I’m a Puerto Rican private chef focused on creating seamless, memorable dining experiences inside homes and vacation rentals. My cooking is rooted in bold Caribbean flavor and clean execution, and I care just as much about how the entire experience feels—from the first message to the last plate.
I trained at the Escuela Hotelera de San Juan and built my foundation in demanding kitchens across Puerto Rico, including the Coliseo de Puerto Rico and DRGN by Chef Treviño. Today I handle everything: menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking on-site, service, and leaving your kitchen spotless—so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the moment.
For me, cooking is about creating moments where people can relax, connect, and enjoy the experience without worrying about anything else.
I learned to cook in real, fast-paced professional kitchens, where organization, consistency, and execution truly matter.
My secret in the kitchen is making everything feel effortless for my guests, from the first bite to the last detail.
I offer private dining and interactive experiences inspired by Puerto Rican traditions and modern Caribbean influences. I’ll help you choose the right menu for your group, take care of the shopping, cook on-site, and leave everything spotless—so you can simply enjoy your time together.
→ From 2 to 20 people •→ From $159.00 / person
Criollo Beef Empanadillas Golden, flaky turnovers filled with savory criollo-seasoned beef, sofrito and island aromatics—crisp outside, juicy and deeply comforting inside
Stewed Chicken Empanadillas Crisp, golden turnovers filled with tender chicken slowly simmered in sofrito and criollo seasonings, capturing the flavor of a Puerto Rican guiso in every bite
Cheddar-Stuffed Sorullitos · Spicy Mayo Golden Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters with warm melted-cheddar centers, served with creamy spicy mayo for an irresistible sweet-savory bite
Crispy Tostones · Mayo-Ketchup Green plantains fried twice until crisp and golden, finished with sea salt and served with Puerto Rico’s beloved creamy mayo-ketchup
Criollo Beef Alcapurrias Crisp alcapurrias made from green plantain and yautía, wrapped around savory seasoned beef and fried until deeply golden
Puerto Rican Potato Rellenos Golden potato croquettes with creamy centers filled with savory criollo picadillo—a comforting Puerto Rican favorite in every bite
Cream of Island Root Vegetables A silky blend of island root vegetables slowly cooked with sofrito and garlic until velvety, warm and deeply comforting
Tropical Citrus Salad Crisp greens, colorful vegetables and tropical accents tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette for a fresh, lively contrast to the feast ahead
Puerto Rican Sancocho A soulful Puerto Rican broth filled with tender island root vegetables, sofrito and slow-developed criollo flavor, served as a comforting opening to the table
Slow-Roasted Pernil Table Garlic-and-citrus marinated pork roasted slowly until tender and served in its savory pan juices, accompanied by arroz con gandules and caramelized sweet plantains
Puerto Rican Chicken Fricassee Table Tender chicken simmered in a rich sofrito-based criollo sauce with vegetables and island seasonings, served with fluffy white rice, stewed beans and a fresh house salad
Carne Guisada Table Fork-tender beef slowly braised with sofrito, vegetables and criollo spices until its sauce becomes rich and deeply savory, served with arroz mamposteado and garlic vegetables
Mojo-Roasted Chicken Table Juicy roasted chicken infused with fresh citrus, garlic and herbs, served with tangy yuca escabeche and fragrant rice with Puerto Rican longaniza
Cream Cheese & Vanilla Flan Silky cream cheese and vanilla custard crowned with deep homemade caramel—a rich Puerto Rican classic with an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth finish
Coquito Tres Leches Tender sponge soaked in coconut tres leches with the warm spices and celebratory flavors of traditional Puerto Rican coquito
Tropical Carrot Cake Moist carrot cake layered with warm spices and tropical notes, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting
→ From 2 to 20 people •→ From $169.00 / person
Freshly Squeezed Juice Freshly squeezed juice served bright and chilled, selected according to the best seasonal fruit available
Puerto Rican Coffee Freshly brewed Puerto Rican coffee with a rich aroma and smooth finish—the essential island beginning to a leisurely brunch
Tropical Fresh Fruit Bowl A colorful bowl of ripe tropical and seasonal fruit, prepared fresh for a light and refreshing start
Guava-Glazed Crispy Chicken Bites Crisp, golden chicken bites tossed in a glossy guava sauce that balances savory seasoning with a touch of tropical sweetness
Crispy Fish Bites · Cilantro Aioli Tender seasoned fish bites fried until golden and served with a bright, creamy cilantro aioli
Citrus-Marinated Bean Salad A refreshing medley of beans, sweet peppers and fresh cilantro, marinated in citrus for a colorful, light and lively first course
