About
I’m Chef Manny, a private chef serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Modern Californian cooking is a big part of how I approach food. I cook with what’s fresh and in season, keeping things simple and full of flavor, with plenty of fresh herbs.
I’m a California native with Puerto Rican, Cuban, African American, and honorary Mexican roots, and those influences naturally find their way into my cooking. But that’s just my baseline in the kitchen. I love putting my own spin on classic dishes, learning from different cultures, and bringing new ideas into my food.
My connection to food comes from my mother. Everything we did growing up revolved around the kitchen. We always cooked together, and through food she introduced me to different cultures. She taught me that a meal is much more than what’s on the plate.
Before becoming a chef, I spent more than 15 years working in hospitality as a server at some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area. Being a server taught me how to read a room, anticipate what people need, and pay attention to the little things that can make someone’s experience feel special. I bring those same instincts into the kitchen today. I think about more than just what I’m serving. I think about the people I’m cooking for, how I want them to feel after their time at the table, and all the little details that make the experience feel personal, like remembering exactly how a client’s child likes their watermelon cut.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple. I just want the people I cook for to feel cared for, happy, and glad I was there.
Services
A private dining experience brought fully into your home, whether it is a quiet night in or a celebration worth marking. Every detail is handled, from a thoughtful menu to a polished presentation, so the evening feels like a restaurant of your own without ever leaving the house.
Consistently well made meals, prepared fresh and ready in your kitchen each week. Get your time back and eat well, without giving any thought to shopping, cooking, or cleanup.
A private dinner for your team or clients that feels considered rather than catered. The kind of evening that leaves a lasting impression, hosted wherever you choose to gather.
I will travel to your vacation home, vacation rental, or other accommodations and cook for you right there. I handle the shopping, cooking, and cleanup so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
Gallery
Testimonials
“Chef Manny exceeded every expectation. Hosting a live dinner for 24 guests in our backyard is no small feat, yet he made the entire experience feel effortless.”
Michelle P.
“Chef Manny brings so much heart to the food that he prepares for our family. He always has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to collaborate with on menu planning and ingredient management. He is thoughtful about preventing food waste. Most importantly: his food is delicious!! Thank you, Manny!”
Melanie B.
“Beyond the incredible food, Chef Manny brought a warm, confident presence that elevated the entire experience. We received countless compliments from our guests and couldn't have been happier.”
Sarana D.
“His talent and creativity shine through in every dish. The crimini mushrooms were the unanimous crowd favorite, and the mesquite-grilled bone-in ribeye was simply unforgettable—perfectly cooked and so tender it practically melted in your mouth.”
Eve E.
“He arrived early in the morning to prep everything at the house, and made everything from scratch, and as guests started arriving, the whole place smelled amazing from the fresh herbs he was using for the dishes.”
Farshid G.
“I also appreciated how he engaged with guests while cooking. People would stop by the kitchen, chat with him, ask questions, and taste some of the food along the way. It made everyone feel included in the experience rather than simply waiting for the meal to be served.”
Belinda G.
“We asked for informal, family style and discussed some of the wines we were pouring and he ran with a menu that worked very well. Everyone was impressed!”
Jared P.
“We hired Chef Manny to help us with some meal prep during my last weeks of work and pregnancy with a toddler. He is phenomenal!”
Nahal G.
“Chef Manny was a great fit for our family's meal prep needs. He took straightforward dishes and enhanced their flavors with fresh herbs and spices. I knew working with him was a success when my younger children, who are typically picky eaters, walked into the house and immediately asked if they could have whatever smelled so good.”
Felicia M.
Contact
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