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

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

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

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

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

Lindsey's Wedding Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

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

Sweet Potato Gougeres - Choux Puffs, Sweet Potato Puree, Smoked Gouda

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

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

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

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto - Mozzarella, Basil, Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette

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

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

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 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 Shortribs - Roasted Carrots, Gorgonzola Polenta Cakes, Fresno Peppers, Smoked Paprika, Red Wine Jus

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

Fig Stuffed Duroc Pork Loin - Butternut Squash Risotto, Pickled Apple, Spinach, Roasted Walnut

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

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

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

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

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

Essence of the mediterranean 3

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

Handmade Rosemary Focaccia - Sun Dried Tomatoes, Garlic Butter

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Bites - Marinated Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Bruschetta Duo - Baguette Toast, Marinated Tomatoes, Eggplant Caponata, Balsamic Reduction, Parsley, Basil

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

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

Colorado Beef Carpaccio - Local and Raw, Capers, Shallots, Herb Salad, Egg Yolk, Dijon Aioli

Italian Beef Meatballs - Tomato Beef Sauce, Giardinera, Mozzarella

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

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

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

Frutti di Mare Risotto - Seared Shrimp, Crab, Saffron, Mascarpone, Shallots

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

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

Fig Stuffed Duroc Pork Loin - Butternut Squash Risotto, Pickled Apple, Spinach, Roasted Walnut

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

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

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

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

Handmade Baklava - Crispy Phyllo Dough, Caramelized Honey, Pistachios

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

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

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

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

Taste of Tokyo 3

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

Spinach Goma-Ae Salad - Blanched Spinach, Sesame Paste, Kale Chips

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

Agedashi Tofu - Fried Crispy Tofu, Kombu Dashi, Daikon Radish, Togarashi

Edamame in the Pod - Salted, Spicy Garlic Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Aburi Salmon Oshizushi - Pressed Sushi, Torched Salmon, Jalapeno Hoisin, Crispy Shallots

Thai Crab Chip - Avocado Puree, Jalapeños, Ginger, Rice Chip

California Roll Gougeres - Pate A Choux Puffs, Crab Salad, Avocado, Cucumber, Tobiko, Sriracha

Chicken Karaage - Japanese Fried Chicken Thighs, Lemon Ginger Aioli

Beef Tsukune - Japanese Beef Meatballs, Soy Togarashi Glaze

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Veggie Yakisoba - Buckwheat Noodles, Roasted Red Pepper, Scallions, Ginger, Yuzu Ponzu Sauce

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

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

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

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

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

Temaki Roll Experience - Build Your Own Japanese Hand Rolls with your choice of filling, e.g. Avocado, Cucumber, Tuna, Scallop, Shrimp etc

Maki Sushi Rolls - Negitoro (Tuna, Green Onion), California (Crab, Avocado, Cucumber), and Tropical Dragon (Patagonian Shrimp, Mango Chutney, Sriracha, Tempura)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

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

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

Celebración 1

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Elote Salad - Roasted Corn, Red Onion, Queso Fresco, Crema, Smoked Paprika, Lime

Mexican Chopped Salad - Romaine, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, Avocado, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Salsa Trio - Fresh Made Salsa Roja, Salsa Verde, and Guacamole, Tortilla Chips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Barbacoa Tacos - Pickled Red Onion and Carrots, Jalapeños, Crema, Queso Fresco, Cilantro Lime Rice

Arroz Verde con Pollo - Marinated Chicken Breast, Jasmine Rice, Jalapenos, Cilantro, Pickled Red Onions, Garlic

Braised Chicken Mole -Ancho and Morita Chiles, Radish, Charred Scallions, Patatas Bravas

Carne Asada Enchiladas - Marinated Steak, Red Enchilada Sauce, Corn Tortillas, Carmelized Bacon Refried Beans, Red Rice

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mexican Hot Chocolate Tart - Abuelita Chocolate, Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Cajeta Caramel Sauce

Dreamsicle Tres Leches - Orange Zest, Vanilla Creme Anglaise, Candied Orange Zest, Cinnamon Whipped Cream

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

Keystone Ski Trip