Guava Protein Waffles Golden protein waffles served with warm guava sauce and a silky lemon–cream cheese glaze, each offered on the side for the perfect balance
Belgian Waffles · Lemon Glaze Light and crisp Belgian waffles with deep golden pockets, finished with a bright lemon glaze
Puerto Rican Breakfast Potatoes Crisp-edged breakfast potatoes sautéed with peppers, onions, garlic and criollo seasoning for a distinctly Puerto Rican touch
Soft Scrambled Eggs Soft, creamy scrambled eggs prepared fresh, with or without sautéed vegetables
Crispy Bacon & Breakfast Sausage Crispy bacon and savory breakfast sausage served generously as the familiar classics every brunch table deserves
Churrasco Strips · Chimichurri Criollo Tender seared churrasco strips finished with vibrant criollo chimichurri made with fresh herbs and garlic
Fried Chicken & Waffles · Spicy Honey Crispy seasoned fried chicken paired with golden waffles and finished with spicy honey for an irresistible sweet, savory and gently fiery bite
Banana Bread with Coconut Glaze Moist banana bread finished with a light coconut glaze for a simple, comforting sweet
Assorted Breakfast Pastries A shareable assortment of breakfast pastries selected to bring buttery, flaky sweetness to the table
Cream Cheese & Vanilla Flan Silky cream cheese and vanilla flan crowned with deep homemade caramel—a rich Puerto Rican classic with an elegant finish
Coquito Tres Leches Tender sponge soaked in coconut tres leches with the warm spice and celebratory flavor of traditional coquito
→ From 2 to 20 people •→ From $239.00 / person
Island Welcome Cocktail — Choose coconut, passion fruit or tamarind: a bright first sip that sets the mood for a Puerto Rican evening. Mocktail version available
Shrimp Empanadas — Crisp, golden pastry gives way to juicy shrimp seasoned with island aromatics. A warm, savory bite to begin the evening
Ropa Vieja Empanadas — Flaky pastry filled with tender, slow-braised beef and its rich cooking juices. Familiar Puerto Rican comfort in an irresistible first bite
Breadfruit Tostones with Citrus Octopus Escabeche — Crisp breadfruit tostones topped with tender octopus, herbs and a lively citrus escabeche. Cool, bright and crunchy in every bite
Cheddar-Stuffed Sorullitos · Spicy Mayo Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters with a golden exterior and a warm, melted-cheddar center. The house spicy mayo adds just enough heat to play against their gentle sweetness
Stuffed Potato Fritters (Rellenos de Papa): Creamy mashed potatoes filled with your choice of seasoned ground beef or stewed chicken, lightly breaded and fried until golden, served with our signature Puerto Rican dipping sauce
Shrimp Ceviche — Tender shrimp dressed in citrus with fresh herbs and a gentle kick of spice. A cool, vibrant opening to the meal
Snapper Ceviche — Delicate snapper meets bright citrus, fresh herbs and island aromatics in a refreshing first course
Asopao de Gandules — A comforting Puerto Rican rice stew with pigeon peas and fragrant sofrito, served warm and generously seasoned
Puerto Rican Sancocho — A soulful broth filled with tender root vegetables and the deep, comforting flavors of Puerto Rican home cooking
Cream of Island Root Vegetables — Silky roasted viandas blended into a velvety soup, with their natural sweetness and earthy flavor at the center
Avocado & Citrus Garden Salad Fresh greens, creamy avocado, citrus segments, shaved vegetables and an ají dulce citrus vinaigrette
Pork Loin with Smoked Guava Sauce — Tender pork loin glazed with smoky guava and served alongside arroz mamposteado, where rice and beans soak up every savory drop
Churrasco with Chimichurri Criollo — Seared churrasco with a bright garlic-herb chimichurri, served over mofongo made with yuca and green plantain
Shrimp al Ajillo with Provenzal Rice — Juicy shrimp bathed in warm garlic, olive oil and butter, paired with fragrant rice finished with herbs
Lobster in Roasted Garlic Cream — Succulent lobster in a silky roasted garlic sauce, served with yuca and green plantain mofongo made to catch every spoonful
Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetable Sauce — Tender chicken thighs in a rich sauce of roasted vegetables, accompanied by Puerto Rican longaniza rice
Steak with Mashed Island Root Vegetables — A beautifully seared steak served with creamy mashed viandas. The cut is selected with the guest when planning the menu
Lamb Chops with Roasted Vegetable Risotto — Tender lamb chops over creamy roasted vegetable risotto, finished with a red wine, guava and rosemary reduction
Cream Cheese and Sweet Plantain Flan — Silky cream cheese flan with the mellow sweetness of ripe plantain and a glossy caramel finish
Orange and Lemon Bundt Cake — A tender citrus cake scented with orange and lemon, finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze
Brownie with Macerated Strawberries — A deeply chocolatey brownie topped with juicy macerated strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream
