Great things are big reasons to celebrate! Birthdays, a 200th review and becoming an Elite All…read moreStar!! So, in honor of all these accomplishments, I'm dedicating my 200th review to Chef Lance, who helped make my birthday on Jan 27th perfect, very special and exactly what I had hoped for on many levels! From my first conversation with Chef Lance, I knew I found a wonderful Chef, and person! He replied to my initial contact within an hour of messenging him. Through our many emails and texts, together we created a menu that well exceeded 5 stars!! My birthday dinner was prepared in my home for my family, 6 people total! Dinner was called for at 7:30 and Chef Lance arrived at my home around 4:00 to set up and begin preparations. He was so cordial, knowledgeable and his stories of becoming a chef and all his experiences through the years fascinated me! Now for the good stuff, my menu.... Coconut Shrimp appetizer, Penne alla Vodka, Salad, Chicken Francaise and Honey Glazed Carrots. The entire night felt like we were eating in a very cozy restaurant! Chef Lance plated every dish and we enjoyed it all tremendously! Everything was just delicious! I have to point out certain things that stood out to me: the chicken was purchased from a butcher, jumbo shrimp were used and so incredibly fresh and succulent! The coconut was toasted beforehand and the homemade dipping sauce was nothing like anything I have ever had before. It was fruit based with an Asian twist, just fantastic! Because Penne alla Vodka is a favorite in my family, an extra batch was made so everyone could take some home to enjoy again! After dinner, my kitchen was completely cleaned and all dishes, pots, etc were washed. My daughters BF bought a cheescake for dessert so at that point it was time for Chef Lance to leave. From start to finish, he was in my home for almost 5 hours! I can't rave enough what an experience having a chef prepare an intimate dinner was like! If you are looking for someone who will exceed every expectation you may have, Chef Lance is who you should contact. There's no doubt I will be seeing him in my home again! Chef Lance, thank you for a birthday dinner experience I will never forget!!

Chef Lance did a fabulous job cooking a dinner party for 6 people celebrating some milestone…read morebirthdays. We did have some food/allergy issues with the group and Lance worked with us to create a menu that would work for everyone. It was truly a magical evening and I highly recommend him!!

Cancelled on me 7 days before the event because he clearly got a better offer. Really awful way to…read moretreat people

Michael cooked for 10 people at our home. Everything was delicious, pacing was good, and Michael…read moreand his team were friendly and easy to work with.

Chef Sebastian was amazing! He really outdid himself with each and every dish. The hors d'oeuvres…read morewere a party favorite. I can't wait until I have another party/event so we can have him back!!

