Chef Araceli Perez

Private Chef in Houston

Chef with over 10 years of professional experience, trained and developed across diverse culinary scenes including Austin and Houston, Texas, as well as Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona. My background spans fine dining restaurants, casual concepts, and neighborhood kitchens, giving me a broad and adaptable culinary foundation.

I create a wide range of cuisines and enjoy tailoring each menu to the client’s preferences, blending technique, creativity, and bold flavor. Known for being flexible, versatile, and calm under pressure, I bring a positive attitude and strong cultural awareness to every kitchen I work in.

My goal is simple: to deliver well-executed, flavorful food and a seamless, enjoyable dining experience.

For me, cooking is...

An experience that connects me to a group of people. Cooking is, what motivates me to continue working on being the best version of myself.

I learned to cook at...

I was fortunate to spend ample time at Trulucks, Fig & Olive, Uchi, True Food Kitchen.

A cooking secret...

Act without Ego. Say I don't know. Learn, and then CREATE

My menus

Local - Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Baked Brie & Raspberry Jam with Toasted Pumpernickel Bread

Brioche with whipped honey butter

Burrata & Tomato Pesto with focaccia and fresh basil

Fig jam & Burrata on Rosemary fococcia

Warm goat Cheese, Confit tomato and Red Pepper Jam, Garlic Naan

Bruschetta Trio: Seasonal

Fettunta: Sourdough Bread, garlic spread and blistered tomatoes

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Butternut Squash Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

Fennel Chicken Soup

Asparagus Pistachio & Prosciutto Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnut Spread and Champagne Vinaigrette

Strawberry Feta Arugula with Champagne Vinaigrette

Green Goddess salad Shaved Brussels with Dino Kale Orange segments dried cranberries spiced pecans shaved pecorino and cantaloupe goddess dressing

Duckfat Hashbrowns with Truffle Creme Fraiche

Brussel Sprouts with Blackberries in balsamic vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomato Salad tossed in Tepache Vinaigrette served with Honey Ricotta

Veggie Tempura with Truffle Yuzu Aioli

Arancini: Fried Risotto

Fried Calamari with marinara

Fried Ratatouille with Truffle Aioli

Eggplant meatballs in Red Sauce

Steakhouse Crabcakes, Cilantro Lime Aioli

Steakhouse Meatballs in hearty sauce, Toasted Bread

Grilled Oysters: Chimichurri and Chipotle Butter

Blackened Scallops: Basil Pesto and Orange Segments

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Scratch made Beef Ravioli Veal Red Sauce

Scratch made Cheese Tortellini with Cream Sauce

Scratch made Lobster in Tomato Pesto

Scratch made Potato Tortelli: with Lamb Ragout

Clam Linguini with briccoli rabe

Spiced Shrimp Skewers With couscous

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops with Polenta and Blubrrry Balsamic Glaze

10oz Pork Ribeye with brown butter Grapes

Lemon Herb Airline Chicken breast. Pan seared and smothered in a Morita and Poblano cream sauce. Served with crispy Fingerling potatoes and a pumpkin seed pesto aioli

Roasted Flounder burnt leeks with white beans

Rainbow trout: Stewed Greens, Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Seabass with Broccolini and Sunchoke Puree

Almond Crusted Doversole lemon Gremolata

8oz Filet Mignon Roasted Vegetable, Potatoes

10oz NY Strip roasted vegetables and whipped potatoes

16oz ribeye with Gorgonzola dolce served with truffle Mac n cheese

Branizini Zarandeado

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Grand Manier Carrot Cake with Orange Cream cheese Mousse spiced pecans and caramel sauce

Mexican Chocolate Cake Cardamom whip cream

Lavender cardamom Cheesecake

Chocolate Bag (individual bags) Filled with pound cake, fruit and cardamom whipped cream

Matcha Swiss Roll Red Berry Coulis

Tiramisu

Matcha Creme Puff

Pistachio Creme Brulee

Local - Standard

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Burrata & Tomato Pesto with focaccia and fresh basil

Figs & Burrata with crusty sour dough

Crispy Ciabatta with balsamic glaze and honey butter

Fettunta: Sourdough Bread, garlic spread and blistered tomatoes

Warm goat Cheese, Confit tomato and Red Pepper Jam, Garlic Naan

Baked Brie & Raspberry Jam with Toasted Pumpernickel Bread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Arancini: Fried Risotto

Fried Calamari with marinara

Fried Ratatouille with Truffle Aioli

Veggie Tempura with Truffle Yuzu Aioli

Asparagus Pistachio & Prosciutto Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnut Spread and Champagne Vinaigrette

