Private Chef Dan Mill Valley, CA, United States

Dan Becker Personal Chef- Casual at Heart-Refined by Craft

I began my culinary journey at a young age, quickly discovering a natural instinct for cooking and flavor. Over the years, I’ve refined my craft across a diverse range of global cuisines, with a focus on French, California-inspired American, Italian, Mexican, BBQ, and elevated comfort food. My approach is both versatile and refined—I am equally at ease executing sophisticated, high-end presentations as I am creating relaxed, deeply satisfying dishes and desserts, with a focus on precision, balance, and elegant execution. Whether designing an elevated dining experience or a more approachable meal, my goal is to deliver exceptional, memorable cuisine crafted with intention and care.

My career has been rooted in the food industry as both a chef and food stylist. I began in the Bay Area, working in numerous kitchens throughout San Francisco and Marin County, where I developed a strong foundation as a line and prep cook, along with a deep understanding of food safety and seasonal sourcing. I went on to serve as head chef at the Panama Hotel in San Rafael for three years, head chef at Pickets in Paris, France, and sous chef at Couvron in Portland, Oregon, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Throughout my time in kitchens, the aspect I was most drawn to was the creativity inherent in cooking. About 25 years ago, I transitioned that culinary background and creative passion into food styling. This shift allowed me to further refine my eye for presentation, as well as expand into recipe development and cooking demonstrations. My work has been featured in numerous cookbooks and publications, including Sunset Magazine, as well as in packaging for global brands. Today, I continue to work across food styling and private chef services—whether it’s designing a high-end dinner for six, curating a picnic or barbecue for a group, or preparing weekly meal deliveries.

American, BBQ, Decadent, Eastern Europe, Europe, French