Alt image

I create local, farm-to-table private chef experiences and full-service catering—coastal flavors with Latin BBQ, often cooked over live fire.

Sami Marquez

I craft bespoke, live-fire farm-to-table menus that feel like a celebration—coastal meets Latin BBQ.

Image alt description

I’m a private chef and hospitality professional with 24 years in food and hospitality, and 12 years focused on food and holistic health. I offer private chef experiences, catering, and healthy home meal plans—always tailored to your occasion, your guests, and your preferences.

My style blends fine dining with farm-to-table cooking, often over live fire, inspired by coastal flavors and Latin BBQ. I prioritize local, seasonal, organic ingredients through close relationships with farmers, fishermen, and local purveyors. I also cook gluten-free and 100% dairy-free without compromising flavor, and I can design wine pairing dinners, hibachi group dinners, 4-course experiences, or cocktail-style socials with full service staff and bar support.

Plan my event with you

Image alt description
Cooking is therapy, medicine, and art—my way of sharing my love for local and seasonal ingredients, sustainable choices, and true hospitality.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with purpose and seasonality

Cooking is therapy, medicine, and art for me. I use it to share my love for local and seasonal ingredients, sustainable choices, and hospitality—so every menu feels intentional, fresh, and welcoming.

I bring a lifetime of hospitality to your table

I learned to cook beginning with my mother, then deepened my skills through holistic nutrition education, followed by 25 years working in and with restaurants and continuous self-study. I bring that range of experience into every private dinner, catering event, and meal plan I design.

I keep it creative and beautifully simple

My kitchen secret is to stay creative—simple ingredients can go a long way. I focus on smart technique, bold flavor, and thoughtful details so the food feels elevated without ever feeling fussy.

Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description
Image alt description

Stories and testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private chef experience with Chef Sami cost?

The average menu price for Chef Sami is 183 USD per person. Final pricing may vary depending on the menu, number of guests, and event details.

What type of cuisine does Chef Sami cook?

Chef Sami offers Latin American, Local, Seafood/Fish and Chef's special cuisine for private dining experiences.

Where does Chef Sami offer private chef services?

Chef Sami offers private chef services in San Diego, US.

Which occasions can I book Chef Sami for?

You can book Chef Sami for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night and Foodie adventure, depending on availability and the event details.

How do I book this private chef experience?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Take a Chef team will help confirm the experience with the chef.