Chef Miguel Narvaez

Personal Chef in Fallbrook

With over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, I have loved every step of the journey. My passion for cooking began during high school when I volunteered as a cook for my wrestling team while competing as a wrestler myself. From there, I took my first professional role as a dishwasher and, through years of dedication, education, and travel, worked my way up to Executive Chef. I’ve held leadership positions at upscale brunch spots in downtown San Diego and served as Sous Chef at a Marriott resort in Coronado, California.

Attending culinary school provided a pivotal opportunity for a three-month externship at PUJOL in Mexico City under the renowned Chef Enrique Olvera. PUJOL, recently ranked #5 in the world by Pellegrino’s 50 Best, profoundly influenced my culinary philosophy and refined my approach to flavor and presentation.

My passion for crafting memorable flavor combinations has been deeply shaped by my extensive travels. I’ve explored the culinary traditions of Europe on three separate visits, as well as South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. My extensive travels throughout Mexico have also provided a rich foundation for creating diverse and innovative menus.

As a microgreens vendor at local farmers' markets, I source approximately 95% of my ingredients directly from these markets. This commitment ensures that every dish is crafted with quality, organic, local, and fresh produce. The only exceptions are exotic, out-of-season, or imported goods, which I carefully incorporate when necessary to elevate the dining experience.

With over 100 successful services through Take a Chef and hundreds more through my independent ventures, I deliver exceptional dining experiences that celebrate freshness, creativity, and unforgettable flavors.

For me, cooking is...

For me cooking is a form of expression through unique flavor profiles. I like to create a unique experience with each dish.

I learned to cook at...

I first learned to cook at home with my grandmothers growing up in Tijuana and professionally in various fine dining kitchens across San Diego

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is to never forget to have fun.

My menus

Alta Baja California Basic

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Hickory Smoked Scallop Crudo

Guacamole Tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Baja Ceviche Shooters

Ahi Poke Wontons

Fried Risotto Ball with Marinara

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

California Gazpacho

Aztec Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tom Kha Soup

Pork Chashu Ramen

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Spring Mix Salad

Asian Papaya Salad

Caprese Salad

California Caprese

Chicken and Waffles with Candied Bacon Bits

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Short Rib and Grits with Red wine reduction

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Sesame Seared Tuna with Mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice

Fish on Lentils with Honey Cream and Herb Medley

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Cobbler

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Bread Pudding

Carrot Walnut Cake

Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich

Churros (Fresh Handmade )

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Tiramisu

Triple chocolate layer cake

Cornbread with Salted Caramel and Whipped Cream Cheese

Creme Brulee

Seafood Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Oyster Rockefeller

Ponzo and Yuzu Oysters

Baja Ceviche Shooters

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Ahi poke wonton

Hickory Smoked Crudo

Aguachile Bites

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Lobster Bisque

7 Mares Soup

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Crab Cakes with Remoulade

Shrimp Cocktail

Coconut Shrimp

Thai Coconut Prawn Soup

Niçoise Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sesame seared Ahi Tuna with white rice and mango pineapple sauce

Lobster Parpadelle

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

Swordfish Picatta with Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Cobbler

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Bread Pudding

Carrot Walnut Cake

Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich

Creme Brulee

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Cornbread with Salted Caramel and Whipped Cream Cheese

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Panacotta with Brownie Crumble

Tiramisu

Triple chocolate layer cake

BajaMed Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Ahi Poke Wontons

Baja Ceviche Shooters

Guacamole Tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips

Fried Risotto Ball with Marinara

Hickory Smoked Crudo

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Chicken and Waffles with Candied Bacon Bits

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Asian Papaya Salad

California Caprese

Spring Mix Salad

Aztec Tortilla Soup

California Gazpacho

Chicken Tom Kha Soup

Pork Chashu Ramen

Caprese Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Braised Short Rib and Grits with Red wine reduction

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Swordfish Picatta with Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

Fish on Lentils with Honey Cream and Herb Medley

California Carbonara

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Cobbler

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Bread Pudding

Carrot Walnut Cake

Churro waffles ice cream sandwhich

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Panacotta with Brownie Crumble

