Private Chefs and Catering Services for Destin, Miramar Beach & 30A

One of the joys of staying in a Destin vacation rental is the fully stocked kitchen. That being said, one of the joys of being on vacation s not having to cook. To experience the joy of both, many vacationing families have discovered the benefits of hiring a personal chef to create an intimate in-home dining experience.  

Whether coming to the beach for the holidays, a special celebration or just a romantic rendezvous, travelers staying in Destin, Miramar Beach and along Scenic Highway 30A have a growing number of options for in-home catering experiences. Here’s our top professional Destin chefs who have introduced in-home chef services in the Destin area:  

30A Vacation Chef by Chef Franco 

Chef Franco is a professional chef passionate about the culinary arts. He has worked for many professional athletes, top executives, and celebrities all around the world. These opportunities have allowed Franco to refine a range of skills within his craft, and he is now serving patrons along 30A. Chef Easterling makes it his top priority to provide guests with fresh and local ingredients, from vegetables to meat. 30A Vacation Chef has an array of menus ranging from panhandle classics to taco bars, all the way to low country boils and more! Bartending, fridge stocking, and breakfast drop-offs are also available. Book 30A Vacation Chef and experience good ingredients crafted into even better food without lifting a spoon. 

Fine Coastal Cuisine by Chef Dan Vargo

Launched by acclaimed chef Dan Vargo, Fine Coastal Cuisine brings the best of the coast into your vacation rental home. Whether planning a romantic dinner for two on your balcony, a small gathering for a birthday celebration or a Bachelorette party. Family style meals are popular and chef Dan can custom craft a meal designed specifically to your preferences. Chef Dan can also recommend wine pairings or create a menu that will pair perfectly with your vintage varietal or personal wine collection. Chef Vargo is a 16-year veteran of the culinary industry. He has traveled the world exploring kitchens and cultures and has applied his talents leading culinary programs at Executive Chef at Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood at Hilton Sandestn and Ritz-Carlton Naples to name a few. 

Frank’s Family Table by Chef Frank Muscarella 

Chef Frank Muscarella created Frank’s Family Table to share his passion for the culinary arts and combine them with the ease and comfort of enjoying good food right at home without having to lift a finger. With his mother as the inspiration for his desire to provide hospitality and quality service, Frank has the passion, and the credentials to create an impressive family feast. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu at the Orlando Culinary Academy, chef Frank has grown his skills in the kitchens of resorts, corporate and privately-owned restaurants. His business offers both grocery delivery and personal chef services. His menu options are full of diverse flavors and range from fresh seafood dishes to comfort foods. From tuna pokè with wonton chips to amazing charcuterie boards to homemade pasta and so much more, Frank's Family Table lets your family relax and enjoy time together outside of in the kitchen. 

Mr. Hibachi at Home 

Mr. Hibachi is commonly referred to as the number one hibachi catering company in all of Northwest Florida. Each experience provides the classic hibachi grill tricks, often including the audience in interactive games that often end in a yummy reward. Each guest gets a side salad, hibachi vegetables, fried rice, and 1-2 proteins of their choice, depending on their age. Events can reach up to above thirty people. Depending on your party, the chef or chefs will come and provide everyone with a front row seat! Book for an experience filled with fire tricks, perfectly seasoned hibachi, and good times! 

Plate to Plate by Chef Kali Davis 

From culinary student to culinary expert, chef Kali Davis created Plate to Plate to serve the community and provide good food without needing a restaurant in a busy and crowded restaurant. From private dinners, cookies with kids, grocery stocking, all the way to tea and coffee tastings, plate to plate has so many unique exigencies available. Choose the finer details, like table design and decor, to bring magic to any setting. With this service, patrons can either experience a delightful dinner or just have a meal prepped to help with their busy schedules. Book a personalized experience today and make a lasting memory with family and friends with just a few taps on your device. 

