How ChefBook LA is Changing the Catering Scene with a Private Chef Agency
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- Last Updated: November 25, 2024
©Chefbook LA Founders, Marcelo Reyes and Christopher Grosso
Nestled in the bustling city of Los Angeles, ChefBook LA isn’t your average catering service. Spearheaded by Chef Marcelo Reyes and Mixologist Christopher Grosso, ChefBook is transforming the culinary and events landscape by merging the worlds of fine dining, art, and personalized service.
In this exclusive interview, Marcelo shares the journey of ChefBook, its vision, and its growing reputation as a pioneering chef agency and event planning powerhouse.
A Dream Born in the Kitchen
ChefBook was born out of Marcelo’s desire to bring joy back to cooking—for chefs and guests alike. Reflecting on his journey, Marcelo explains, “When I came to LA seven years ago, I was doing everything from opening restaurants to helping with menu development. The hours were grueling, and the industry was frenetic. I realized the payoff wasn’t personal satisfaction but more of a team effort reward.”
This revelation became the catalyst for ChefBook’s inception. “I didn’t want to be another private chef working for a single family, nor did I want to be part of large-scale catering operations that focus solely on numbers and money. ChefBook was my way of bringing cooking back to happiness—not just for our clients, but for our chefs as well.”
What is ChefBook?
Describing the concept, Marcelo says, “ChefBook LA is a community, a platform, and a catering service powered by chefs and professionals who share the same vision: creating memorable gatherings centered around food, drinks, art, and music.”
ChefBook takes event planning to the next level by offering a full-suite service that goes beyond food. From crafting bespoke menus and sourcing top-notch ingredients to curating entertainment, décor, and themes, ChefBook delivers more than just a meal—it creates an experience. The agency is comprised of chefs, event planners, musicians, and artisans poised to deliver any client request.
© ChefbookLA Masquerade Dinner Party
Signature Events: The ChefBook LA Annual Masquerade Dinner
One of ChefBook’s standout events is its annual Masquerade Dinner Party. A creative playground for ChefBook’s team, the event is a testament to the brand’s innovative approach.
“This is our second edition of the Masquerade,” Marcelo shares. “Last year, we did it as a trial, and it was a huge hit. This year, we’ve themed it around the ‘Year of the Golden Dragon,’ which feels even more special since I’m expecting a baby this year—a little dragon baby!”
The dinner is an intimate 7-course culinary journey for 20-25 guests, featuring a blend of Asian influences. From Korean baos to Japanese miso soup and Thai-inspired Red Snapper, “We’ve designed the menu collaboratively,” says Marcelo. “My brother Rodrigo [who is also a chef] is flying in from London, and we’re excited to incorporate techniques and flavors we love, such as wagyu New York strip with bok choy kimchi and matcha cheesecake with yuzu gelato.”
Complementing the dishes are expertly crafted cocktails like a Japanese-style Old Fashioned and Umeshu Spritz. “It’s about creating a multisensory experience with music, live cooking, and art,” Marcelo adds.
©ChefBookLA Masquerade Tasting
ChefBook’s Personal Touch
What sets ChefBook apart is its personalized approach. “We treat our clients like family because they are the reason our dream exists,” Marcelo emphasizes. Clients have access to a curated roster of chefs, each chosen based on the event’s theme, style, and budget.
Marcelo explains, “We provide bios, resumes, and even videos of our chefs to help clients choose. Whether it’s a sushi night or a kimchi soup dinner, every detail is customized.”
This personal touch extends to the events themselves. “We keep detailed notes on our clients—their preferences, allergies, and even their kids’ birthdays—so we can deliver a five-star experience that’s intimate and meaningful.”
© ChefbookLA Dinner Party
From LA to the World
Currently rooted in Los Angeles, ChefBook has aspirations to expand. “We’re focused on LA right now, but we’ve started laying the groundwork for other cities,” Marcelo reveals. “My brother is starting ChefBook London, and we’re building a diverse team that can cook anything, anywhere.”
Starting a chef agency comes with its hurdles, particularly finding the right people. “The biggest challenge is aligning with chefs who share our vision and commitment,” Marcelo says. Despite these obstacles, ChefBook has thrived, largely thanks to word-of-mouth referrals and an expanding digital presence.
Looking back, Marcelo considers the COVID-19 pandemic a pivotal moment. “While the world slowed down, we found an opportunity to host intimate events, like a six-course dinner for healthcare workers. It proved we could bring people together safely and meaningfully during difficult times.”
A Vision for the Future
For Marcelo, ChefBook is more than a business—it’s a movement to redefine the catering and culinary industries. “Most agencies treat chefs like numbers. We aim to uplift them, give them recognition, and create an environment where their creativity can shine,” he says.
With its unique blend of culinary artistry, personalized service, and community spirit, ChefBook LA is poised to revolutionize the way we experience food and events. As Marcelo puts it, “We’re not just serving meals—we’re creating memories.”
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