Creme Brulee

Tiramisu

Mediterranean Delight Basic

STARTER

All inclusive

Homemade Hummus

Pita Bread

Baba ghanoush

Homemade Tzatziki

Tabbouli

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crab Cakes

Greek Yogurt Salad and Roasted Beets salad

Fattoush Salad

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Kibbeh

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Baklava

Tiramisu

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Creme Brulee

Coconut Kahlua Flan

BajaMed Exclusive

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Hickory Smoked Crudo

Guacamole Tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips

Ahi poke wonton

Baja Ceviche Shooters

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Fried Risotto Ball with Marinara

Chicken and Waffles with Candied Bacon Bits

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Asian Papaya Salad

Spring Mix Salad

Caprese Salad

California Caprese

Aztec Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tom Kha Soup

California Gazpacho

Pork Chashu Ramen

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Braised Short Rib and Grits with Red wine reduction

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Swordfish Picatta with Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Fish on Lentils with Honey Cream and Herb Medley

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

California Carbonara

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Cobbler

Apple Pie

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Baklava

Bread Pudding

Carrot Walnut Cake

Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich

Churros

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Creme Brulee

Triple chocolate layer cake

Cornbread with Salted Caramel and Whipped Cream Cheese

Panacotta with Brownie Crumble

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Tiramisu

BajaMed Basic

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Ahi poke wonton

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Baja Ceviche Shooters

Guacamole Tatemado with pork rinds and tortilla chips and plantain chips

Fried Risotto Ball with Marinara

Hickory Smoked Crudo

Chicken and Waffles with Candied Bacon Bits

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Asian Papaya Salad

Spring Mix Salad

Caprese Salad

California Caprese

Pork Chashu Ramen

Aztec Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tom Kha Soup

California Gazpacho

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Braised Short Rib and Grits with Red wine reduction

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Sesame Seared Tuna with Mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and Grilled Squash

Swordfish Picatta with Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Fish on Lentils with Honey Cream and Herb Medley

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with arugula salad and honey rosemary potatoes

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Cobbler

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Bread Pudding

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Tiramisu

Creme Brulee

Alta Baja California Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Hickory Smoked Scallop Crudo

Guacamole Tatemado Bites on Plantain Chips

Black bean chipotle lobster tostada

Ceviche Shooters

Ahi Poke Wontons

Fried Risotto Ball with Marinara

Chicken and Waffles with Candied Bacon Bits

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

California Gazpacho

Aztec Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tom Kha Soup

Pork Chashu Ramen

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Spring Mix Salad

Asian Papaya Salad

Caprese salad

Greek Yogurt Salad and Roasted Beets salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Short Rib and Grits with Red wine reduction

Blackened Salmon with Greek Lemon Rice and homemade tzatziki

Teriyaki Mahi Mahi with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Green Onions and Grilled Squash

Harissa Marinated Pan Seared Chicken with goat cheese labneh and herbs with a cucumber side salad

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Garlic Shrimp Skewers with honey rosemary vegetables

Sesame Seared Tuna with Mango, pineapple, habanero salsa, ponzu and white jazmine rice

Fish on Lentils with Honey Cream and Herb Medley

Trout Almondine with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Beurre Blanc

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Carrot Walnut Cake

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Creme Brulee

Tiramisu

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwhich

Cornbread with Salted Caramel and Whipped Cream Cheese

Panacotta with Brownie Crumble

Assorted Homemade Cookies

Baklava

Bread Pudding

Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich

Basililo y pomodoro Basic

STARTER

All inclusive

Bruschetta

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Fried mozzarella with marinara

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

100 Anniversary Tijuana Cesar Salad

Caprese Salad

Drunken Mushroom Risotto

Antipasto Salad

Minestrone

Fried Squash blossoms with Honey Pesto Yogurt

Carpaccio on a crostini with Citrus, Capers and Parmegiano Reggiano

Ribollita Soup

Mushroom Cream Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cioppino

Chicken Parmesan with fresh handmade pasta and homemade marinara

Shrimp carbonara

Filet Mignon with Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Red wine Reduction

Braised Short Rib and Polenta

Wagyu Spaghetti and Meatballs

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto

Handmade Lasagna Bolognese

Seabass(If available) al Cartoccio with Herbs, Lemons, Capers and Cherry Tomatoes

Macadamia, Orange and Basil Crusted Halibut and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce

Special of the Week ( Message me for details! )