I'll start off this way, I'm probably the only person whose favorite meal this week in 90° July…read moreweather included half a quart of warm, Smoky Red Pepper Soup with Basil Croutons ($10). I'll admit, a small part of the reason is because I keep my apartment very cold and really love soups. The primary reason though is that I found an executive chef who is a culinary genius that will cater and deliver phenomenal gourmet food directly to my door at very reasonable prices. This was one of the best original soups that I've tasted in a very long while. A great thick, creamy texture, good heat (without being too spicy), and you could taste the flavor of the ingredients, not just get overwhelmed by the red pepper. The taste and texture worked in perfect concert together, just like the cream and the red pepper. I've been paying ten bucks a quart for deli-quality soups during this quarantine. This was certainly in a much different class of quality, for the same exact price. Once people catch on to this amazing value, I'll likely end up paying far more for the same caliber of cuisine. However, supporting a well-deserving and hardworking small business with an honest and positive is more important to me than saving a little money. By the way, in addition to his well-honed, epicurean chops, Chef Sebastian is also a real sweetheart of a guy. I know a lot of great chefs and they're not all...oh, what's a good euphemism to use here? As good at dealing with people as they are with knives. Well, Chef Sebastian is wonderful with both. A true professional and a good person. Alright, now let me review some more of his food. In the late 1990s, I lived in New Orleans. So, I definitely know a thing or two about great-tasting cornbread. Chef Sebastian makes excellent cornbread. Not too crumbly, but also not sticky. There's nice pieces of whole corn and little pieces of jalapenos inside. Remember, I'm not a big fan of spicy, but this cornbread was perfect. Not too spicy and it was pre-cut into small squares for me and filled an entire sizeable container. I've eaten a few pieces with 4 meals already and I still have leftovers. His portions are immense. That goes double for the Slow Smoked Beer Marinated Local Shortrib ($27 with corn and cornbread). I've never been given that much shortrib in a single portion intended for one person. I LOVE his homemade BBQ sauce so much that I used it abundantly, put the shortribs in potato roll buns and served them up similar to pulled pork sandwiches, only these were far better because they were beer marinated shortribs. There was enough for 4.5 overstuffed sandwiches. My executive chef friend ate one, along with a piece of cornbread, and was extremely impressed with both as well. The Smoked Whole Trout ($14) was actually a bit overwhelming. Even with my big appetite, I certainly couldn't finish it. It's an entire large cooked trout. For $14 and hand delivered to your door by the chef himself? Where else will you get that type of value? Nowhere! Certainly not near Port Washington, where I live. I ate half of the fish the first day that the food arrived because obviously it's seafood. Although, I did decide to sneak Chef S's New Jersey grilled corn on the cob into this meal, even though it really came to compliment another dish. I didn't want to wait though. The fish was cooked nicely and traveled very well. A nice thickness, easy to cut the meat away, and just a nice smokey flavor throughout. However, I avoided the recommended horseradish sauce that came with it because I was in the mood for more of a fish flavor. I wasn't disappointed. The corn was tasty too. The 24 Hour Slow Smoked BBQ Pork Shoulder ($21 with corn and cornbread) was another massive creation. Once again, I had leftovers. You can taste the time it took to cook this. Completely fall off-the-bone type of dish and so savory. Extremely tender and also beautifully complimented by Chef's homeade BBQ sauce. Honestly, that stuff could go with anything. It's delicious. Local Jersey Peach Crisp with Homemade Whipped Cream ($7). My favorite dessert from anywhere this month. It's a giant piece made for 2 people, as long as one of them isn't me. LOL. I devoured about 3/4 of it because it was so incredible. Thin fresh peach slices with a deliciously sugary crust. This dessert could start an addiction. Just before writing this paragraph I polished off the remaining 1/4 piece left in my fridge. By the way, his food and containers keep very well. The food is delicious, but the portions are huge! Pickle Spears ($8). These are smaller sized pickle spears. However, there's enough of them to fill the jar and they're obviously pickled that way to provide much more surface area and access to the flavors of Chef's special blend of peppers and seasonings. They're very good. If you like pickles, you'll totally like these. Lots of flavors: garlic, peppers, mustard seeds, and some others. Be careful though, these bite back. Everything is PERFECT!

I cannot recommend Tara highly enough. I found Tara as a referral from a friend who raved about…read moreher, but having experienced her being our private chef for the night I don't think he went far enough! Tara recreated our wedding menu from the place card alone, it was French theamed and multi course, including three different entrees (we ate well!) and along with her server Suzette they made our evening. Friendly, timely, amazing food, low pressure, cleaned everything up behind them, played with the dog! They did everything for us that night so all we had to do was roll into bed after they left! Tara mentioned she does events from small (we were just 2 ppl) up to 100+ Will use again. And I cannot wait.

Five stars isn't even enough for Chef Tara. My husband and I were going to New York for our five…read moreyear wedding anniversary. We wanted to make it special, but during these difficult times it was very hard to find a place that would accommodate any private seating. That's until my husband found Chef Tara. She opened up her beautiful home and allowed us to create the most memorable 5 year anniversary, and most memorable dinner we will ever have. Chefs Tara skills in the kitchen are truly like no other. She created the most beautiful five course meal filled with everything we love. The octopus was one of the best ones we ever had. The salad was a perfect light touch and all with seasonal vegetables from her garden. Then we got into the pastas. Both homemade, and both out of this world. We finished our dinner with her Chilean Sea-bass, that could quite honestly be the best one we will ever have. On top of chefs Taras cooking skills, she also was amazing company, and opened up her home/kitchen as if we were apart of the family! Thank you Chef Tara for making our anniversary one to remember. We both look forward to the next time we get to enjoy your company, and your food that makes my mouth water just thinking about!

Amazing detailed service, and the food is divine. We had a combination of as an starters and…read moreItalian entrees and French deserts. Book him if you have any type if special events.

