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

Romantic Breckenridge Dinner

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

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

Roasted Beet Salad - Spinach, Candied Walnuts, Herbed Goat Cheese, Orange Dill Vinaigrette

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

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Herbed Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Seasonal Vegetables, Beef Jus

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

Essence of the Mediterranean 1

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

40th Birthday Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Caramelized Onion Tart - Pickled Apple, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad

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

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

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto - Mozzarella, Basil, Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette

Watermelon Ceviche - Celery, Red Onion, Toasted Quinoa, Leche de Tigre

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

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

Roasted Beet Salad - Spinach, Candied Walnuts, Herbed Goat Cheese, Orange Dill Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

Seared Scallops - Roasted Butternut Squash, 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 Ribeye - Charred Brocollini, 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 Grass Fed Striploin - Herbed Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Seasonal Vegetables, Beef Jus

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

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Handmade Spinach Pasta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio, Ricotta, 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

Breckenridge Bachelor Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto - Mozzarella, Basil, Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette

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

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Shredded Kale Salad - Roasted Pecans, Fresh Grapes, Parmesan, Creamy Sherry Dressing

Classic Wedge Salad - Iceberg, Cherry Tomatoes, Bleu Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Green Goddess Dressing

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

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Herbed Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Seasonal Vegetables, Beef Jus

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

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Handmade Spinach Pasta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio, Ricotta, Parmesan

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Spinach Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Basil, Parmesan Cream

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Chocolate Vodka Syrup, French Vanilla Ice Cream

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

Red, White and Blue Trifle - Macerated Strawberries and Blueberries, Vanilla Bavarois, Funfetti Pound Cake

Caramel Apple Cobbler - Oat Streusel, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Sizzlin' Steakhouse 1

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto - Mozzarella, Basil, Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette

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

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Shredded Kale Salad - Roasted Pecans, Fresh Grapes, Parmesan, Creamy Sherry Dressing

Classic Wedge Salad - Iceberg, Cherry Tomatoes, Bleu Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Green Goddess Dressing

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

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Herbed Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Seasonal Vegetables, Beef Jus

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

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Handmade Spinach Pasta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio, Ricotta, Parmesan

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Spinach Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Basil, Parmesan Cream

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Chocolate Vodka Syrup, French Vanilla Ice Cream

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

Red, White and Blue Trifle - Macerated Strawberries and Blueberries, Vanilla Bavarois, Funfetti Pound Cake

Caramel Apple Cobbler - Oat Streusel, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Birthday Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Cantaloupe and Prosciutto - Mozzarella, Basil, Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette

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

Chorizo Stuffed Dates - Caramelized Bacon, Romesco Sauce

Caramelized Onion Tart - Pickled Apple, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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

Colorado Grass Fed Striploin - Herbed Potato Gnocchi, Kale Pesto, Seasonal Vegetables, Beef Jus

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

Colorado Lamb Ravioli - Handmade Spinach Pasta, Basil and Mint Pesto, Glazed Carrots, Pistachio, Ricotta, Parmesan

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Spinach Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Basil, Parmesan Cream

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake - Chocolate Cookie Crust, Chocolate Vodka Syrup, French Vanilla Ice Cream

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

Red, White and Blue Trifle - Macerated Strawberries and Blueberries, Vanilla Bavarois, Funfetti Pound Cake

Caramel Apple Cobbler - Oat Streusel, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream

Family Style Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

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

Roasted Red Pepper Quesadillas - Mozzarella, Cheddar, Pepper jack, Sour Cream, Salsa Roja

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

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

Merlot Braised Colorado Shortrib Ragú - Spinach Tagliatelle, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Eggplant, Basil, Parmesan Cream

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

Shrimp Cavatelli Allá Vodka - Handmade Pasta, Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce, Red Pepper, Basil Oil, Parmesan Crisp

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

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

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