Culinary Mercenary

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Introduction: Experienced and awarded Private estate Chef with a demonstrated history of working in the restaurant and catering industries, specializing in Mediterranean cuisines with a Moroccan sub-specialty. 2018 NVFF Opening Gala Featured Chef, 2017 Food and Wine "Ten to Taste", 2016 SF Chronicle "Cabernet, Cookoff", 2015 Wine Spectator "Best of the Valley" 2012, 2013, 2014 winner SFTT peoples choice "Best private chef service", Wild food Foraging instructor. Skilled in Menu Engineering, Event Logistics, Training, Recipe Creation, Foraged Ingredients, Mycology, Catering, Food & Beverage, Food Cost Analysis, and Cooking. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a BFA from U-Arts, and a PA focused in Sports Nutrition from Solano Community College.

Overview

Hired 10 times

4 employees

12 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Venmo.

Featured Projects

21 photos

Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

10 reviews

100%

Scott P.

Jul 2, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

Personal Chef

Joanne K.

Apr 16, 2013

Christian, simply put, it the most professional and talented chef youre going to meet! I am the owner of JK FoodCrush (www.jkfoodcrush) , a SF based dinner Pop Up business. My partner and chef resigned less than 24 hours prior to our dinner event where I sold over 50 tickets. After talking to several advisors, thumbtack.com was recommended to me as an option. I signed in and made my selections and criteria. Within 1 hour, I received an email from Christian. I explained my dire situation - that I needed a chef, staff, food, prep etc. in less than 24 hours for 7pm Sat. Keep in mind Christian and I first talked around 10am. The big looming question was is this possible? Can we do this? After several discussions, Christian said yes, it was possible but wed have to change the menu in order to procure the food; we would have to secure staff and other details. Christian and I were in constant communication throughout the day into late evening and into the following day. For my part, I emailed every single customer to notify the change in chef and menu we only had 6 cancellations and those were filled by last minute buyers as I kept the ticketing open for the entire event. Christian pulled off an amazing dinner replete with a multi-course of Smoked Sweet Potato Soup; Salad of Truffle, Duck and Grain; Chicken Marbella; Braised Oxtails etc. (http://www.jkfoodcrush.com/darn-good-food/). The event went off without a hitch and the 50+ customers had a great time! The dinner was a success and it was all thanks to Christian! Visit our site to check out the pics! More than a highly skilled and technically talented chef, Christian is the consummate professional. Christian communicates, he follows up, he understands the sense of urgency, he is responsible, he takes pride in his work and reputation, he is proficient with numbers ie excel and the technicalities of reading contracts. Hes familiar with Square, Pay Pal, banking transactions and providing cost breakdowns and agreements. You would be surprised how many chefs are not. With the success of my previous event, I contacted Christian for a private event called PandoDailys CEO Supper Club. (http://www.jkfoodcrush.com/pandodailys-ceo-supper-club-march-19/). Check out the video for yourself. The ravioli and lamb dishes HUGE HITS! Christian will be cooking for my next event on April 20th details are on the website if youre interested! More than a chef, I have a true business partner who understands the importance of building brand recognition, reputation and a small business. With Christian, tell him your scope of project and he will get it done! I wish I could hire him as my private chef the food is just out of this world! Hes the only number you need.

Culinary Mercenary's reply

Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words, and ringing endorsement! I look forward to many more event with you! Most Sincerely, Christian

Donna M.

May 9, 2012

Culinary Mercenary prepared several holiday dishes for us that were absolutely amazing. This included an exquisite garlic encrusted beef roast that practically melts in your mouth, fresh flavorful vegetables that everyone devoured and delightful breakfast breads. Christian Graze is an accomplished chef that creates beautiful, savory dishes with true talent. The service and professionalism was impressive. I highly recommend the talents of Culinary Mercenary and plan to use them again in the future.

Culinary Mercenary's reply

Thank you so much! We are always ecstatic when we exceed expectations! You've always been a fantastic supporter, we look foward to our next event with you. Best Regards, Christian and Caitlyn

John H.

Apr 21, 2013

Christian made my parent's 50th wedding anniversary a culinary delight. Among other delights that were served, all the guests are still talking about the beautiful and Delicious cheese/fruit display. My favorite was also the ceviche..thankfully he was nice enough to provide me with the recipe so we can relive over and over again. We look forward to the next event we can hire him!!! Thanks again!!!

Culinary Mercenary's reply

Thank you for the glowing review, I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves!

Alex C.

Aug 22, 2013

I was referred to Christian by a catering company just four days before my event. Christian went the extra mile and was a great fit to our gardening event. Great chef that thinks on his feet.

Culinary Mercenary's reply

That was a fun event! It was a pleasure serving you!

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For an accurate estimate please provide the following: Date of event: Type of service: (ie-Buffet, Family Style, Formal, Passed or, Stationed Appetizers.) Genre or theme of food or event: (ie- Spanish food, Hunger Games Theme party, etc) Equipment you need: (ie- Plates, glasses, tables, nerf gun, rocket ship)
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I decision to get into cheffing as a line of work came quite naturally and as a mostly unconscious decision. Food is of course fun, and something we all need, but for me it was always a bit more than just something you did to fill your belly. Cooking never really felt like a chore to me, as a kid, I had to help with Sunday breakfast, and pack my own lunch. Making good food has always been something I enjoy. I have been working in kitchens since I was 15, as my very first job. Its an excellent way to meet people and keeps me active. I continue doing what I love today, it would be extremely difficult to imagine myself doing anything else.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My client list includes heads of state, celebrities, ceo's, and nurses on vacation. Everyone is welcome. :)

Culinary Mercenary

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