Chef Don Gragg

With over 25 years of culinary experience, Don Gragg is a discreet, world-class private chef trusted by Hollywood elite, international creatives, and discerning families alike. His cooking style reflects a deep knowledge of Mediterranean, French, Latin, and California cuisine—with a focus on vibrant, seasonal ingredients and health-forward dining.

Trained under icons like Alice Waters at Chez Panisse and Tom Colicchio at Gramercy Tavern, Don has led award-winning restaurants from New York to Denver, before becoming the full-time private chef for legendary composer Leslie Bricusse. His work has taken him to estates in Beverly Hills and the South of France, where he has cooked for intimate family gatherings and glamorous industry dinners alike.

Don also consults on restaurant launches, menus, and food operations, and has been featured in Bon Appétit, Esquire, The New York Times, and more.

DON GRAGG

Private & Personal Chef | Culinary Consultant

Denver, CO | 720-320-7130 | [email protected]

SUMMARY

Discreet and highly experienced Private Chef with over 25 years of excellence providing full-service, personalized culinary experiences for elite individuals, families, and high-profile clients. Specializing in Mediterranean, California, French, and globally inspired cuisine, I craft seasonal, health-forward menus tailored to individual taste, wellness goals, and event needs.

Available for:
- Long-term or seasonal private chef placements
- Luxury travel, estate or villa cooking (domestic & international)
- Culinary consulting & menu design

PRIVATE CHEF EXPERIENCE

Private Chef | Beverly Hills, CA & St. Paul de Vence, France (2004 - Present)
- Long-term personal chef for legendary composer Leslie Bricusse and family.
- Multi-course meals for celebrity guests and film industry elite.
- Grocery procurement, kitchen logistics, and event execution.

Clients Include:
- Barbra Streisand, Gwen Stefani, and other NDA-compliant clientele.

Private Chef for Events & Retreats:
- Destination dinners, film shoots, retreats (up to 50+ guests).
- Sourcing in remote areas, solo and team operations.

PRIVATE EVENT & HOSPITALITY CONSULTING

Executive Chef & Consultant - The Larchmont | Hollywood, CA (2013 - 2014)
- Seasonal California menu design, staff training, restaurant launch.

Executive Chef - The Mark for Events | Beverly Hills, CA (2009 - 2016)
- VIP event execution for Interscope, Red Bull, Universal.

Founder - The Rotary | Denver, CO (2018-2022)
- Health-forward rotisserie concept closed during pandemic.

SPECIALTIES & SKILLS

- Estate/Villa Cooking (France, California, Mountain Retreats)
- Mediterranean, French, Latin, California Cuisine
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Anti-Inflammatory Cooking
- Daily Meals + Elegant Dinner Parties
- Market Sourcing, Pantry Organization, Event Execution

FEATURED PRESS & HONORS

- Bon Appetit - Best Seafood Restaurant (1996)
- Esquire - Top 25 Best New Restaurants (1995-96)
- NYT, Food & Wine, Gourmet, GQ, WSJ - Featured
- Zagat Survey - Top New Restaurants in America

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Warren Technical School - Culinary Arts Program (1989)

Formative Training:
- Chez Panisse (Alice Waters) - Berkeley, CA
- Gramercy Tavern (Tom Colicchio) - New York, NY

LOCATION & AVAILABILITY

Denver, CO | Available for travel (domestic & international)
Short & Long-Term Private Chef Placements | NDA-Compliant