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Apple Cobbler

Tiramisu

Creme Brulee

Coconut Kahlua Flan

Show me more

Chef Miguel's reviews

4.74

•

239 services

This was our first experience with a private chef! I was a bit nervous that our kitchen would be too small but he was able to work his magic and everything fit perfectly. Absolutely a great experience & the food was delicious

Chef Miguel and sous chef Brandon were better than we could have expected! Leading up to the event Miguel was incredibly responsive and patient in accommodating all of my questions and changes to the menu for a group of 13 with different preferences. Once they arrived they had it all taken care of from there, down to setting the table with elegant decorations, the course menu printed out and displayed, and even their own dinnerware which all looked very nice together. They had also customized a nice birthday surprise for the guest of honor at the end. The stories and background for each course that Miguel shared was really fun to listen to, and each of the plates you could both see and taste had a lot of attention and thought put into them. Afterwards they even stayed and handwashed every dish and utensil they brought, chatted with us, wiped down every surface, and swept up. Most, it not all of us, had ever tried hiring a personal chef. After this experience I would totally do it again as a really unique way to celebrate with a group and do it in the comfort of your own place opposed to a busy restaurant where you are competing for the attention of servers. A-plus day for the whole group.

Chef Miguel gave us an incredible first private chef experience and even accommodated some last minute dietary restrictions. Thank you Chef Miguel for a wonderful evening!

Chef Miguel’s communication leading up to the event was excellent. He accommodated food allergies and dietary preferences to create our perfect menu. He was prompt and professional and left the kitchen sparkling clean! The albondigas dish was INCREDIBLE! A memorable meal and thoughtful experience!

Chef Miguel was incredible! The food, presentation and overall experience were great! Every dish was delicious. I would definitely recommend him for your next at-home private chef experience!

We had a great evening! We were very happy with the meal, the experience and the service!

We loved the dinner our chef prepared for us! The guacamole was wonderfully paired with chicaron and fried plantains. The chicken and waffles were a big hit, and the churros. We enjoyed the Mahi Mahi with a slew of vibrant and fresh vegetables.

Miguel and his sous chef did and excellent job preparing presenting and explaining the menu. An excellent experience and meal.

Miguel is an incredible chef. There were several items on our plates that we weren't familiar with as we are from the East coast. He sourced the items himself so he told us about them in detail. I would definitely hire him again.

Chef Miguel and his sous chef were INCREDIBLE!!!!

Chef Miguel provided an amazing meal and experience for us! Highly recommend.

We had a wonderful experience and would definitely hire chef Miguel again.

Chef Miguel was a pleasure to work with! The food was delicious, and he was so kind, helpful, and professional. He was also very flexible and allowed us to fully customize our meal to our preferences, which made the experience even better. We would absolutely hire him again—highly recommended!

Chef Miguel was great, he is very responsive and was able to help with custom dishes. The food and presentation was perfect and I would highly recommend him

This was an amazing experience! We had 2 littles that he accommodated on top of our amazing seafood feast! Miguel is agile, cool, and calm which made the experience even more enjoyable. Food was superb and presentation was even better!

Chef Miguel was wonderful to deal with in planning our dinner. The cuisine was excellent and he was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him!

Would happily hire Chef again. Awesome evening celebrating my dad’s 75th. He loved every minute.

Chef Miguel was just who we were looking for on our family vacation of 23 people. We had 12 adults and 11 kids and he took the time to understand exactly what we needed to ensure we had kid friendly options amid the fancy meals he cooked for us adults! He also made sure to work with our schedules, which was great since, again, we had a lot of kids. The food itself was delicious, we couldn’t get enough. I would highly reccomend him as your next private chef.

Miguel and Ivan were fantastic. Food was great! We had an amazing weekend!

Chef Miguel and Marco were amazing!! Communication from time of booking through their departure after the meal was great! The food they prepared was absolutely incredible! Chef Miguel introduced and described each course throughout dinner. Our meal was fresh, creative and presented beautifully. Chef Miguel and Marco made sure each person's steak was cooked to their desired temperature. Although each course was perfection, the dessert of individual chocolate lava cake was the standout and star of the meal. What a great ending to dinner! I would highly recommend Chef Miguel and Marco for your next dinner party. Thank you Chef Miguel and Marco for such a memorable meal!