Chef Dan Castro

Personal Chef in Austin

I emigrated to Los Angeles at 13 years old. I got exposed to basic cuisines like Panda Express, Tacos, and all sorts of foods. It was a cultural shock.

I went to the Culinary Institute of America for my scholarship. Here, I learned how to cook food using French techniques while being exposed to many other aspects of the food industry and various cuisines.

After I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, I worked at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 3 years. I worked multiple rotations from banquet cooking, brasseries, taverns, pub style cooking, baking and pastry.

I then went to Uchiko here in Austin, and worked as a line cook and ending my tenure there as a sushi chef. Here, I learned not only cooking techniques but how to handle guests at the sushi bar as well, and this is how I approach a lot of my parties - with genuine hospitality and delicious food, which leads to a great night.

For me, cooking is...

a love language. We do it to take care of the people around us as a basic need and as we celebrate people, I want to put out my best for that day.

I learned to cook at...

-The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York - The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs - Uchi/Uchiko, Austin TX

A cooking secret...

Work clean and drink a lot of water. If you look good, you cook good, and if you cook good, the clients pay well.

My menus

Chef Dan's Indulgent Sushi Roll Party

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Steamed Edamame, Spicy Mayo

Charred Shishitos

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Egg Rolls, Banana Ketchup

Beef Teriyaki Skewers, Peanut Sauce

Pork Dumplings, Ponzu-Shallot Sauce

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Tropical Salmon Roll, Pickled Bell Pepper, Mango, Cilantro, Fried Onion

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Garlic Aioli

Snow Crab and Shrimp Tempura Roll, Apples, Mint, Lime Fish Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Matcha Tiramisu, Cherry Compote, Pistachios

Ube Mochi, Peach-Mango Compote

Chocolate Sesame Mousse Cake, Strawberries, Sesame Ice Cream, Gochujang Caramel

Sonia's Birthday Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Butter Poached Shrimp, Sweet Corn Puree, Roasted Poblano, Crispy Pancetta, Charred Green Onion, Smoked Paprika Oil

Seared Scallops, Cauliflower Puree, Brown Butter, Crispy Sage, Capers, Lemon Zest

Lobster, Saffron Risotto, English Peas, Tarragon

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Charred Summer Squash and Heirloom Tomato Salad, Toasted Pistachios, Pickled Shallots, Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Roasted Baby Beet Salad, Goat Cheese Mousse, Candied Walnuts, Arugula, Orange Segments, Balsamic

Wild Mushroom Toast - Grilled Sourdough, Whipped Ricotta, Roasted Mushrooms, Thyme, Black Garlic and Shaved Parmesan

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coffee and Black Pepper Crusted NEw York Strip, Potato Au Gratin, Roasted Broccolini, Onions, Red Wine DemiGlace

Roasted Pork Chop, Sweet Potato Puree, Grilled Asparagus, Apple Mostarda, Rosemary Jus

Chicken Breast, Parmesan Risotto, Roasted Baby Carrots, Wilted Spinach, Chicken Jus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Warm Brown Butter Apple Tart, Cinnamon Streusel, Salted Caramel, Bourbon Whipped Cream

Dark Chocolate Mousse, Espresso Creme Anglaise, Cocoa Crumble, Berries, Marscarpone

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Blueberry Compote, Whipped Cream, Oranges and Toasted Almonds

Caroline's 30th Birthday Celebration

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Korean BBQ Shortrib Lettuce Cup

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Spicy Mayonnaise

Vietnamese Shrimp Summer Roll, Peanut Sauce

Tropical Salmon Roll, Mango, Avocado, Pickled Bell Pepper, Grilled Green Onion, Cilantro

Thai Coconut Chicken Sayay

Pork Belly Bao Buns

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filipino Chicken Adobo, Lemongrass Turmeric Rice, Broccolini

Miso Glazed Salmon, Cauliflower Puree, Chinese Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

New York Strip, Sweet Potato Puree, Asparagus, Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Ube Tres Leches, Charred Pineapple, Lemongrass Cream

Matcha Tiramisu, Strawberries

Chocolate Sesame Mousse, Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Brittni's Executive Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Butternut Squash Soup, Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, Brioche Bread Cruton

Custom Starter - Inquire In Chat

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filipino Lumpia - Fried Egg Rolls, Banana Ketchup

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Kaldereta - Beef Stew with Confit Potatoes and Peas

