Interviews

How Chef Daniel Almodovar Turned a Hobby into a Culinary Career

Daniel Aldomovar_Business in Tampa

“Food is more than just sustenance, it was created to bring joy, laughter, satisfaction, and happiness.”

These are the words of Chef Daniel Almodovar, a personal chef in Tampa Bay, and they come to life every time he serves a dish to his clients. 

From weekly meal prep to personal dining experiences, Daniel Almodovar puts his heart and soul into the food he creates. 

As a personal chef, Daniel offers his clients a mixture of different cuisines including Caribbean, Italian, Latin American, Oriental, and Spanish to name a few. No matter the cuisine, he and his team are committed to elevating your dining experience and entertainment. 

With an obvious commitment to his craft and clients, we wanted to learn more about his story and business. Read on as Daniel serves up some great advice and insights. 

How would you describe your business to someone who’s unfamiliar?

We are seen as an upscale and unique private culinary service. We have taken a more luxurious and modern spin on the average catering or home cook service. Our service is getting more popular in the Tampa Bay area but is well used in many other major metropolitan areas like Miami, Atlanta, and New York. It can be best described as bringing a Chef’s table to your own private home. We cook for some on a weekly basis. With others, we provide intimate dining experiences and special weekend events.

When did your culinary career begin?

After years of working a 9 to 5 job, I was offered a Personal Chef position in early 2019 by an established local business investor.

When did you know it was time to take the leap of faith and start your own business?

When I was first asked to cook privately, I was very skeptical. Cooking was more of a hobby for me. My mother taught me how to cook early on. She was the first Chef that really inspired me to cook for others. Over the years I enjoyed learning from other accomplished chefs both private and within the restaurant community. With consistent encouragement, my wife helped me to take the leap. I started to sharpen my fine dining and entertaining skills. In just about three months, my business began to grow exponentially by word of mouth. More and more I was being asked to be a personal chef for dinner parties, business meetings, private events, and special occasions. With much support from family and friends, I resigned from my day job, took the bull by the horns, and went full force with the business. Now, wherever there is a kitchen, we can entertain with our service and food.

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far as a business owner?

Every event and day in the kitchen is a learning experience. At first, I was offering different services along with my personal chef services such as Charcuterie and dessert boxes, meal prep, and other services. I’ve learned to focus my attention more on the Personal Chef Experience. The advice I’ve received from many successful business owners and advisors has been fantastic. It was the events of 2020 which became my biggest learning curve. “If you want to be successful, you must be willing to fail, adapt, and adjust.” This is true for cooking and for business.

What’s your favorite dish to make? Why?

I chuckle when I am asked this question…it’s hard for me to answer, but my favorite dish is what makes people’s heads snap back with yummy noises. For Tapas it’s our, Fiesta Crab and Cheese Empanadas drizzled with crème Fraiche and spicy avocado sauce. For the Main Course, it is our Pan Seared Mediterranean Lamb Chops with a Chipotle Raspberry Sauce on a bed of Sweet Pepper Couscous.

Can you share your best piece of cooking advice?

Just try it… Be willing to try eating new things and cooking new things. Oh, and one more thing…Stop boiling or steaming your veggies. Roast them on high or grill them.

How can people get in contact with you to book your services?

I try to make it convenient and comfortable for everyone.

Phone or Text – (813) 922-8485

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