Green Goddess salad Shaved Brussels with Dino Kale Orange segments dried cranberries spiced pecans shaved pecorino and cantaloupe goddess dressing

Brussel Sprouts with Blackberries in balsamic vinaigrette

Barbietole: beets in aged balsamic

Eggplant meatballs in Red Sauce

Burntleeks with Artichoke with Almond Ricotta

Bruschetta Trio: Seasonal

Cauliflower Steak in Almond Cream Sauce with spiced pinenuts

Fried Eggplant with Crushed Olive Aioli

Steakhouse Meatballs in hearty sauce, Toasted Bread

Steakhouse Crabcakes, Cilantro Lime Aioli

Blackened Scallops: Basil Pesto and Orange Segments

Grilled Oysters: Chimichurri and Chipotle Butter

Crudo: MKT

Carrot Ginger Soup

Fennel Chicken Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Duckfat Hashbrowns with Truffle Creme Fraiche

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Almond Crusted Doversole lemon Gremolata

Rainbow trout: Stewed Greens, Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Baked Cod with Zaatar Roasted Vegetables

Branizini Zarandeado

Clam Linguini with briccoli rabe

Spiced Shrimp Skewers With couscous

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops with Polenta and Blubrrry Balsamic Glaze

10oz Pork Ribeye with brown butter Grapes

8oz Filet Mignon Roasted Vegetable, Potatoes

10oz NY Strip roasted vegetables and whipped potatoes

Scratch made Beef Ravioli Veal Red Sauce

Scratch made Lobster in Tomato Pesto

Scratch made Cheese Tortellini with Red Sauce

Scratch made Potato Tortelli: with Lamb Ragout

Strawberry Feta Arugula with Champagne Vinaigrette

16oz ribeye with Gorgonzola dolce served with truffle Mac n cheese

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Lavender cardamom Cheesecake

Snow-White Swiss Roll

Pistachio Creme Brulee

Chocolate Bag (individual bags) Filled with pound cake, fruit and cardamom whipped cream

Mexican Chocolate Cake Cardamom whip cream

Japanese - Indulgent

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Owen: Mushroom Noodle Soup

Osumashi: Japanese Clear Soup

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Ramen: Tonkotsu - Pork Bone Broth, Soy Blend, Chashu Pork, Ajitama Egg, Nori Pper

Spicy edamame

Bao Trío: Pork, Shrimp, Mushroom

Veggie Tempura with Truffle Yuzu Aioli

Crudo: MKT

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Tsukuri: Raw Course: MKT (nigiri/sashimi)

Makimono: MKT

A5 Wagyu Hot Rock Cucumber and Seaweed Salad

Cod Matsukasa yaki

Katsudon Bento: Spring Roll, Salad, Cucumber, Daikon Roll

Tuna Tataki with Soy Yuzu Dressing and Tobiko

Roast Yuzu Chicken with Japanese Slaw

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Japanese lavender cheese cake

Lime Icebox Custard with poki crumble

Purin: Custard with Brown Sugar Caramel

Matcha Creme Puff

Matcha Swiss Roll

Dango: sweet rice dumpling

Japanese-Standard

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Owen: Mushroom Noodle Soup

Osumashi: Japanese Clear Soup

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Bao: Pork and Mushroom

Gyoza trio: Vegan, Pork, chicken

Veggie Tempura

Truffle Edamame Dumplings

Spicy edamame

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tsukuri: Raw Course ; Yellowtail, Tuna, fresh and Smoked Salmón, (nigiri,sashimi, mixed)

Sushi Maki: Tuna, Dragon Roll, Salmon Roll, Crispy Roll

Sushi: Daikon Rolls

Sushi: Seaweed and Cucumber Rolls

A5 Wagyu with Cucumber and Seaweed Salad

Tuna Tataki with Soy Yuzu Dressing and Tobiko

Ramen: Tonkotsu - Pork Bone Broth, Soy Blend, Chashu Pork, Ajitama Egg, Nori Pper

Srimp Tempura Bento: Spring Roll, Salad, Cucumber, Daikon Roll

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese lavender cheese cake

Lime Icebox Custard with poki crumble

Dango: sweet rice dumpling

Matcha Swiss Roll

Matcha Creme Puff

Purin: Japanese Custard with Brown Sugar Caramel

Japanese-Light Bite

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Owen: Mushroom Noodle Soup

Osumashi: Japanese Clear Soup

FIRST COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Japanese Rice Ball (Crab)

