Chef Henry Rivera Masterchef

Private Chef In New York

"2023 Top 5 New York Chef on Take A Chef"

Chef / Owner

Private Chef Rivera Catering & Events Management INC.

Chef Henry Rivera is a culinary virtuoso, renowned for bringing people together through the art of fine food. As the Chef and Owner of "Al Pastor N.Y. Merrick New York," he takes immense pleasure in curating unforgettable dining experiences.

Henry's passion for cooking started at an early age, and he embarked on his culinary journey in his home country, Ecuador. In 1993, he followed his dreams to the bustling culinary scene of New York City, and since then, his culinary expertise has graced the kitchens of renowned establishments in New York, Dubai, Florida, Ecuador, and beyond.

As the Culinary Director at the Firemen Hospitality Group in NYC and DC, Chef Rivera's legacy in the New York hospitality industry is well-established. With a flair for diverse cuisines, he specializes in Mexican, Italian, American, Japanese, Spanish Tapas, and Intercontinental dishes.

Ready to offer NYC a taste of his culinary creations, Chef Rivera established "Al Pastor " to provide patrons with a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Under his guidance, the Rivera cuisine thrives as a private Chef and Wedding Catering business, devoted to crafting memorable gatherings through exquisite food.

For me, cooking is...

This is, the way, how I show the love to my family and friends around the table

I learned to cook at...

I was six years old when, I learned how to cook with my mom back home ( Ecuador )

A cooking secret...

Cooking with the heart and love, makes big difference

My menus

Thanksgiving menu 2024

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Baby arugula with Age balsamic , Procciuto di Parma

Tomato Caprese , Basil olive oil, Age Balsamic

Aged Balsamic Bruschetta / cherry tomatoes, Olive Oil, Basil, Feta Cheese

Butternut squash, cream fresh

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Baked Penne / Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina Cheese

Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa, cilantro leaves

Shrimp cocktail

Eggplant Parmesan, tomato sauces, basil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Oven-Roasted Turkey, Gravy, cranberry sauces

Side -Scallions Mash potatoes

Side -Maple-Roasted Carrots

Side- Cornbread Stuffing With Sausage, fresh herbs

Side -Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Brown Butter

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Tiramisù,

Pican pie

Pumpkin pie

BBQ By Chef Rivera

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Buffet / Baked Penne / Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina Cheese

Buffer / Tomato Caprese , Basil olive oil, Age Balsamic

Buffet / Baby Arugula / Balsamic Dressing, Fresh Avocado, Orange Segments

Buffet / Grill antipasto plate

Buffet / Guacamole

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Buffer / Grill filet Mignonette

Buffet / Grill salmon

Buffet / Hamburger, garlic aioli

Buffet / grill chicken breast

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

BY- Chef Henry Mini Tarts Table ( 3 Mini Tarts for Guest )

Buffet / Balsamic Berries with Honey Yogurt, coconut shavings

Buffet / Belgian mini cream puffs With chocolate sauce

Buffet / Classic Tiramisu

New York Taste of Tokyo! BY-Chef Rivera

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Edamame Steamed Edamame Pods, Salted and Served with a Wedge of Lemon

Tuna Tartar Fresh maguro tuna, flavored with a combination of spicy and savory seasonings, laid out on a light bed of sushi rice layered with garden-fresh guacamole and served with our wanton chips

Hamachi Jalapeño 5 Pieces of Thinly Sliced buttery Hamachi blanketing a bushel of finely sliced cucumber marinated in our special Ponzu dressing and Jalapenos

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cucumber Salad Fresh Cucumber strips with a ponzu dressing

Garden Salad Fresh Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pepper, Carrot, layered with avocado slices, served with a special ginger dressing

Jalapeno Bay Fresh Jalapenos stuffed with Spicy Tuna

Tokyo Salad Lettuce, cucumber, avocado, pepper, mango, Tomato, Carrot, Cashews, served with Ponzu dressing

Chopped Green Goddess Salad, roman lettuce, red cabbage, bay arugula

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sushi Tacos Two tacos with fresh salmon and fresh tuna topped with a perfect combination of our spicy mayonnaise sauces

