Chef Decardios Denson

Private Chef in Houston

I grew up cooking with my grandmother and later on in my career started working in professional kitchens. Going from state to state every two years I learned how to cook different cuisines.

After working as the Executive Sous Chef for the Indianapolis Colts, I decided to start my own catering business.

I have worked with all types of clients from celebrities to political parties. No event is to big or too small.

For me, cooking is...

To see the reactions people get when they taste my food for the first time.

I learned to cook at...

I learned how to cook from my grandmother and traveling around the world. I also traveled state to state to cook different cuisines.

A cooking secret...

Love what you cook even when you mess up

My menus

Latin Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Island Ceviche

Mojo marinated Pork Belly, Cilantro Black Bean Puree, Crackling

Beef Empanada with Avocado Creme

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Grilled Octopus Salad

Lamb and Chimimchuri

Silkie Chicken Tostada

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Cuban Paella (Shrimp, Mussels, Clam, Blackened Fish), Black Bean Puree, Seasonal Vegetables, Tostones

Seafood Yucca Root Risotto

Citrus Braised Short rib and Saffron Rice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Churro Taco, Berries,, 24kt Gold

Chocolate lava cake

Chef Table

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Blue Crab Cake with Red Pepper Aioli 🦀🌶️

Cheese & Ribeye Board 🧀🥩

Steak Crustini with Bell Peppers and Red Onion Jelly

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Gulf Lobster Bisque 🦞🥄

Chipotle Lamb Chop with Salsa 🐑🌿

Creole Paella with Shrimp, Mussels & Andouille Sausage 🥘🦐

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

New York Strip with Herb Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus 🥩🥔

Crispy Red Snapper Veracruz with Asparagus Risotto 🐟🍚

Half roasted chicken, stoneground Gouda Grits, veggie, chicken jus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Passion Fruit & Peach Panna Cotta with Blueberry Syrup 🍑🫐

Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍫🍦

Basil Creme Brulee

FROM THE SEA AND BEYOND

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Sushi Bar 🍣

Shrimp Ceviche with Passion Fruit 🍤🍊

Sesame Ahi Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad 🐟🌿

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Miso & Black Garlic Marinated Salmon Salad 🥗🐟

Crispy Pork Belly with Kimchi 🐷🔥

Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers 🍢🐔

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon with Wild Rice Pilaf 🐟🍚

Shrimp & Truffle Ravioli 🍤🍄

Curry Fried Catfish & Herb Polenta 🐠🌿

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese Ice Cream Trio (Matcha, Black Sesame, Red Bean) 🍵🍨

Lychee Fruit Panna Cotta 🍑🍮

Passion Fruit & Peach Panna Cotta with Blueberry Syrup 🍑🫐

Surprise Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Poached Lobster, Lime Foam, Caviar

Beef Strip, Mushroom Sauce, Bone Marrow

Creole Lemongrass Shrimp Crustini

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Black garlic rubbed lamb chop, Herbed Potato

Crawfish and Shrimp Soup

Scallop and Belly Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Half Lobster, and Thyme andMashed Potato, Grilled Asparagus

New York Strip and shrimp, Herb potatoes, Asparagus, Red Wine Sauce

Seafood Risotto

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cheesecake with berries

Chocolate Lava Cake

Basil Panna Cotta

Italian Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Bone Marrow and Steak, black garlic jus

Roasted Silkie Chicken and Cilantro Black Bean Puree

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Marinated Steak Salad

Truffle Cream Polenta with Wild Mushrooms 🍄🌾

Steak Cobb Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Lamb Chop with Fingerling Potatoes & Lavender Jus 🥩🟣

Dry aged New York Strip with Herb Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Passion Fruit & Peach Panna Cotta with Blueberry Syrup 🍑🫐

Dark Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍫🍦

Pistachio Crème Brûlée 🌰🔥

Exclusive Experience

STARTER

All inclusive

Soft Scrambled Eggs and Cheddar

Bacon and Country Sausage

Breakfast Potatoes

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Fruit Bowl

Cinnamon waffles

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Shrimp and Grits

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

DESSERT

All inclusive

Fruit tart and Lemon Curd

Multicultural Feast

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Charcuterie & Cheese Board with Mediterranean Spreads 🧀🥖

Seared Scallops with Leek & Sweet Pea Purée 🦪🥬

Burrata Caprese with Heirloom Tomatoes & Pesto 🍅🌿

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lobster Bisque with Cognac Cream 🦞🥄

Marinated Steak Salad

Truffle Cream Polenta with Wild Mushrooms 🍄🌾

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Lamb Chop with Fingerling Potatoes & Lavender Jus 🥩🟣

Handmade Pappardelle with Lobster & Brown Butter Sauce 🍝🦞

Mediterranean Paella with Mussels, Shrimp & Clams 🥘🦐

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Passion Fruit & Peach Panna Cotta with Blueberry Syrup 🍑🫐

Dark Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 🍫🍦

Pistachio Crème Brûlée 🌰🔥

FRENCH + ITALIAN + MEDITERRANEAN TASTE

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tomato Caprese Salad with Basil Oil 🍅🌿