Polished Chef by Nathan Davis 

Growing up in rural Bucksnort, Tennessee, Nathan Davis found his way through the kitchen with his first mentor, his grandmother. By her side, he learned that food preparation starts the moment a seed is planted. He went on to master the family recipes and take on a sous chef position at the Thompson hotel in Nashville, then went down to work on the Emerald Coast under the one and only Emeril Lagasse. Nathan also worked at the award-winning local restaurant, Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, and in 2023, he was awarded best chef in Destin by VIP magazine. The Polished Chef is his way of bringing all his experience to one place: your home. Dine from a menu items you select, ranging from Texas wagyu filet mignon to Maine lobster tail to the local fresh catch of the day. With Nathan, meals are prepared with skill, and local, quality ingredients. Learn more here.

Roux 30A by Chef Nikhil Abuvala

Owner of award-winning Roux 30A and Nanbu Noodle Bar, chef Nikhil Abuvala truly does it all. With 20 years of culinary experience, he dives into a wide spectrum of cuisines and applies his personal perspective that reflects modern coastal preparations on a wide spectrum of cuisines. While chef Nikhil offers themed dinners at Roux 30A in Grayton Beach, he’s also well equipped to take show on the road for private dining events. He and his team are ready to create a customized menu for your taste buds and preferences or they can simply surprise you with a menu using the freshest local ingredients to create a three-, four- or five-course meal to be enjoyed in the comfort of your vacation rental home.  

Signature Catering of 30a by Chef Christopher Holbrook

One of 30A’s top chefs, Chef Christopher Holbrook introduced his in-home catering services several years ago and his clientele has been growing ever since. From private parties and intimate dinners to weddings and large catering events, chef Christopher is ready to impress groups of any size.  Formally trained at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, SC, chef Christopher started his career as the Executive Banquet Chef at Kiawah Island Resort. He honed his skills at coveted restaurants including Bluepoint in Atlanta and Beaumont’s in Charleston and he’s served as the private chef for distinguished families, including The Dingman Family and mogul Al Copeland, Sr. in New Orleans. He now shares his talents at the beach through custom menus for the holidays and any occasion. From beach boils and sushi to five-course meals and signature cocktails to everything in between, Chef Christopher serves creative dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.  

Swiftly Catered by Kyle Swift 

Chef Kyle Swift moved to the Panhandle in 2006 and spent over 20 years in the restaurant industry prior to the creation of Swiftly Catered. Chef Swift has gone on to give back to the community by providing for the local fire department’s pancake breakfasts and creating Christmas for the coast. Swift and his team helped local businesses afflicted by the damages of Hurricane Michael, serving over 120 families. He understands the community also wants ease and personable interactions when ordering a meal, which is exactly why he created Swiftly Catering. His team can cater anything from in-home fine dining to large weddings and events. There are even hair and makeup services available! Check out their many menu options on the website. 

Table Five by Chef Phil McDonald 

Another Destin native who knows his way around fresh food and even more fresh seafood is chef Phil McDonald. Chef McDonald believes that “it’s all about keeping it fresh.” This influenced his menu to have an array of local delicacies, including fresh off-the-dock grouper and locally picked herbs. Dishes include family-style or more refined options, cooked to perfection either way. Big event or small, Table Five has an option for you and your guests that’s sure to satisfy, as well as provide an up-close and personal chat with the creators of your meal. Now located in Santa Rosa Beach, Table Five is ready to serve and satisfy those in the Destin, South Walton, and Destin areas. 

The Dish & the Spoon Chef Hunter Davis 

Chef Hunter grew up along Highway 30A, where he first began his exploration of the culinary arts. Chef Davis worked every position in the kitchen of local restaurants, craving to create an atmosphere for fun moments and personal connection. In 2012, Hunter brought up The Dish & the Spoon, a private catering service ready to bring delicious meals and savory experiences beyond the restaurant setting. Chef Hunter and his family have taken up new endeavors in Madison, Wisconsin, but the company lives on, still ready to serve the 30A and South Walton communities! Meals all depend on your area and can range from pan-seared scallops with mango salsa to fresh grouper ceviche with cilantro, bell pepper, onion, lime, and jalapeño. Pick from a four-course dining meal, a six-person dinner, and so much in between! 

Book Your Next Beach Vacation

Ready to book your next beach vacation and try out one of these incredible private chefs? View our collection of vacation rentals online, including South Walton rentals at Hidden Dunes Resort and luxury condominiums at Sanctuary at Redfish on 30A, or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 for assistance. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee.

See you @ the beach!  

Published on Friday, December 10, 2021