California Roll Kani, Cucumber, Avocado

Coney Roll Spicy Salmon, Avocado, Spicy Kani, Crunch

Crunchy Spicy Tuna Spicy Tuna, Layered with Crunch Mexican Roll Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Crunch, Topped with Jalapeño, *Masago & a Dollop of Hot Chili

Fancy Vegetable Roll (V) Portabella, Avocado, Cucumber, Wrapped with Avocado

Sashimi Red Snapper, salmon, tuna, smoked salmon

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Balsamic Berries with Honey Yogurt, coconut shavings

Cheesecake, Fresh strawberries , chocolate sauces, white & dark chocolate Pearls

Cannoli (Shell and Filling) chocolate curls

Glazed chocolate cake, whipped cream

Cocktail Menu BY-Chef Rivera

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Chicken tacos / cream avocado, Molcajete sauces salsa

B L T chicken sandwich

Cheat's blinis with Ham and figs

Gorgonzola and prosciutto figs with prawn and brioche toasties

Grilled Ricotta Bruschetta with Sweet and Sour Tomatoes

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa, cilantro leaves

Avocado toasted with sunny-side eggs

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Salmon tartare With Avocado

Grape fontina skewers

Mini lobster roll

Arborio Lemon rosemary risotto , parmesan cheese, green peas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Crispy Tofu With Maple-Soy Glaze,jasmine rice

Garlic butter shrimp scampi, with spaghetti olive oil

Four-cheese pizza

Spicy Crunch Tuna Tartare

Steak Diane with Crispy Crostini

Mini Lobster pot Pie

Gazpacho shots

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Balsamic Berries with Honey Yogurt, coconut shavings

BY- Chef Henry Mini Tarts Table ( 5 Mini Tarts for Guest )

Whole chocolate Cake

Whole Cheese cake

Taste of France

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Age balsamic Bruschetta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil, feta cheese

Baby arugula, balsamic dressing, fresh avocado, orange Segments

Smoked Salmon Canapes

Simple French-Style Potato Salad, Olive Oil, Potatoes, Apple Cider Vinegar, Mustard, Fresh Herbs, Scallions

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lyonnaise Salad. Frisée lettuce, tossed in a warm and delicious vinaigrette and topped with crispy bacon and a poached egg. Because

Pan seared Crab-cake, Tartar sauces lemon zest, tomatoes

Steak tartare, Beef, Tabasco, Mustard,Salt< Black Pepper, Worcestei sauces, Egg

Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Herb crust Rack of Lamb — serve with honey mustard, mash potatoes

Grill filet Mignon, with wild Caramelize shallots, roasted potatoes , Herbs Red Wine Reduction

Lobster Thermidor, Béchamel Base , Sauteed, Shallots & Mushrooms, Sweet Cherry Wine, Fresh Tarragon, Baby Arugula with Olive Oil

Streak-Frites with roasted potatoes, creamy Peppercorn Sauce

Seared Airline Chicken & ratatouille, infused green oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Glazed chocolate cake, whipped cream

Fresh fruit Tart

Cheesecake, Fresh strawberries , chocolate sauces

Apple pie with vanilla ice cream

Brunch Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Crepe Plate, blue berries sauces, fresh strawberries, sour cream

Bread basket / bagels /muffins / sweets / jam / orange juice / Donuts

Smoked Salmon Breakfast Platter , Avocado, Fresh Fruit, Bread, Boiled Eggs, Cucumber Dill Salad, Red Onions, Cream Cheese

Ham Cheese & Spinach Puffs

Bake pancake, with whipped cream strawberries

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Avocado toasted with sunny-side eggs

Sausage and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Eggs Benedict / bacon / smoke salmon / vegetarian choose of one

Omelettes /bacon and cheese / smoke salmon and caramelize onions / cheese omelette Fontina and Swiss cheese

Pecan chocolate Bobka French Toast whipped cream, Maple syrup

Arabian Buttered Eggs with Mint and Lemon

Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini. Aged Balsamic, Rape Tomato, Olive Oil, Fresh Basil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Garlic butter shrimp scampi, with parmesan crusted Baguette