Kare-Kare Pork Ribs - Pork Ribs, Peanut Butter Curry Sauce

Green Beans, Butternut Squash, Chinese Sausage

Snow Crab, Lemongrass and Lime Butter

Lemongrass-Turmeric Rice

Charred Garlic Broccolini

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Ube Tres Leches, Charred Pineapple, Lemongrass Cream, Dulce De Leche

Halo-Halo - Shaved Ice Dessert with assorted beans, jellies and fruit

White Chocolate Mousse, Mango and Peach Compote, Toasted Coconut

Donna’s Luau

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Maui Greens Mixed Greens, Papaya, cucumber, avocado, Macadamia Nuts, Toasted Coconut, Citrus Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Poke Cups - Fresh Ahi Tuna, Sesame Oil, Tamari, Scallions, Avocado, Cucumber, Lettuce

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Hawaiian-Style Beef Short Ribs Braised in tamari, ginger, garlic, and star anise

Huli Huli Grilled Chicken , Charred Pineapple Salsa

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Coconut Rice

Charred Broccolini with Sesame & Lime

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Pineapple Shortcake Gluten-free Vanilla Cake, Whipped Marscarpone and Macadamia Crumble

Passionfruit Cheesecake

Chocolate Macadamia Tart

Chef Dan's Exclusively Texas Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Jalapeno Cornbread Madeline with Honey Butter

Fried Green Tomatoes with Herb Remoulade

Texas Gulf Shrimp Cocktail

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tortilla Soup with Avocado and Cotija

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Texas Olive Oil

Wild Mushroom and Poblano Empanada

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Texas Wagyu Ribeye with Chimichurri Butter and Charred Broccolini

Fried Quail and Corn Polenta with Sauteed Greens

Gulf Red Snapper Veracruz, Stewed Tomatoes, Spanish Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Prickly Pear Sorbet

Texas Bourbon Chocolate Tart, Pecan Brittle

Honey-Lavender Tres Leches Cake

Cierra's Elopment Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Butternut Squash Soup, Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, Brioche Bread Cruton

Custom Starter - Inquire In Chat

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

French Onion Soup, Toasted Baguette, Melted Gruyere

Roasted Tomato Bisque, Basil, Mozzarella

Baby Greens Salad, Pear, Candied Pecans, Crumbled Goat Cheese

Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil, Balsamic

Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Wild Mushroom Tart, Caramelized Onions, Herb Ricotta

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Filet Mignon, Potatoes Au Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Red Wine Gravy

DESSERT

All inclusive

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Lava Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Berries

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

Rhianna's Date Night Celebration

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Salmon Sashimi, Citrus, Green Goddess Dressing, Root Potato Chips

Hamachi Sashimi, Cucumber and Bell Pepper Relish, Mango Puree

Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Avocado Puree, Radish, Apples, Salsa Macha

Spicy Tuna Roll, Avocado, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Spicy Mayonnaise

Tropical Salmon Roll, Mango, Avocado, Pickled Bell Pepper, Grilled Green Onion, Cilantro

Shrimp Ceviche Roll, Avocado, Pico De Gallo, Crispy Onions

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Kendall's Adobo - Soy Braised Chicken Thigh in Mexican Spices, Charred Broccolini and Lemongrass Turmeric Rice

Miso Glazed Salmon, Cauliflower Puree, Brussels Sprouts

Lamb Rack Kaldereta, Confit Potatoes, Tomato-Bell Pepper Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Ube Tres Leches, Charred Pineapple, Lemongrass Cream

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Cherry Compote, Lavender Cream

Yuzu Cheesecake, Candied Pecans, Yuzu Marmalade

Show me more

Chef Dan's reviews

4.8

•

108 services

Chef Dan was truly the highlight of our bachelorette weekend! We booked him through Take a Chef, and he created an unforgettable five-course Asian-inspired dinner with hand-rolled sushi, dumplings, miso-glazed salmon, and the most incredible chocolate sesame cake. Every course was beautifully plated, bursting with flavor, and felt like a fine dining experience brought right into our home. From the moment he arrived to prep, the kitchen filled with the most incredible aromas. He seamlessly accommodated allergies and dietary requests so everyone could enjoy every bite, and his attention to detail was unmatched. One of our favorite surprises was that he asked about the bride ahead of time and brought a vinyl record from one of her favorite artists—a thoughtful touch that made the evening feel even more magical. As if the food wasn't enough, Chef Dan left the kitchen absolutely spotless. The entire experience was effortless from start to finish, and our group is still talking about the meal. If you're considering booking Chef Dan, do it—you won't regret it. We couldn't recommend him more highly!

we would highly recommend Chef Dan! the communication was great from start to finish, he was friendly and professional. The menu he prepared matched so well with our vision, and Dan took care to add personal touches and create a customized experience. The food was outstanding. It was so nice to have everything taken care of from the supplies, the cooking, serving, table setting and dishes!

