Chef Dj Brandenburgh

Private Chef in Lakewood

I am a professional chef with 16 years of experience, working everywhere from sports bars to 3 Michelin starred restaurants. I love learning new styles of cooking and techniques as well as perfecting what I already know. Right now I’m getting into authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine!

In my personal life, I'm a volunteer firefighter, an Army combat medic, and I enjoy training Jiu Jitsu.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is the biggest part of my identity and purpose in life. It’s how I best express myself and my care for other people.

I learned to cook at...

I went to community college with a great culinary arts program as well as pastry school. But I’ve learned the most from great chefs in the workplace.

A cooking secret...

It’s not a secret or at least it shouldn’t be but tasting and seasoning the food appropriately.

My menus

Taste of Tokyo 1

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Edamame in the Pod - Salted, Spicy Garlic Sauce

Wakame Salad - Japanese Seaweed, Cucumbers, Carrots, Sesame Ginger Dressing

Miso Soup - Miso Dashi, Silken Tofu, Sake Braised Mushrooms

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Miso Glazed Salmon - Marinated and Seared, Spicy Daikon and Watermelon Radish, Ginger, Scallions, Lemon Miso Sauce

Thai Green Curry - Argentinian Shrimp, Coconut Milk, Sweet Potatoes, Eggplant, Cilantro, Ginger, Lemongrass, Jasmine Rice

Japanese Chicken Curry - Coconut Milk, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Ginger, Lemongrass, Jasmine Rice

Ginger Crusted Lamb Chops - Panko, Mint, Braised Parsnips, Daikon Sesame Salad

Pork Tonkatsu - Breaded & Fried Pork Loin, Shredded Cabbage, Shortgrain Rice, Sweet & Sour Tonkatsu Sauce

Korean Braised Shortribs - Kimchi, Roasted Carrots, Pickled Red Onion, Cilantro, Gochujang

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Basil Infused Cotton Cake - Lime Curd, Roasted Strawberries, Crispy Meringue

Chocolate Lava Cake - Raspberry Jam, Chocolate Cookie Crumb, Creme Chantilly, Caramelized White Chocolate

Chocolate Tahini Cake - Chocolate Sesame Cookie Crumb, Toasted Honey Creme Chantilly, Salted Caramel Sauce

Lemongrass Pot de Creme - Coconut Milk, Lime Segments, Crispy Rice Noodles, Mint

Matcha Eclairs - Choux, Matcha Yuzu Pastry Cream, White Chocolate Glaze

Matcha Mochi Cake - Dark Chocolate Ganache, Black Sesame Tuile, Macerated Blackberries

Fleur de Sel 2

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Gougere Bites - Pate a Choux Dough, Smoked Gruyère Cheese Sauce, Paprika

Caramelized Onion Tart - Pickled Apple, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad

Heirloom Tomato Tartlet - Crispy Puff Pastry, Marinated Tomatoes, Shallots, Parmesan

Colorado Beef Tartare - Local Raw Sirloin Steak, Capers, Shallots, Herb Salad, Egg Yolk, Dijon Aioli

Crab Crepe - Smoked Crab Salad, Warm French Crepe, Crispy Bacon, Glazed Peas, Beurre Blanc

Smoked Salmon Toast - Seeded Wheat, Creme Fraiche, Salmon Roe, Preserved Lemons, Dill

Wild Mushroom Toast - Confit Wild Mushrooms, Onions, Arugula, Whole Grain Toast, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Charcuterie Board -Chefs Selection of Local Cured Meats and Cheeses, Cornichons, Cherry Jam, Sea Salt Crackers

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Gorgonzola Salad - Butter Lettuce, Pickled Apple, Red Grapes, Candied Walnuts, Sherry Vinaigrette

Lyonnaise Salad - Escarole, Frisée, Bacon, Poached Egg, Bacon Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet Salad - Spinach, Charred Oranges, Dill, Candied Walnuts, Herbed Goat Cheese

Herbed Burrata Salad - Arugula, Spinach, Prosciutto, Marinated Tomatoes, Dried Cranberries, Basil, Balsamic Glaze

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Atlantic Salmon - Braised Fennel, Garlic, Crispy Shallots, Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Seared Scallops - Roasted Butternut Squash and Bok Choy, Tarragon, Parsley, Dill, Lemon Beurre Blanc

Chicken Confit Cassoulet - Confit Chicken Legs, Great Northern Beans, Mirepoix, Rosemary, Thyme, Crispy Bacon

Farm Raised Chicken Roulade - Collard Greens, Crispy Bacon, Charred Brussels Sprouts, and Whole Grain Mustard Sauce