Grill Salmon with capers, olive oil

Burst Tomato Frittata with Fontina and Basil Oil

Skirt steak Chimichurri sauces

Huevos Rancheros, Coen Tortillas, Black Beans, Sausages, Roasted Tomato Sauces, Bell Peppers , Eggs Make by Guest preference

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cheesecake, with chocolate sauces

Cannoli (Shell and Filling) blue berries sauces,

3 leches as you request

Balsamic Berries with Honey Yogurt, coconut shavings

Tapas menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Bruschetta / toasted bread with tomato., oil , basil

Spanish -style Meatballs with tomato sauces basil

Spanish Cheese Board, toasted bread, grapes, cheese, olives, nuts

Pan- Fried cauliflower, avocado dip

Gambas al Ajillo, garlic, chile de arbol dry peppers (Spanish Garlic Shrimp Tapas)

Bacon-Wrapped Dates ( Got cheese optional )

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Arborio Lemon rosemary risotto, parmesan cheese, green peas

Fried Calamari with cilantro Aioli

Avocado toasted with sunny-side eggs, aged balsamic, micro greens

Papas Bravas, bell pepper, white onions, paprika, olive oil

Gazpacho soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lemon garlic Scallops, mash potatoes, butter wine sauces

Chicken Roulade Stuffed with Brussels Sprouts, Walnuts, Pecorinot

Seafood Paella / vegetarian paella / classic paella / Land and see paella. ( pick your Favor one please)

Lamb Skewers, Salsa Verde, withe rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cannoli (Shell and Filling) blue berries sauces,

Chocolate cake , mix berries

Cheesecake, chocolate sauces, strawberry

Tres leches top of with meringue!

Surprise

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Charcuterie Board. ( italian metas & cheese, Grapes, Crackers , Fig Jam

Aged Balsamic Bruschetta / cherry tomatoes, Olive Oil, Basil, Feta Cheese

Baby arugula with Age balsamic , Procciuto di Parma

Guacamole with fried tortillas, pico the Gallo

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan seared Crab-cake, tarta sauces lemon zest, tomatoes

Arborio Lemon rosemary risotto, parmesan cheese, green peas

Hummus with cucumbers, cheery tomatoes. baby carrots , garlic toasted pitta bread

Vegan vegetables dumplings, ginger soy sauces

Shrimp dumplings, soy Ginger sauces

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Red Snapper Livornese, light tomato sauces, green olives , basil

Herb crust Rack of Lamb — serve with honey mustard, mash potatoes

Grill filet mignon, with wild caramelize shallots, roasted potatoes , red wine glaze

Chicken Milanese , with feta cheese, tomato salad

Shrimp Scampi, Garlic oil with Fresh Pasta, Basil, Red pepper flakes+butter

Fresh pasta, cauliflower bolognese, basil, Olive Oil

DESSERT

All inclusive

Cannoli (Shell and Filling) blue berries sauces,

Cheesecake, chocolate sauces,

Chocolate Avocado Pudding – The Famous Dessert

Apple tart with vanilla ice cream

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Chef Henry's reviews

4.75

•

118 services

Excellent experience!

Chef Henry exceeded all expectations with their exceptional fusion of vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes. Each plate was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The use of fresh, quality ingredients was evident, and the kitchen was left spotless. Highly recommend for a culinary experience that's both delightful and memorable!

Chef Rivera was professional and attentive! The food was amazing and the all-around experience provided by the chef was spectacular.

Chef Henry was fantastic. The food and service was excellent. I would recommend him to anyone looking to have a nice dinner party. We had him for Christmas Eve and it helped create a night to remember.

Chef Henry was professional, friendly, and talented. He delivered the menu exactly as we planned. The presentation was beautiful, the service was excellent.

Chef Henry was incredible! He exceeded all of our expectations and each meal was delicious. From start to finish Chef Henry was attentive, knowledge and a true pleasure to work with. We're excited to have another event and use Chef Henry again! Chef, thank you thank you thank you!