From the owner: New York Chef…read moreRivera. We are a private Chef and Wedding Catering business that takes pleasure in bringing people together through fine food. With decades of experience in the Big Apple’s culinary industry, owner and talented chef Henry Rivera fell in love with cooking at an early age. Originally from Ecuador, he moved to New York in 1993 to embark on a career in the restaurants of New York, Dubai, Florida, Ecuador, and beyond. Now ready to give NYC a taste of his dishes, he can’t wait to give you a once-in-a-lifetime event an unforgettable dining experience. Current Job - Culinary Director at Al Pastor NY and Firemen Hospitality Group. NYC / DC Most experienced cuisines! Mexican / Italian / American / Japanese / Spanish Tapas / Intercontinental

Lena and her team were fabulous! I worked with Lena to put together a 12-person dinner for my…read morebirthday party recently. Not knowing anything about the NYC chef culture prior to working with Lena, I was a bit nervous about what the quality of the food and service would be like. However, Lena and her team quickly settled these nerves. Here's my breakdown of the experience: Pre-Event Date: Lena was extremely responsive throughout the entire process and was great to partner with in catering the menu to my likes / dislikes as well as taking into account any allergies amongst the group. Day of Event - Arrival / Setup: Lena and the two waiters she came with arrived on time and quickly settled in and got to work to help set the room / table up. I was somewhat surprised how little I had to do to get everything setup. Food: Every dish was excellent and all 12 people agreed! The presentation and taste was top notch and I felt like I was at a Michelin star restaurant. The dessert was heavenly and I enjoyed every last bite! Waiters: The waiters were extremely thoughtful and professional. When each guest arrived, the waiters greeted them and took their coat / bags to hang them, which was a nice touch. They also ensured our glasses (wine and water) were never empty. Before they left, they cleaned up the kitchen and washed all the pots, pans, and dishes that were used for the night. I would 100% recommend anyone to work with Lena. I plan to work with her again in the future!

Lena is an extraordinary private chef…read more Lena prepared a multi-course meal for a couple of friends, and each course was extraordinary. I can't wait to have Lena cater another event. Lena also followed all COVID-19 protocols, which made my guests feel extra safe. White Wine Poached Prawn Roulade Cucumber | Avocado Mousse | Pickled Mustard Seed | Chive Oil   Wild Mushroom Cappelletti Charred Brussels | Parmesan Emulsion Sauce | Wild Ramp Oil    Halibut Supreme & Maine Rope Mussels Cauliflower Puree | Seasonal Market Vegetables | Citrus Espuma Sauce   1000 Layer Apple Vanilla Mascapone Mousse | Pie Cumble | Caramel Ice Cream

Always a good experience in good ole coney. Food decent and place is spotless…read more Always nice to return to Coney

I had my wedding here a month ago and I would give Riviera 10 stars if I could. It was such a joy…read moreand ease to work with Adam, Tommy, and their staff.  A true diamond in the rough of Coney Island and the best value out there for Brooklyn weddings! Extremely recommend this place. First, the space has been recently remodeled and it is truly gorgeous and modern. You don't have to worry about bringing in much of your own decorations - our florals, ceremony, table settings, and photos looked stunning against the Riviera's backdrop.  The service of the Riviera staff was also impeccable. Up to the wedding, they were responsive and helpful and kind. During our wedding, the staff took extreme care of us and our guests, and over-checked on us every step of the way. I felt very taken care of. At the end of the night, waiters had trays of water waiting for everyone as they headed home from the party. They even put champagne in the bathroom! Our guests were dazzled.  The food is also exceptional and aplenty. The cocktail hour had so many food stations our guests thought we wouldn't be serving dinner! Then dinner was another 3 courses of amazing food. Everyone commented on how delicious it was. The bar is top shelf and wine bottles sat on each table.  Again - the value here is out of this world! Highly recommend and thank you so much for a day to remember.

