Private Chef Events

PRIVATE CHEF

David Salgado

PROFILE

Experienced Colombian private chef with over 10 years of culinary expertise, specializing in elevated,

health-conscious cuisine rooted in Latin American flavors and California seasonality. Known for crafting

bespoke dining experiences with an emphasis on fresh, vibrant, and nutrient- dense meals. Passionate about

wellness-focused cooking, hospitality, and meaningful cultural fusion through food.

EXPERIENCE

Founder & Private Chef - MKTO LLC

Pasadena, CA May 2023 - Jan 2025

- Curated custom healthy menus inspired by Latin and coastal Californian cuisine.

- Designed and delivered elevated private dinners, wellness retreats, and events for 50+ guests.

- Led cooking classes with a focus on clean eating and flavor-forward techniques.

- Developed weekly family meal plans accommodating dietary needs (gluten- free, plant-based, paleo, etc.).

Private Chef - Birch Gold Group

Pasadena, CA Dec 2020 - May 2023

- Provided daily personalized meals with an emphasis on wellness, allergies, and cultural preferences.

- Maintained a fully organized kitchen with seasonal and organic inventory.

- Executed high-end private events and in-home experiences for clients and VIP guests.

- Supported multi-location service, including offsite travel and family retreats. Sous Chef - True Food Kitchen

Pasadena, CA Jun 2018 - Dec 2020

- Managed kitchen operations in a health-driven restaurant concept focused on anti-inflammatory cuisine.

- Oversaw production, ordering, and team training.

- Led restaurant events promoting clean, modern flavors and whole food ingredients.

Chef de Partie - Otium Restaurant

Los Angeles, CA Dec 2015 - May 2018

- Operated high-volume Garde Manger and Pasta stations in a fine dining setting.

- Executed private events and daily service for 300-500 guests.

- Integrated global techniques with a modern California approach to ingredients. Main Cook - Bistro LQ (Private Events)

Pasadena, CA 626-***-**** *****@****.**

Highland Park, CA Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

!29 N Michigan Ave, Pasadena CA 91106 Unit 102 (626) 695-336-5 *****@****.**

- Collaborated on multi-course tasting menus using seasonal market produce and French-modern technique.

Raw Bar Consultant - Vertical Wine Bistro

Pasadena, CA Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

- Specialized in premium raw seafood presentation and execution under Chef Laurent Quenioux.

Festival Kitchen Team - Bogotá Wine & Food Festival Bogotá, Colombia Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

- Managed production and logistics for high-profile culinary events.

- Supported guest chefs in creating and delivering large-scale tasting experiences.

Intern Cook - El Cielo Restaurant

Bogotá, Colombia Jun 2013 - Dec 2013

- Rotated through all kitchen stations in a Michelin-recognized, experience- focused kitchen.

- Contributed to themed menus combining tradition and molecular gastronomy. EDUCATION

MBA in Digital Marketing (Expected Apr 2025)

Broward International University - Miami, FL

Bachelor in Culinary Arts (May 2014)

La Sabana University - Bogotá, Colombia

Awarded for Excellence in Final Project

SKILLS

- Elevated Healthy Cuisine (Gluten-Free, Plant-Based, Clean Eating)

- Event & Menu Planning Private Dining Nutrition-Conscious Cooking

- Kitchen Leadership & Team Training

- Bilingual: Native Spanish, Fluent English

- Excellent Client Relations and Discretion

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