Chef Rivera made my husband’s birthday extra special. We made the decision to have him come a few days before the event and he made everything easy and elevated - from choosing the menu, bringing flatware and wine glasses, and including a wine pairing with dinner. The food was delicious and we were able to enjoy with our family and friends without worrying about anything. It was a wonderful experience.

Henry Chef Rivera was very polite and comfortable to be around. The food was presented beautifully and tasted delicious. When he left the kitchen looked like he was never there. We were all very happy and highly recommended Chef Henry.

Chef Rivera was amazing! He was on time and ready to go at the scheduled time. Loved the personalized menus he created and the food was amazing. We did an Italian based meal -the surf and turf was everyone’s favorite part and he paired it with wine which was as great! This was the first time I had a private chef experience and it was awesome, highly recommend!

Chef Henry Rivera served up a 'Taste of France' that made our special private event even more enjoyable. His well crafted menu with wine pairings after a short discussion, was spot on. Pleasant in demeanor and professional in manner, his outstanding service truly complemented the dishes he served. We just loved it.

This was our first time going through the process and from the start, Chef Rivera impressed us. From his original proposal that made the choice for us (he seemed closest with the theme I wanted for my wife's 50rh Birthday Celebration).... to our formal consult to the actual evening, Chef Rivera was engaging and warm throughout! He paid attention to the details of our conversation and followed through on all. We had a varied group of friends in terms of tastes and needs. (Gluten Free, to pescatarian, to meat eaters and vegetarians he had us all covered!). The fact that we were able to truly experience the evening, the way we wanted, and not have to lift a finger was such a new experience for me. He made us all feel comfortable and felt like he belonged there is my biggest compliment I can give. The food was wonderful but the experience he and his wife provided really meant the world to us. I can't wait to work with him again, in the future.

Chef Henry made my birthday dinner a great experience. He handled our hectic evening with ease and the food was delicious! He was pleasant, kind, and accommodating. Chef Henry truly made my birthday dinner a night to remember. When he arrived, he quickly set up the table and had everything ready to go. He was so warm and friendly and the scenery was beautiful and elegant, like something out of a movie. He truly has a gift for fine dining and the food that he gave me and my family had us wanting more. We didn’t want the night to end. You can tell that he cares and puts his time and effort into giving people an amazing dining experience. If I ever need a chef in the future, I will most definitely be calling Chef Henry he is truly one of a kind!

Chef Rivera was awesome! I hired him for a small bachelorette celebration and he arrived on time, was accommodating, and professional! Everyone loved his food and had an amazing time!

Hired Chef Rivera to do a private dinner for my sister’s bachelorette party. The communication and assistance he provided beforehand to ensure we had the perfect menu to fit everyone’s dietary restrictions was exemplary. The preparation and execution of the event was flawless. The food itself was absolutely divine, and he left our kitchen immaculate. Thank you, Chef for a wonderful event and one that we will continue to talk about for years to come. 10/10 would recommend this experience and Chef Rivera to anyone and everyone!

Chef Henry delivered an incredible experience from start to finish. Not only did he roll seamlessly with a schedule change for the event, he also presented a great meal for a large group of 15. We designed a menu that checked off a variety of dietary needs and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend working with Chef Henry

Chef Henry was the BEST. Food was phenomenal. My guests and I were very impressed. Thank you so much!

Chef Henry from the start was professional and communicative. He arrived a few minutes early with everything needed to include extra dishes and glasses we needed. The four course meal was exceptional and the wine pairing was perfect. The kitchen was completely cleaned and lastly Henry and Claudia are wonderful people. Will book again.

Chef Rivera was wonderful!! He arrived on time and was extremely efficient with the entire service. My wife and I felt like we were in a restaurant when we were actually seated in our own dining room. The food served was beautifully presented, and it was delicious. Thanks for making it a wonderful evening for us Chef Rivera! Highly recommended!

Chef Henry did an amazing job. I arranged the dinner to celebrate my wife's 40th birthday. He showed up on time and brought a penalized menu with my wife's name on it. The food was delicious and we loved the experience.

Chef Henry Rivera was amazing. The food was perfect and the portions served were just right! I enjoyed this experience and definitely will be utilizing Chef Henry Rivera in the future.