I hired Chef Aless for my husband's birthday on 1/26/21 - as indoor dining was still closed in NYC,…read moreand way too cold for outdoor dining, I opted to have Chef Aless come by so we could have the restaurant experience at home. From the first time I got in touch with her, Chef Aless was always prompt with her responses - as it was my first time ever doing anything like this, she helped curate a menu for my husband and I based on our likes/dislikes. I had also gone back to her to switch up a couple items, which she had no problem with either - really appreciate the flexibility! On the day of, she came by a bit early (which was a non-issue for us considering we were idling by at home), and was very efficient as soon as she stepped in - we were served some delicious hors d'oeuvres (fig and brie crisps were divine!), an appetizer (truffle burrata and arugula, with a delicious pomegranate molasses dressing), second course (crab cakes with mango slaw, always a favorite in my book), main course (a perfectly medium rare Pat LaFrieda steak), some sides (a decadent sauce for the steak, creamed spinach and potatoes lyonnaise; if you coudln't tell, we wanted to replicate the NYC steakhouse experience), and lastly, chocolate mousse for dessert (needless to say, it was amazing). And best of all, she left the kitchen spotless, which was much appreciated. I also want to note that it's important to clarify what you're looking for when hiring a private chef, especially as a first timer (like me) - I thought Chef Aless was going to cook everything from start to finish at our apartment, however she actually came by with everything mostly prepared, and left the finishing touches for last. Granted, not everyone has a fully equipped kitchen so I totally understand her coming pre-prepped, but considering my husband and I both love cooking and have a nearly fully-equipped kitchen, we would've loved to see her in action and use the opportunity to pick up some pro-tips. All in all, Chef Aless was an absolute pleasure to work and speak with, and I'm so happy to have found her. If indoor dining is still closed off in the future, I will definitely be keeping her in mind for more special occasions.

I finally made it out to Chef Aless last night and it did not disappoint. The food, service and…read moreatmosphere were on point and we felt like we were is a cafe in Paris. The food is authentic and you can tell the chef who I believe is also the owner takes so much pride in her food and it shows. Her husband was on the restaurant floor tonight and even took the time to stop by to chat with us. What an amazing experience and the staff made us feel so welcome we even booked our Christmas party there! Amazing hospitality please keep the good work and we will see you again in December!

I don't know where to start. This is the 2nd time we used Excuizine for our special events. The…read morefirst time was for my son's baptism when they served Italian for dinner and then Asian for lunch the next day. At that time, I knew they were going to be our constant. They were so neat, organized, communicated effectively, and they had been very accommodating to our requests. Of course everybody exclaimed how sumptuous the food was. When we started planning for an intimate dinner for 20 guests at home, I knew we wanted to have a 4-course sit-down dinner. I don't have anybody else in mind but Excuizine. They immediately sent us 3 menu sets that are quite put together. Surf and Turf, New American and Italian. And because we would need a rental vendor for our backyard reception, they also included flat wares, dinner wares and glass wares to be used for the dinner so all I had to do was send the list over to our rental vendor. (They were also Excuizine's recommendation, thank you!!) So convenient. Didn't I also mention that our cake was also made by Excuizine? Ahhh, super moist! I like the fact that I don't have to go anywhere else for our wedding cake. My whole family fell in love with Renee and the rest of the team from the beginning. Their demeanor, professionalism and of course their food and service were beyond my imagination. You are amazing, Chef Renee! We love you, thank you for everything that you did to make our dream intimate wedding 2.0, a reality! All the best!!

I cannot say enough about how fabulous every aspect of Excuisine CAterer. I was in a short notice…read morejam and Chef Renee responded on a Sunday morning to my S.O.S. I found her on Yelp and the reviews and photos were all favorable. I sent a Saturday email, she texted on Sunday about doing a call. 1 hour later we chatted, picked a preliminary menu, over the phone from her vast selection of flavors, styles, options, nationalities, cultures. It was tough because everything sounded delicious. As we talked and shared our passion for food with strong flavor- none of this frozen, breaded, bland appetizer options. It was clear to me that Chef Renee was going to bring taste to the table. She did not disappoint! All of the guest noted how good the food was and we were never so happy to have leftovers! I was further impressed with how she immediately did a quick contract with easy electronic payment. We inked the deal and in 24 hours I had my catering dilemma solved. Without any contact she showed up precisely as agreed. She and her team went to work fussing over the layout and set up of every little detail. They seemed as excited about the party as we were! Every detail was provided for and the cheese board was to die for! The food quantity was abundant and the baked goods are addictive. I know why she sells thousands of the chocolate crinkles! You will never be disappointed using such a professional and talented caterer. I cannot wait to use Chef Renee again!