Private Chef Scarlett Brida

I’m Chef Scarlett Brida, a professional chef specializing in private dining experiences, intimate events, and customized in-home meals. My background includes working in high-end kitchens and event-driven culinary environments, where precision, flavor, and hospitality are essential.

I believe great food should feel elevated but comfortable. My menus focus on seasonal ingredients, bold but balanced flavors, and thoughtful presentation, all tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a milestone, or simply want to enjoy a special night at home, I take care of every detail — from menu planning to execution — so you can relax and enjoy your guests.

I’m happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, and every experience is fully customized to create something memorable and personal.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is about creating meaningful experiences through food — combining seasonal ingredients, and hospitality to bring people together.

I learned to cook at...

Trained in professional kitchens across San Diego, with 10+ years traveling nationwide as Richard Blais’s right hand on events and culinary projects.

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is attention to detail — from seasoning and timing to creating a calm, organized cooking experience.

My menus

Italian Pasta Tasting

STARTER

All inclusive

Warm Focaccia & Cultured Butter Rosemary, flaky sea salt, Tuscan olive oil

Marinated Castelvetrano Olives Citrus peel, chili, herbs

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Shaved Fennel & Citrus Salad Olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper

Agnolotti del Plin Handmade agnolotti filled with braised short rib Brown butter, sage, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

Spinach Cavatelli House-made spinach cavatelli Roasted garlic, Calabrian chili, lemon, pecorino

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Raviolo al’Uovo Large-format raviolo, ricotta & spinach filling Runny egg yolk, brown butter, black truffle (seasonal)

Pasta alla Zozzona Rigatoni with guanciale, Italian sausage, tomato, pecorino, egg yolk A rich, Roman classic blending carbonara and amatriciana

Manicotti al forno, hand-rolled savory pancakes filled with whipped ricotta and spinach Light tomato sugo, béchamel, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Pappardelle ai Funghi Wide ribbon pasta, wild mushrooms, thyme, garlic Finished with aged pecorino and olive oil (vegetarian)

Ricotta gnocchi, browned butter, sage, Parmigiano

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu, Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mousse, cocoa

Chocolate lava cake with luxardo cherries and whipped cream

California Coastal

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Oysters with Liquid Nitrogen Pearls Fresh Pacific oysters, frozen lemon pearls, hibiscus essence Bright, briny, and theatrical Hamachi Crudo

Hamachi Crudo Citrus-cured hamachi, yuzu kosho, shaved fennel, olive oil snow

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Peak-season tomatoes, creamy burrata, basil, aged balsamic

Chilled English Pea Velouté Mint, crème fraîche, olive oil, cracked black pepper

Lobster rolls with green goddess dressing & mustard caviar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tuna Tostadas Sesame-crusted tuna, avocado, ginger, mango yolk, crispy tostada Light, vibrant, and textural

Little Gems Caesar (Modern) Anchovy vinaigrette, sourdough croutons, shaved parmesan

Roasted Beets & Citrus Goat cheese mousse, pistachio, orange vinaigrette (vegetarian)

Charred Octopus Fingerling potatoes, smoked paprika, confit garlic, lemon

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Petite Filet of Beef, Potato purée, black truffle bordelaise, market greens

Pan-Roasted California Sea Bass Citrus beurre blanc, spring vegetables, fresh herbs

Iberico Pork Secreto Steak, roasted garlic jus, charred seasonal vegetables. Rich, tender, and deeply flavorful

Butter basted scallops with asparagus and mushroom risotto

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate lava cake with luxardo cherries and whipped cream

Crema Catalana Vanilla-citrus custard, caramelized sugar crust

Meyer lemon tart, crème fraîche

Spanish Paella & Tapas

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Pan con Tomate Grilled rustic bread, fresh tomato, garlic, Spanish olive oil, sea salt

Patatas Bravas Crispy potatoes, smoked paprika tomato sauce, garlic aioli

Spanish Marinated Olives Citrus, herbs, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil

Jamón & Manchego Board Jamón serrano, aged Manchego, quince paste, Marcona almonds

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Burrata with Marinated Tomatoes & Arbequina Olive Oil Creamy burrata, sea salt, basil, aged sherry vinegar

Gambas al Ajillo (when available) Sautéed shrimp, garlic, chili, parsley, olive oil

Chilled Gazpacho Andaluz (vegan, gluten-free) Ripe tomatoes, cucumber, garlic, sherry vinegar, Spanish olive oil Light, refreshing, and a perfect opener before paella

Arugula, manchego & apple salad with toasted almonds and sherry vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Seafood Paella Saffron-infused bomba rice, shrimp, mussels, calamari, seasonal fish, roasted peppers, lemon

Chicken & Chorizo Paella Free-range chicken, Spanish chorizo, sofrito, green beans, saffron rice

Vegetable Paella (Vegan) Seasonal vegetables, artichokes, roasted peppers, tomato sofrito, saffron rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Crema Catalana Vanilla-citrus custard, caramelized sugar crust

Chocolate lava cake with luxardo cherries and whipped cream