Greek Salad with Fresh Herbs & Feta 🥗🧀

Basil & Zucchini Gnocchi 🍃🥔

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Butternut Squash Soup with Sage & Crispy Parmesan 🎃🧀

Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil 🍄🌿

Lentil Soup with Mediterranean Spices 🥣✨

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Handmade Pasta Bolognese with Roasted Garlic Bread 🍝🍞

Braised Short Rib with Basil Polenta & Red Cabbage 🥩🌿

Pan-Roasted Herb Cornish Hen with Seasonal Vegetables 🍗🥦

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Crème Brûlée 🍮🔥

Berry Tart with Pastry Cream 🍓🥧

Apple & Blackberry Crumble 🍏🍇

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Chef Decardios's reviews

4.55

•

297 services

Chef Decardio did an amazing job, he was on time, brought fresh ingredients, and pretty much figured everything out in my kitchen by himself which meant I didn't have to worry about the food at all. He's an amazing cook everything was delicious. Absolutely loved it and would recommend it

Loved every dish and presentation! It truly was gourmet at home. 10/10 recommend

Chef Decardios was incredibly impressive. We recently moved to the Houston area and haven't quite unpacked a full set of kitchenware yet. His ability to adapt and use the limited tools we had to create a truly remarkable dinner was nothing short of professional. Not only was the food amazing, but his resourcefulness made the entire evening stress-free. Highly recommend!

Chef Decardios was a gem. Hearing his journey to becoming chef was a reminder that we should all strive to earn a living doing what we love. Watching him pull each of the dishes together was such a treat. Would definitely recommend! You will not regret it.

Great experience

Chef D was terrific! Great food, very professional.

We hired Chef Decardios for a private one-on-one dinner to celebrate our very first wedding anniversary, and we genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, he exceeded every expectation we had. First off, punctuality — Chef Decardios arrived right on time, fully prepared and professional. His demeanor was calm, confident, and friendly, which immediately put us at ease. He struck the perfect balance between being engaging and respectful of our time together, and his table manners and conversation were absolutely top-tier. It truly felt like we were hosting a close friend who happened to be a world-class chef. Now for the highlight: the meal itself. Without exaggeration, it was the best dinner we’ve ever had. Every bite was flavorful, thoughtfully plated, and cooked to perfection. You can tell this is someone who not only has mastered his craft but also pours passion and detail into everything he does. From the appetizers to the main course and dessert, the flavors were elevated, and the presentation was stunning. We’re still talking about it days later. On top of that, he left the kitchen spotless — cleaner than when he arrived! It was such a relief to finish our special evening without having to worry about any cleanup. Chef Decardios made our anniversary night unforgettable, and we’re already looking forward to hiring him again for future celebrations. If you’re thinking about booking him — do it. You won’t be disappointed.

amazing experience very friendly informative about the meal, offering a very unique flavor profile

Chef did an EXCELLENT job and provided lively conversation. Will be utilizing his services again and again.

Thank you Chef!! This was a birthday gift for my Husband, and it was absolutely perfect. Accommodations were made upon request for the menu. Chef spent the evening cooking and talking with us. It was such a fun evening getting to know him and sharing stories while enjoying the incredible food. He described each dish while presenting it. It was a fantastic evening. I cannot wait for him to come over and cook again!

Chef Decardios was absolutely fantastic, very professional. The dishes were amazing, absolutely wonderful experience and made the evening memorable. I wish he could be cooking for me everyday!

Amazing experience and will book again!!

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday with a private dinner prepared by Chef Decardios, and I can't express enough how wonderful the experience was! From the moment he arrived, Chef Decardios exuded professionalism and warmth, making us feel at ease and excited for the evening ahead. His engaging personality truly set the tone for the night. He took the time to chat with us, sharing insights about the dishes he was preparing and incorporating our preferences into the menu. I was particularly impressed by his attentiveness to dietary needs. Chef Decardios ensured that every dish not only met our requirements but was also delicious and beautifully presented. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the meal itself. Each course was a delightful experience, bursting with flavor and creativity. It was clear that Chef Decardios has a true passion for his craft, and it made my birthday celebration feel extra special. One of the best parts of the entire experience was the fact that we could truly relax and enjoy the evening without worrying about the cleanup. Chef Decardios left the kitchen looking spotless, which allowed us to focus on savoring the delicious food and each other's company. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, look no further than Chef Decardios!

Food was amazing! He was very personable and professional. Enjoyed every dish served!

Chef Decardios gave us such a great experience!! He was very friendly, the food was excellent, presentation and portion sizes were perfect. We would absolutely recommend him.

Ha sido muy buena la comida y el Chef muy educado y amable!

Chef Decardios was amazing! From the initial proposal to cleaning up after dinner, everything was done so professional. He was very engaging during the entire process, and very nice to talk to while he was at the house. His food was *chef’s kiss* perfect! He truly made my friend’s surprise 40th birthday party incredible. We will definitely be hiring him again in the future if we do another party!

Absolutely fantastic. 10/10! Chef was very engaging, and the food was brilliant. It was great to watch him cook and bring everything together, he was more than happy to answer my (many) questions and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Thank you very much.

Amazing experience!

My husband and I really enjoyed the is experience. Every dish was delicious and we had great conversation. I would definitely do this again!