From the first response I received to my inquiry on takeachef, I knew Chef Dan Castro would be the one to provide my family with a very special dinner. I rented a house in Blanco, TX to spend family time for my birthday. I requested a hibachi-style meal as my grandchildren and adult children love this cuisine. Chef Dan provided a menu for me to preview and he allowed me to give input . . . The final menu was perfect! And, Chef Dan continued to provide an experience that exceeded expectations. He prepared and served us the most wonderfully delicious meal. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart for Chef Dan making my birthday celebration with my family a memory that will last a lifetime.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Chef Dan. He was incredibly professional and so patient throughout the entire planning process. On the day of the event, everything went seamlessly — from the setup, to the timing, to the presentation. The food was truly delicious, and the service was exceptional. We were so impressed, and we couldn’t have asked for a smoother or more enjoyable experience. Highly recommend!

Wow. All I can saybis WOW! I put in a proposal and Chef Dan responded with the best menu I have ever seen. I asked for a Friendsgiving and he delivered. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was probably the best I have ever received. He and his partner made the dinner memorable for me and my friends, and I can’t wait to have him back next year. Not a single detail was left out. And even included an added bonus. It was a night that I will never forget and neither one of my friends. Thank you Chef Dan for making it so special.

Chef Dan blew us away! His menu/food was incredible and he went above and beyond on presentation to ensure our evening felt special. We will absolutely be booking with him again.

Chef Dan was very nice, the food was really good.

Both Chef Dan & Jenna were excellent - very professional and the dinner was delicious.

I booked Chef Dan Castro for a family Memorial Day weekend dinner. This was a truly wonderful experience! Dan catered the menu to a very picky crowd and everyone was impressed! The flavors were so original and delicious. He interpreted his Filipino culture into the meal flawlessly and the dishes were creative and one of a kind. He was also took the time to explain each course and engage in conversations with the group. I couldn’t have been happier with the experience he provided and he left the kitchen spotless too. We even had leftovers! I would book Dan again in the future without a second thought!

We had Chef Dan cook dinner for us during a bachelor party trip to Austin, and it couldn’t have been better. The smoked brisket tacos and blackened catfish were unreal — easily the highlight meal of the trip. Chef Dan made everything super easy, kept the vibe relaxed, and left the place spotless. Would absolutely book again.

What a treat to enjoy such high end foods at home while being able to be hands off and absorb the experience

Chef Dan was great. He did a sushi class for us, brought all the gear we’d need. Each of us produced at least 1 respectable roll by the end of the night. Everything was delicious and he was a good hang. We’ll likely do a philipino feast with him in the future. Thank you!!!

Chef Dan was incredible. 10/10 would recommend. I couldn't have asked for anything more. The food was great.

Chef Dan was amazing! I would 100% recommend booking this experience. Not only was the food delicious, everything was thoughtfully curated together. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great experience!

Our experience with Chef Dan was outstanding. The food was top notch and presented so beautifully. We were so well taken care of. We didn’t have to lift a finger! It was like dining at a 5 star restaurant in the convenience of your home. We also got a cooking demonstration along with all the amazing food. That was really fun! And communication throughout was perfect. I would do this again in a heart beat. All of our guests raved about it and wanted to know where I found him. Wonderful experience!!!

Great experience for any special occasion

Chef Dan has a great sense of humor and is a pro at his craft. We enjoyed our time with him and the food was awesome!!

Chef Dan and his team exceeded expectations! The team was both highly professional and personable. They provided a Michelin-quality experience right at home. The food was incredible! If I have the opportunity to do it again, Chef Dan will be the first person I call.

Chef Dan did a terrific job. The food was amazing. Service was also very good. We did have a few small bumps along the way but the overall experience was great. Chef Dan was very responsive throughout the entire process including letting me know he was on his way the night of. The presentation of food was fabulous as were the dishes themselves. He and his assistant did a very good job of clean up afterward. Definitely a good experience overall and I will do it again.

Chef Dan was amazing! Everyone had a great time and raved about the food and the overall experience!