Japanese Rice Ball

Truffle Edamame Dumplings

Gyoza trio: Vegan, Pork, chicken

Bao Trío: Pork, Shrimp, Mushroom

Spicy edamame

Tempura Brussel Sprouts Miso Mayo

Sushi Maki: Tuna, Dragon Roll, Salmon Roll, Crispy Roll

Tsukuri: Raw Course ; Yellowtail, Tuna, fresh and Smoked Salmón, (nigiri,sashimi, mixed)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Pork Belly- With Pickles, Spicy Pork Sauce

Sesame Crumbed Pork: With Tonkatsu

Roast Yuzu Chicken with Japanese Slaw

Salmon Teriyaki with white rice

A5 Wagyu with Cucumber and Seaweed Salad

Rose Mustard Pork Ribs Sweet Sake Glaze

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese lavender cheese cake

Japanese Soufflé Cake

Dango: sweet rice dumpling

Lime Icebox Custard with poki crumble

Local - Light Bites

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fettunta: Sourdough Bread, garlic spread and blistered tomatoes

Roasted Beat Bruschetta with Walnut Spread and Champagne Vinaigrette

Bruschetta Trio: Avocado Toast, Tomato Toast, Watermelon Burrata Toast

Baked Brie & Raspberry Jam with Toasted Pumpernickel Bread

Fig jam & Burrata on Rosemary fococcia

Crispy Ciabatta with balsamic glaze and honey butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Asparagus Pistachio Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad tossed in Tepache Vinaigrette served with Honey Ricotta

Brussel Sprouts with Blackberries in balsamic vinaigrette

Cauliflower Steak in Almond Cream Sauce with spiced pinenuts

Duckfat Hashbrowns with Truffle Creme Fraiche

Grilled Oysters: Spicy pineapple Chimichurri and Chipotle Butter

Blackened Scallops: Basil Pesto and Orange Segments

Steakhouse Meatballs in hearty sauce, Toasted Bread

French Onion Smashed Potatoes blackened Aioli

Roasted Bone Marrow, Chimichurri Sauce, Seared French Sourdough

Smoked Salmon and Naan served with Lemon dill gremolata

Steakhouse Crabcakes, Cilantro Lime Aioli

Tandoori Lamb Lollipops

Grilled Octopus with blackberry reduction Charred onions

Green Goddess salad Shaved Brussels with Dino Kale Orange segments dried cranberries spiced pecans shaved pecorino and cantaloupe goddess dressing

Eggplant Hummus and Rollitini

Tuna Tataki with Soy Yuzu Dressing and Tobiko

Hamachi Crudo with Cava Cava Orange Puree

Strawberry Feta Arugula with Champagne Vinaigrette

Butter Beans in Sundried Tomato and Cashew Cream Sauce

Burntleeks with Artichoke with Almond Ricotta

Canalinni Beans in Golden Tomato Confit

Eggplant meatballs in Red Sauce

Butternut Squash Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

Creamy Corn Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Branizini Zarandeado

Whole Roasted Lemongrass Chicken (served Family Style)

Cacio e Pepe

Beef Short Rib with Garlic Mashed Potato

Scratch made Potato Tortelli: with Lamb Ragout

Scratch made Cheese Tortellini with Spiced Cream Sauce

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops with Polenta and Blubrrry Balsamic Glaze

Almond Crusted Doversole lemon Gremolata

Chateaubriand with Chimichurri blistered tomatoes, asparagus, heirloom carrots

Scratch made Brisket Ravioli Veal Red Sauce

10oz NY Strip roasted vegetables and whipped potatoes

Scratch made Cheese Tortellini with Cream Sauce

Rainbow trout: Stewed Greens, Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Spring Pea Risotto with Scallops

10oz Pork Ribeye with brown butter Grapes

Blackened Redfish with Ponchartrain

Scratch made Lobster Ravioli Veal Red Sauce

Traditional Alfredo made table Side

Whole Roasted Snapper with garlic parm mashed potatoes

16oz ribeye with Gorgonzola dolce served with truffle Mac n cheese

Morracan Chicken Charmoula with Roasted Vegtables

20oz Tomahawk with Beef Suet (Family Style) Romesco Butterbeans, Vegan Creamed Spinach, Heirloom Carrots

Roasted Flounder burnt leeks with white beans

Lemon Herb Airline Chicken breast. Pan seared and smothered in a Morita and Poblano cream sauce. Served with crispy Fingerling potatoes and a pumpkin seed pesto aioli

8oz Filet Mignon Custom Sides

Truffle Mushroom Risotto

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Snow-White Swiss Roll

Pistachio Creme Brulee

Pandan-Coconut Flan with Fresh Fruit

Castagnaccio: Glazed Chestnut Orange Cream

Mixed Milk Panna Cotta served with fresh fruit

Tiramisu

Lemon-Blueberry Sponge Cake lavender mascarpone

Carlota de limon: Icebox Custard Cake

Mexican Chocolate Cake Cardamom whip cream

Matcha Swiss Roll

Lavender cardamom Cheesecake

Chocolate Bag (individual bags) Filled with pound cake, fruit and cardamom vegan whipped cream

