, hierbabuena & pistacho

Ceviche tropical de lubina salvaje & maracuyá

"Solomillo" de tomate rosa con mango, papaya, aguacate, piñones & hierbas aromáticas

Chips de alcachofa con jamón ibérico (en temporada)

Champis, espuma de alioli & jamón ibérico

Croquetas de cocido madrileño

Gambones flambeados, al ajillo & jengibre

Espárragos blancos asados, holandesa, fresas & kikos (en temporada)

Parmigiana! Berenjenas asadas, salsa de tomate natural, mozzarella fundida & pesto de avellanas

Gambón, shisho & chutney de mango

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Carrilleras Ibéricas cocinadas a baja temperatura con espuma de papa trufada

Lomos de pescado local con papas arrugás canarias & sus respectivos mojos, rojo y verde + 5€pp

Risotto a elegir (Pato & pera; remolacha & gorgonzola; hinojo, espárragos verdes & guanciale....)

BBQ! Presa ibérica, chorizos & brochetas de pollo y verduras, con papas arrugás & mojos

Paella (arroz negro, Senyoret...a elegir)

Magret de pato, chutney de mango & gnocchis fritos

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Crumble, curd de fruta de la pasión & frutos rojos

Tarta de queso La Viña & coulis de cerezas ácidas

Tiramisú meloso

Brownie, helado & chocolate caliente

Sorbete de cava, limón y hierbabuena

Sorpresa del Chef

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Amuse bouche! foie, arándano y manzana caramelizada

Tartaletas, salmón curado, guacamole, creme fraiche, encurtidos & pétalos

Tartaleta de muhammara & granada

Pan rústico de masa madre, almogrote (mojo canario de queso), alioli casero & olivas

PRIMERO

Elegir 2 platos

Flores de alcachofa con jamón ibérico

Burrata, raf, rúcola salvaje, vinagreta de granada, hierbabuena & pistacho

Papas arrugás canarias con mojos, verde & rojo

Ceviche tropical de lubina salvaje & maracuyá

Mejillones Thai, curry verde, leche coco & lima

Croquetas de cocido madrileño

Gambones crujientes con panko, hoja de shisho & chutney de mango

Parmigiana! Berenjenas asadas, salsa de tomate natural, mozzarella fundida & pesto de avellanas

Espárragos blancos asados, holandesa, fresas & kikos

PLATO PRINCIPAL

Elegir 1 plato

Carrilleras Ibéricas al curry rojo, cocinadas a baja temperatura

Carrilleras Ibéricas melosas cocinadas a baja temperatura con puré rústico de papa

BBQ! Chorizos, brochetas, presa ibérica, mazorcas de maíz con mantequilla especiada

Lomos de pescado local con papas arrugás canarias & sus respectivos mojos, rojo y verde + 5€ pp

Magret de pato, chutney de mango & gnocchis fritos

Risotto a elegir (Pato & pera; remolacha & gorgonzola; hinojo, espárragos verdes & guanciale, limón & azafrán.....)

Paella (arroz negro, Senyoret...a elegir) con alioli casero

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Tarta tatin de manzana o plátano con caramelo salado & helado

Crumble, curd de fruta de la pasión & frutos rojos

Tarta de queso vasca

Sorbete de cava, limón y hierbabuena

Tiramisú cremoso

Brownie, helado & chocolate caliente

Fusion! Travel with me!

ENTRANTE

Elegir 1 plato

Amuse bouche. foie, blueberries, & caramelised apple

Rustic bread, homemade alioli, almogrote & olives

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

Strawberry gazpacho with micro tender shoots and cilantro EVOO

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

Chorizo a la sidra (cooked in cider)

Cocido madrileño croquetas

Tempura duck futomaki, with cherry hoisin

Salmon & avocado uramaki

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 ;)

BBQ! Argentinian cut meat & chorizos, chicken & veggie skewers, cheese garlic bread

Duck magret, mango chutney & fried gnocchis

Lamb roulade, autumn fruits & roasted sweet potato

Spaghetti frutti di mare (local seafood pasta!)

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

POSTRE

Elegir 1 plato

Apple tatin, salty caramel & icecream

Cava, mint & lemon sorbet

Chocolate, cardamon & salt truffles

Creamy tiramisú

La Viña cheesecake & sour cherry coulis

Crumble, passion fruit curd & red berries

Decadent chocolate dessert

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Opiniones sobre Catalina

4.67

•

120 servicios

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!

Catalina était superbe!

Amazing chef who did an excellent job for our family. Talked us through every meal, worked around children’s bedtimes, and served some really brilliant food!

Catalina was very patient in helping me decide on a menu and she presented a beautiful meal for my family and me. Catalina was easy to work with and most accommodating in helping to do what we wanted. She lots of fun to work with!

Could not recommend Catalina enough. We rented a villa in Salobrena and booked her for a friends 40th Birthday. Her great personality made everyone at ease and her food was outstanding. We had the BBQ for main course and the pork was just delicious. Best meal we have had in spain :)

Incredible service and great food. If you are looking for an authentic experience, I highly recommend this chef.