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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Mabuhay means “welcome” in Tagalog, one of the many languages in the Philippines. It can be synonymous with aloha in Hawaii. I being a presence of home.
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs introduced me to various services from Sunday Brunches, steakhouses, brasseries, and larger scale events such as weddings.
Uchiko/Uchi in Austin helped me find my way through Asian Fusion. My time as a sushi chef there is a great segue to personal cheffing as it taught me how to read a room, and how to serve my client better.
Overview
Hired 44 times
Serves Austin, TX
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
Services offered
Event type
Additional food/drink
Dessert
Cold beverages (non-alcoholic)
Cold beverages (alcoholic)
Hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.)
Cuisine types
American - casual
American - formal
Italian
Southern
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
29 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Simone S.
Apr 19, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Chef Dan to prepare a dinner for one of the nights on our bachelorette trip in Austin for a dear friend. He was quick in responding and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. The food was absolutely delicious and the service made us all feel pampered. Dan even brought a special gift for the bride-to-be which was very sweet and above and beyond what was expected. I would highly recommend booking Mabuhay Austin for your private event!!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Elvalisa M.
Jul 17, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I could not recommend more enough. This is one of the best chefs we have ever had. He was fun, respectful, and got things done quick!!! Please book him immediately, if you don’t you will regret it!!
Details: My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Jennifer S.
May 8, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Dan is truly wonderful and came early so that there would be no rush . He spent time to get to know us and able to accommodate our friend’s allergies without compromising the flavor. He paid attention to what cooking utensil we have and what plates that we would be using. We changed the menu after we accepted his first proposal and he was more than happy to accommodate without making me feel bad. I like the fact that he charges for his service only and I will pay for the food as I’d rather to have better quality of food that he would select than to shop and be mindful of the profit margin. His mushroom risotto was so delicious!! He cleaned really really well without much noise while we were enjoying our dinner. I didn’t need to do any cleaning at all but to press START on my Dishwasher.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Italian • French • Meal prepared onsite • Monthly • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Misty K.
Jan 24, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dan came in prepared and ready to show off his culinary skills. His menu was next level on taste and presentation. He left my kitchen sparkling clean too! Will definitely have him back!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Kara K.
Mar 13, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I wanted a special night for husband’s birthday and Chef Dan and team did not disappoint. The food was amazing. Service was outstanding. Wouldn’t have changed a thing. We did an Asian fusion cuisine with sushi rolls, noodles, beef satay and grilled squash. Everyone complimented the food and the experience. We will be calling Chef Dan for our next event. Oh, and they cleaned the kitchen better then it started. Amazing!
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Asian • American - formal • Italian • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Daniel Castro
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The prices that I work at varies based on my client’s needs.
When we agree on a price, it would cover food, labor (both cooking and shopping), as well as my travel expenses.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with new customers, I always ask them about their backgrounds. This helps me understand what kind of food I should be making for them as hearing their stories often times leave clues on what their food preferences are due to pre-existing conditions (diabetics, for example) .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, New York
(2009-2013)
The Broadmoor
(2013-2016)
- Experienced rotations in outlets such as banquet catering, pastry and baking production, steakhouse, bistro, pub, sports bar, fine dining, and butchery.
Uchiko
(2016-2020)