Lemon Chiffon Cake soaked in Rose water

Gulab Jamun, Cake in Saffron Rose Syrup

Vegetarian Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Asparagus Pistachio Salad

Brie & Pesto

Bruschetta Trio

Figs & Burrata

Heirloom Tomato Salad

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Hamachi Crudo

Roasted Cauliflower

Strawberry Feta Salad

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Truffle Risotto

Cauliflower Steak

DESSERT

All inclusive

Strawberry Crunch Roll

Tangerine Cake

Lemon-Blueberry Sponge Cake

4 Course Prefixe

STARTER

All inclusive

Heirloom Tomato Salad

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Bruschetta Trio

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Braised beef Shortrib

DESSERT

All inclusive

Tangerine Cake

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Chef Araceli's reviews

4.68

•

194 services

Very good service

Dishes were delicious and fingerling great.

i thought Chef Perez was very talented and the food was delicious i do think she could have used a helper to serve as we had 11 guests for dinner. that would have given her more time to prep each course and more time to explain each course overall my guests loved the experience! it was our first chef dinner at home we will certainly do it again:)

Such a great experience. The food was 10/10. Best steaks ever!

Chef was amazing!! Highly recommend every aspect of the experience

We had the absolute pleasure of having Chef Araceli cook brunch for my wife's birthday, and it was nothing short of spectacular. She prepared an unforgettable meal for seven members of our family, and every dish was executed with precision, creativity, and care. The menu featured beautifully cooked tomahawk steaks, perfectly seared black sea bass, and a variety of appetizers and salads that showcased her culinary range. Each bite was a testament to her skill and passion for food. The flavors were bold yet balanced, and the presentation was elegant and inviting. Chef Araceli not only delivered an exceptional dining experience but also brought warmth and professionalism to our celebration. She made the day truly special, and we’re still talking about how amazing everything was. (especially the carrot cake!!) Highly recommend her for any private event—she’s a true culinary artist.

Araceli did an incredible job preparing a private dinner for my group. She came prepared and immediately began cooking! She timed each course well and described each course to us. Araceli even made a separate menu for a guest with allergens. We had an amazing time having Araceli in her our kitchen serving us dinner!

We really appreciated that Araceli was able to take our request so last minute! Her food was great and she went above and beyond in her service! This wasn't a normal Chef experience either. We were filming for our production company and she was very flexible with our schedule, which we appreciated so much! We would absolutely recommend her!

Great experience! Would highly recommend. Personable, informative about the dishes, and overall a great vibe!

Had a great night! Food was amazing. Thank you Chef!

Chef Celi did an amazing job and made our dinner party exceptionally enjoyable. The quality of the food and preparation of each dish was special. I would recommend Chef Araceli to anyone looking for a relaxing, and superb meal experience.

Chef Celi was phenomenal! From the moment we booked her, to the evening she cooked for us - she made our at-home cooking experience one of a kind! She has an amazing menu, is very knowledgeable and skilled and is a genuine person. We will absolutely be booking her again in the future!

Araceli was very professional throughout the process - from the first contact to the dinner serving. I would use her in the future and recommend her to friends and family who may need a private chef.

Araceli Perez was an amazing chef. The dinner she prepared for our group was on point! She is highly recommended.

This experience was a gift to my parents. They said the food was delicious & interesting. They had steak,bread,salad. They enjoyed meeting the Chef & had gotten texts from her about the menu etc. It was a lovely experience for them. Thank you Chef!

Chef Celi was a great pick for my Valentine’s Day brunch with my fiancé, the food was great and she was very nice to my fiancé and made it an incredible experience for her. Chef Celi cleaned up before she left even wiping down the stove! She was a pleasure the food tasted great and I would def recommend!

Araceli was amazing & made our anniversary a very special night. We hadn’t even realized that she cleaned the kitchen while cooking! Everything was incredibly fresh and we’d highly recommend her to friends and family.

Araceli demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attentiveness, ensuring a remarkable dining experience. Her culinary skills were truly outstanding, as each dish showcased a perfect balance of flavor, presentation, and craftsmanship. I wholeheartedly endorse her services and would highly recommend them to others.

Great experience, will be doing it again!

Highly recommend!!! The Chef cooked 8 different dishes! The meatballs and chicken were incredible. The salad and both desserts (matcha cake & crème brûlée)were delicious as well. We will be booking this chef again.