Colorado Filet Mignon - Parmesan Potato Pavé, Roasted Eggplant, Herb Butter, Parmesan Cream

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Red Pepper Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Beef Jus

Colorado Ribeye - Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, Potato Fondant, Cabernet Jus, Caramelized Onions

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Mirepoix, Parmesan Crisp

Seared Duck Breast - Boursin Risotto, Candied Pistachios, Roasted Parsnips, Black Currant Jus

Spiced Duck Confit - Chicken Liver Patè, Corn and Scallion Ragout, Sweet Potato Puree, Pancetta

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Ricotta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio Crumble, Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake - Raspberry Jam, Chocolate Cookie Crumb, Creme Chantilly, Caramelized White Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Strawberry Jam, Candied Orange Rind, Chocolate Ice Cream

Classic Creme Brûlée - Madagascar Vanilla, Macerated Mixed Berries, Candied Orange Rind

Tropical Parfait - Almond Cake, Banana Bavarois, Caramelized Pineapple, Lime Segments, Cinnamon Tuile

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake - Espresso Ganache, Caramel Apples, Chai Cookie Crumble, Espresso Whipped Cream

Coffee and Hazelnut Eclairs - Coffee Pastry Cream, Coffee Icing, Candied Hazelnuts

Blueberry Pie Panna Cotta - Spiced Blueberry Compote, Crispy Puff Pastry, Lemon Confit

Kara's Christmas Party

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus - Garlic, Sesame, Green Onion, Warm Naan

Savory Bruschetta - Baguette Toast, Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic Reduction, Parsley, Basil

Charcuterie Board -Chefs Selection of Local Cured Meats and Cheeses, Cornichons, Cherry Jam, Sea Salt Crackers

Classic Caesar Salad - Baby Romaine, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Crisp, Tangy Caesar Dressing

Heirloom Tomato Medley Panzanella - Baguette, Arugula, Red Onion, Toasted Almonds, Tarragon Vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Italian Seared Red Snapper - Kalamata Olive Tapenade, Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, Gorgonzola Polenta

Baked Sicilian Style Sea Bass - Roasted Eggplant, Sundried Tomatoes, Kalmata Olives, Arugula

Chicken a la Arrabbiata - Braised Chicken Leg, Smoked Gouda Polenta, Fresno Chiles, Fire Roasted Tomato, Crispy Onion

Za’tar Roasted Chicken Breast - Harissa Butter, Roasted Cauliflower, Orzo, Lemon/Dill Vinaigrette

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Red Pepper Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Beef Jus

Greek Herb Braised Shortribs - Caramelized Feta Polenta, Cherry Tomato, Harrissa Carrots, Red Wine Jus

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Ricotta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Parsnips, Pistachio Crumble, Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate Tahini Cake - Chocolate Sesame Cookie Crumb, Toasted Honey Creme Chantilly, Salted Caramel Sauce

Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Strawberry Jam, Candied Orange Rind, Chocolate Ice Cream

Tiramisu Eclairs - Pate A Choux, Espresso Mascarpone Pastry Cream, Chocolate Mirror Glaze, White Chocolate Crumble

Handmade Baklava - Crispy Phyllo Dough, Caramelized Honey, Pistachios

Elise's Elegant Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Savory Bruschetta - Baguette Toast, Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic Reduction, Parsley, Basil

Gougere Bites - Pate a Choux Dough, Smoked Gruyère Cheese Sauce, Paprika

Caramelized Onion Tart - Pickled Apple, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad

Chicken Liver Mousse - Toasted Brioche, Cherry Jam, Brown Buttered Hazelnuts, Cognac

Smoked Salmon Toast - Seeded Wheat, Creme Fraiche, Salmon Roe, Preserved Lemons, Dill

Wild Mushroom Toast - Confit Wild Mushrooms, Onions, Arugula, Whole Grain Toast, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Scallop Crudo - Orange Beet Vinaigrette, Jalapeno, Cured Egg Yolk

Colorado Beef Tartare - Local Raw Sirloin Steak, Capers, Shallots, Herb Salad, Egg Yolk, Dijon Aioli

Barbecued Octopus - Persimmon BBQ, Pickled Pearl Onions, Charred Oranges, Whole Grain Mustard Aioli

Charcuterie Board -Chefs Selection of Local Cured Meats and Cheeses, Cornichons, Cherry Jam, Sea Salt Crackers

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Caesar Salad - Baby Romaine, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Crisp, Tangy Caesar Dressing

Gorgonzola Salad - Butter Lettuce, Pickled Apple, Red Grapes, Candied Walnuts, Sherry Vinaigrette

