FINE COASTAL CUISINE
Serving Florida's Emerald Coast
CHEF DAN VARGO
Subtly Elegant Southern Hospitality
SERVICES PROVIDED
Are you excited about an upcoming party, vacation, or family celebration, but not necessarily eager for the hassles of shopping, cooking, and cleaning?
Is your book club or organization looking for something fun and different to do?
Are you still basking in the glow of a great day of fishing, but not ready to switch to the cooking state of mind?
Proudly serving the communities of 30-A, South Walton, and Destin, Chef Dan offers a selection of on-site, personal chef services catered to your specific culinary and dietary needs including Plated Dinners, Family Style Meals, Fresh Catch Preparation, Brunch, Themed Cooking Events, Meal Preparation, and Bespoke Dining Experiences.
PLATED DINNERS
The perfect way to have that restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home, without having to sit in traffic or the endless wait for your table to be called. Whether it is a romantic dinner on your balcony, a small gathering for a birthday celebration or a family celebration, or maybe just to have an incredible dinner without having to get dressed up. Enjoy the luxury of not cooking or cleaning all while relaxing in the comfort of your own home. Chef Dan can also provide wine pairing recommendations, or he can design a menu to pair with wines from your collection.
FAMILY STYLE MEALS
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy time with your friends and family is gathered around a table enjoying a meal designed specifically to your preferences. Chef Dan can custom craft a spread that will satisfy even the most discerning palettes around the table. Do you or any of your guests have special dietary needs? Chef Dan is very well versed in modifying preparations so that everyone is included and no one feels left out
RECEPTION AND SMALL BITES
Let Chef Dan create a spread with sampling boards and small bites to get everyone's appetites ready while you relax and have a few cocktails before dinner. Or select a multiple boards and a few extra varieties of bites to make a unique and casaul meal for a unique Al Fresco dining option
GONE FISHING
The Emerald Coast has the bounty of the sea literally at our door step. What better way to cap off a day of fishing and being on the water than having someone else prepare your catch. Chef Dan specializes in Coastal Cuisine, and he can craft a meal with a variety of preparations of your catch, along with an array of accompaniments to satisfy the whole crew.
BRUNCH
Brunch isn't only for Sundays. Whether you're on beach time and looking for the best of both delicious worlds after your morning stroll on the beach while the others sleep in, or you are having a get together after the kids are dropped off at school, let Chef Dan take care of meal while you relax and enjoy the late morning
THEMED COOKING DEMOS
A fun and unique way to get first hand experience at new skills in the kitchen, as well as getting a fantastic meal. Perfect for any small gathering such as a book club looking for a change of pace, or a beach day that is on a rain delay. The demos can be geared towards virtually every age group. We'll not only discuss techniques and how to apply them, but also get pro tips that you can use to impress your friends and family at your next gathering. You pick the experience level, but the fun part is, we'll have even the most novice cook in the group able to replicate a high quality dish. Not so eager to get your hands dirty, there's plenty of space at the counter to pull up a chair and enjoy the show.
MORE ABOUT FINE COASTAL CUISINE
the experience, the memories, the food
With over 27 years of culinary experience, Chef Dan's signature "relaxed fine-dining" style comes from working in 5-Diamond and 4 & 5-Star restaurants and resorts in Florida, Maryland, and Ireland. Working at the executive-level at two Ritz-Carlton resorts, The Boathouse (Martha's Vineyard), and most recently at the Hilton Sandestin Resort has been an honor and a pleasure. Chef Dan enjoys bringing the luxury of the "Chef's Table" to the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a casual gathering with friends and family, or you simply don't want to shop and cook while on vacation - Fine Coastal Cuisine is the Personal Chef Service for you.
For more information or to request a booking, please contact us today.
COMMUNITY FOOTPRINTS
For over a decade, Chef Dan is a proud supporter and contributor to charity projects that benefit our exceptional community
Sinfonia
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Sandestin Wine Festival
30-A Wine Festival
Taste of the Race
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Don't see your question, please don't hesitate to contact us
CAN WE HAVE A CUSTOM MENU INSTEAD OF ONE THAT IS LISTED?
Of course, that is the best part of hiring a personal chef! The entire meal can be tailored to your preferences and Chef Dan truly enjoys customizing menus and offerings to find a way to accommodate your requests. Per person pricing may be subject to change.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
We proudly serve the communities of Walton, Okaloosa, and western Bay Counties, with a focus on the 30-A, South Walton, and Destin areas.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT, AND WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Yes, the deposit amount of $150 is due at the time of booking. The balance is due the day of the event. We accept Zelle and Credit Card payments through Clover. Please note, the Minimum Booking Fee is required when the per person total does not meet or exceed the Booking Minimum.
IS MY DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?
A full refund is given if cancelled 14 days before the event, and a half refund is given if cancelled up to 72 hours before the event. If the event is cancelled within 72 hours of the event, we are unable to refund the deposit.
WHAT ALL IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE EVENT?
Pricing includes the cost of all items and ingredients, as well as set up, cooking, cleaning, and proper storage of any leftovers. The only things not included in the price are the 7% sales tax and 20% gratuity that are added to each bill.
ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
Absolutely! Chef Dan is very well versed in accommodating all types of dietary restrictions and does everything possible to design menu offerings so that no one feels left out. Just let us know any known restrictions when filling out the Inquiries and Booking Request form.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE?
I only ask that the dishwasher is empty and that the kitchen is tidy so that I can begin preparing food and serve your meal on time. If the kitchen, dishwasher, and trash need to be cleaned/emptied, there will be an additional fee. If there is a significant delay, there is a late fee that will be applied.
ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes, Fine Coastal Cuisine holds a liability insurance specifically designed for personal chefs. Also, Chef Dan holds an up to date Food handlers certificate, and am always willing to wear a mask upon request.
