Private Chef David Mau

My family settled Sonoma in 1849 and my indigenous ancestors go back for millennia. After a dynamic career as a Chef, Writer and Photographer I’m back where I am meant to be living this next chapter of my culinary journey. Sonoma and the region mean a lot to me and I love sharing my experiences from the OC to High Sierra as well."

I pride myself on being super easy to work with. Food should be fun and as a writer I love to talk cuisine and restaurant culture, it’s a passion of mine to create a narrative for my guests. Most of all I like to craft memories as well as dishes, let’s have a meal to remember!

For me, cooking is...

An act of profound skill and dedication to people and the culinary craft.

I learned to cook at...

Beside my Father as a child and onto my professional journey from the hip, urban spots to the California wilderness.

A role model in the kitchen is...

Every Grandmother who cooks with care for their loved ones.

A cooking secret...

Good company is the best ingredient and pretense makes a lousy garnish

My menus

Meat BBQ

MAIN COURSE

Grilled Marinated Chicken Brochettes

Local Sausages

Grilled Skirt Steak

Grilled Pork Ribs

GARNISHES

Regional BBQ, Mustard, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Steak Sauce

Smashed Potato Salad

Applewood Bacon Mac and cheese

Corn on the Cob, Celery Butter

Green Garden Salad

Grilled Vegetables

DESSERT

Lemon Pie

Assorted Seasonal Fresh Fruits

Mediterraneo

FIRST COURSE

Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp, Tomato Toast, Wiltered Kale with Golden Raisins

Mussels Dijonnaise, Shoestring Fries, Parsley Sauce

Beef Carpaccio, Parmigiano Reggiano, Mustard Foam, Fried Capers

Creamy Polenta, Wild Mushroom Ragú, Gorgonzola, Herb Oil

Hot Grill Octopus, Chickpea Puree, Basque Country Salsa

Beefsteak Tomato and Burrata Salad with Olive Streusel

MAIN COURSE

Seared Mediterranean Sea Bass, Navy Bean Stew cooked with Tomato, Raki, and fennel

Lemon and Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Shallot-Morel-Demi Sauce, Creamy Potato Puree

Wood Grilled Branzino with Manzanilla Olive and Preserved Meyer Lemon Salsa

Roasted Lamb Chops, Goat Cheese Polenta, Braised Vegetables, and Mint Yogurt

Grilled Tenderloin, Sweet Onion, Farro Salad Bone, Parmesan Cheese Shavings

DESSERT

Almond and Pistachio Baklava

Espresso Crème Brûlée

Italia

FIRST COURSE

White Fish Carpaccio, Rosemary Oil & Orange Zest, Crumbled Pistachio

Crudo Beef with Calabrian Chili, Ricotta Salata, Oregano, and Black Olive Aïoli

Cacio e Pepe, Choice of Handmade Pasta with an Intense Pepper Sauce

Burrata with Dates Pesto, Lemony Fennel Salad , Grilled Crostini

Little Gem Salad with Sieved Egg, Bacon Vinaigrette, Herbed Breadcrumbs

MAIN COURSE

Sardinian Fregola with Clams, Fennel, Tomato, Fresh Herbs

Duck with Porcini Risotto, with Pistachios

Thyme and Garlic Roasted Chicken , Antipasti of Summer Vegetables, Toasted Pine Nuts

Grilled and Sliced, Rib-eye in a Brandy & Green Peppercorn Sauce, Fries

White Fish, Pescatore Sauce, Roasted Artichockes and Salsa Verde

Roman Style Porchetta, Almond Milk Roasted Root Vegetables, Caramelized Shallots, Fresh Salad

DESSERT

Chef's Tiramisú

Limoncello Panna Cotta

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Chef David's reviews

4.83

•

14 services

Chef Dave, quite literally, added the perfect seasoning to our family trip. He’s a rock n roll culinary vaquero who made himself “right at kitchen” in our vacation home. Being tasked with preparing multiple meals for many ages and varying palates is no easy task, but it became very apparent that’s what this guy lives and breathes. It seemed as though every dish came with a larger-than-life story of its conception, therefore leading to not only dinner, but a downright hell of a show. If you’re looking for a chef that will show up, curate a menu and meal, clean up perfectly, and leave- that’s no problem for Chef Dave. However, if you’re looking to make the most out of your experience, spend your time in the company of someone you will quickly find yourself believing is an old friend, and learning some history and tradition of the food you will be enjoying—well then, you’ve come to the right guy. Rock on, Chef Dave. Thanks for the meals and memories. -The Heller Family

Chef Dave was terrific! Loved having him cook for our crew!!!

We loved Dave!! Food was amazing & he's a great guy!

Easily a 5 out of 5 star review for Chef David. Great personality, amazing food, and very engaging. We enjoyed talking with him while he was cooking and got to know more about each other. Would highly recommend for a fun and delicious dinner party.