Herbed Burrata Salad - Arugula, Spinach, Prosciutto, Marinated Tomatoes, Dried Cranberries, Basil, Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Beet Salad - Spinach, Charred Oranges, Dill, Candied Walnuts, Herbed Goat Cheese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Blackened Salmon Fillet - Roasted Corn Salad, Smoked Oyster Cream, Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Nori Crisp

Baked Sicilian Style Sea Bass - Roasted Eggplant, Sundried Tomatoes, Kalmata Olives, Arugula

Chicken a la Arrabbiata - Braised Chicken Leg, Smoked Gouda Polenta, Fresno Chiles, Fire Roasted Tomato, Crispy Onion

Fines Herbes and Garlic Chicken Breast - Marinated Farm Raised Chicken Breast, Havarti Risotto, Walnuts, Seared Brussels Sprouts, Lemon

Colorado Filet Mignon - Parmesan Potato Pavé, Roasted Eggplant, Herb Butter, Parmesan Cream

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Red Pepper Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Beef Jus

Adobo Braised Colorado Shortribs - Roasted Pineapple, Plantain Puree, Chipotle Jus, Pico de Gallo

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Mirepoix, Parmesan Crisp

Seared Duck Breast - Boursin Risotto, Candied Pistachios, Roasted Parsnips, Black Currant Jus

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Ricotta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio Crumble, Parmesan

Colorado Bacon Carbonara - Spaghetti, Beurre Monte, Colorado Bacon Slab, Parmesan, Hatch Chiles, Chives, Egg Yolk

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake - Raspberry Jam, Chocolate Cookie Crumb, Creme Chantilly, Caramelized White Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Strawberry Jam, Candied Orange Rind, Chocolate Ice Cream

Caramelized Banana Tiramisu - Espresso Soaked Ladyfingers, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Banana Mousse, Toasted Vanilla Meringue, Caramelized Banana Slices

Tropical Parfait - Almond Cake, Banana Bavarois, Caramelized Pineapple, Lime Segments, Cinnamon Tuile

Vanilla Pavlova - Baked Meringue, Creme Anglaise, Pickled Blueberries, Spun Sugar

Deconstructed Key Lime Pie - Lime Curd, Macadamia Nuts, Liquid Sable, Toasted Meringue,

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake - Espresso Ganache, Caramel Apples, Chai Cookie Crumble, Espresso Whipped Cream

Blueberry Pie Panna Cotta - Spiced Blueberry Compote, Crispy Puff Pastry, Lemon Confit

Fleur de Sel 1

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Gougere Bites - Pate a Choux Dough, Smoked Gruyère Cheese Sauce, Paprika

Caramelized Onion Tart - Pickled Apple, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad

Heirloom Tomato Tartlet - Crispy Puff Pastry, Marinated Tomatoes, Shallots, Parmesan

Gorgonzola Salad - Butter Lettuce, Pickled Apple, Red Grapes, Candied Walnuts, Sherry Vinaigrette

Herbed Burrata Salad - Arugula, Spinach, Prosciutto, Marinated Tomatoes, Dried Cranberries, Basil, Balsamic Glaze

Lyonnaise Salad - Escarole, Frisée, Bacon, Poached Egg, Bacon Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet Salad - Spinach, Charred Oranges, Dill, Candied Walnuts, Herbed Goat Cheese

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Atlantic Salmon - Braised Fennel, Garlic, Crispy Shallots, Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Seared Scallops - Roasted Butternut Squash and Bok Choy, Tarragon, Parsley, Dill, Lemon Beurre Blanc

Chicken Confit Cassoulet - Confit Chicken Legs, Great Northern Beans, Mirepoix, Rosemary, Thyme, Crispy Bacon

Fines Herbes and Garlic Chicken Breast - Marinated Farm Raised Chicken Breast, Havarti Risotto, Walnuts, Seared Brussels Sprouts, Lemon

Colorado Filet Mignon - Potatoes Fondant, Charred Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Beef Jus

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Red Pepper Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Beef Jus

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Mirepoix, Parmesan Crisp

Seared Duck Breast - Boursin Risotto, Candied Pistachios, Roasted Parsnips, Black Currant Jus

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Ricotta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio Crumble, Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake - Raspberry Jam, Chocolate Cookie Crumb, Creme Chantilly, Caramelized White Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Strawberry Jam, Candied Orange Rind, Chocolate Ice Cream

Classic Creme Brûlée - Madagascar Vanilla, Macerated Mixed Berries, Candied Orange Rind

Tiramisu Eclairs - Pate A Choux, Espresso Mascarpone Pastry Cream, Chocolate Mirror Glaze, White Chocolate Crumble

Breckenridge Bachelorette Party