David Leiva, Luxury Private Chef in Aspen, New York City, The Hamptons and Beyond

David Leiva's remarkable culinary journey began with a passion ignited in his childhood that has led him to become a distinguished luxury private chef, known for bringing Michelin-star quality to people's homes with genuine hospitality.

Born with an innate love for cooking, David's earliest memories are flavored with the scents and tastes of his parents' delicious creations. Growing up, he eagerly set the table and lent a helping hand in the kitchen whenever family gatherings called for a special meal. Little did he know that these cherished moments would lay the foundation for an extraordinary career in the culinary world.

After attending one of New York’s well-known culinary programs, David's first real foray into the culinary world occurred when he landed a position in a small restaurant in his hometown. This experience exposed him to the rigors of the industry, where he crafted handmade pasta daily, perfected the art of pizza-making, and even shucked over 5,000 oysters in a single day, during a memorable Thanksgiving feast.

As his skills continued to evolve, he realized that his career could take him anywhere in the world. David ventured to Chile, where he has deep roots, and worked under the guidance of a renowned chef affiliated with one of Latin America's and Chile's 50 best restaurants. This experience opened his eyes to the rich and diverse world of Latin American cuisine.

Upon returning to the United States, David was offered a position at Eleven Madison Park, a world-renowned restaurant that was voted the best restaurant globally during that year. It was also the year when the chef he had previously worked for in Chile was honored as the best female chef in Latin America. At Eleven Madison Park, David honed his craft and gained exposure to the luxurious culinary markets of Aspen and other globally recognized restaurants.

His journey continued as he worked at both Eleven Madison Park and its sister restaurant, The Nomad, another Michelin-starred establishment. At The Nomad, David showcased his exceptional pastry skills, creating a wide array of delectable treats, from croissants and bread to ice cream, pretzels, and bar food. The same year, The Nomad Hotel Bar was acclaimed as the Best Bar in the World and made its mark on the world's 50 best list.

In 2019, David's journey led him to Aspen, where he assumed the role of executive sous chef at the restaurant 7908. While at 7908, he also took on the role of pastry chef, demonstrating his versatility and skill.

In September 2022, David took a bold step by launching his own venture as a luxury private chef. His commitment to infusing Michelin-star quality into private dining experiences quickly earned him recognition among the elite. He passionately believes in delivering exceptional culinary experiences in the comfort of people's homes, offering true hospitality without pretention.

David's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. From working in a small restaurant in his hometown to catering to the culinary desires of top movie directors and celebrities, he has achieved remarkable success. As an immigrant from a small town, David cherishes every moment and never takes his incredible journey for granted.

David Leiva's story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. As a luxury private chef, he continues to leave a lasting impression on the world of gastronomy, one unforgettable meal at a time.