Chef Dan Castro

Personal Chef in Austin

114Services completed

4.76 / 5Based on 25 reviews

EnglishLanguages

AustinI travel up to 100 km

Get to know me better

I grew up in a Filipino household. When we host parties, we want you to feel welcome. Take your shoes off, kick back and enjoy each other's company.

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.

More about me

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.

Types of cuisine I prepare

Japanese
Seafood/Fish
Chef's special
French
Mediterranean
Local
Latin American

Show me more

Chef Dan's reviews

4.76

•

114 services

Chef Dan and Chef Cassidy were absolutely fabulous for my bachelorette party of 11! While curating the menu, I mentioned that we had a few dietary restrictions in the group, and they were more than happy to accommodate everyone. The meal was elevated and truly felt like a fine dining experience. They arrived right on time and set up the most beautiful tablescape, complete with decorative menus. They even surprised me with a vinyl record to use on my record player, which was such a thoughtful personal touch! They treated us like royalty from start to finish, and their attention to detail was incredible. They also cleaned up immaculately and left us with the leftovers to enjoy later that night. I cannot recommend Chef Dan and Chef Cassidy enough! If you’re looking for a special, elevated dining experience for your next occasion, absolutely book them. They made my bachelorette dinner so memorable!

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.