Coquito Tres Leches — Soft sponge soaked in coquito-inspired three-milk cream: coconut, warm spice and a sweet taste of celebration
Tropical Carrot Cake — Moist, warmly spiced carrot cake with tropical notes and a luscious cream cheese finish
→ From 2 to 20 people •→ From $180.00 / person
Coconut Mojito Shake, stir and taste your way to a creamy island favorite made with coconut, fresh lime and mint. A refreshing welcome to the class, with a handcrafted mocktail version available
Fresh Puerto Rican Sofrito Workshop Discover the aromatic foundation of Puerto Rican cooking. Together we’ll prepare fresh sofrito with peppers, herbs, onion and garlic, then use it to build layers of flavor throughout the meal
Crispy Tostones & Mayo-Ketchup Learn the twice-fried technique behind perfectly golden, crisp tostones, then prepare Puerto Rico’s beloved mayo-ketchup for dipping
Shrimp or Ham Asopao Build this soulful Puerto Rican rice stew from fresh sofrito to its rich, comforting finish. Choose smoky ham or succulent shrimp and learn how to achieve its signature silky texture
Arroz Mamposteado & Chicken al Ajillo Prepare arroz mamposteado with sofrito, beans and savory seasonings, then pair it with tender chicken finished in a fragrant garlic, butter and herb sauce
Arroz Mamposteado & Shrimp al Ajillo Prepare arroz mamposteado with sofrito, beans and savory seasonings, then pair it with juicy shrimp bathed in garlic, butter, olive oil and fresh herbs
Puerto Rican Chicken Fricassee Learn the slow-building flavors of Puerto Rican chicken fricassee: tender chicken simmered with sofrito, vegetables and a savory criollo sauce, served with fluffy white rice
Puerto Rican Beef Stew Prepare tender beef simmered slowly with sofrito, vegetables and criollo seasonings until the sauce becomes deeply savory and comforting, served with fluffy white rice
Traditional Mofongo Masterclass Hands-on preparation of classic mofongo, learning texture control, seasoning balance, and traditional technique before enjoying it together
Arroz con Gandules Experience Step-by-step preparation of Puerto Rico’s iconic rice dish while learning layering, timing, and authentic seasoning techniques
Island-Style Chicken or Fish Workshop Prepare a classic Puerto Rican protein dish while exploring marinades, cooking techniques, and flavor pairing
Puerto Rican Flan Learn the secrets of silky Puerto Rican flan, from caramel to custard. Because it must chill before serving, Chef William brings a finished flan to enjoy; the one prepared together is left with guests to chill and enjoy later
Tres Leches Build a tender sponge soaked with three creamy milks and finished with a light whipped topping. A fully rested tres leches is served during class; the one prepared together is left with guests to chill and enjoy later
Traditional Puerto Rican Coquito Blend coconut, warm spices and traditional island flavors into Puerto Rico’s celebratory drink. Enjoy a chilled tasting and learn how to prepare your own batch, with or without alcohol
→ From 2 to 20 people •→ From $180.00 / person
Beef or Braised Chicken Empanadillas Golden pastry with a delicate crunch, filled with your choice of savory beef or tender chicken simmered in Puerto Rican seasonings. Served warm, when the filling is at its most fragrant and the crust is still crisp.
Cheddar-Stuffed Sorullitos · Spicy Mayo Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters with a golden exterior and a warm, melted-cheddar center. The house spicy mayo adds just enough heat to play against their gentle sweetness.
Stuffed Potato Fritters (Rellenos de Papa): Creamy mashed potatoes filled with your choice of seasoned ground beef or stewed chicken, lightly breaded and fried until golden, served with our signature Puerto Rican dipping sauce
Crispy golden tostones topped with a lime-marinated grain salad with brunoise red onion, sweet peppers, and jalapeño—zesty, savory, and a clean spicy snap
Tostones · House Mayo-Ketchup Green plantains fried until golden, pressed and fried again for crisp edges and a tender center. Served hot with my house mayo-ketchup for dipping—the kind of plate everyone reaches for
Mini Coquito Welcome Shot A small welcome shot of house-made Puerto Rican coquito, creamy, lightly spiced, and perfectly chilled. A festive island tradition to start the experience. (Non-alcoholic version available upon request.)
Welcome Cocktail: Choose the smooth, fragrant warmth of coconut, the bright tartness of passion fruit, or the sweet-and-sour depth of tamarind. A refreshing first sip to set the mood for the evening. Each flavor can also be prepared as a mocktail
Passion Fruit Shrimp Ceviche: Fresh shrimp cured in passion fruit citrus, red onion, cilantro, and a touch of Caribbean heat. Bright, refreshing, and vibrant
Cream of Malanga · Recao Oil A silky malanga soup layered with roasted garlic, Puerto Rican aromatics and fragrant recao oil
Tropical Salad · Citrus Vinaigrette Fresh greens and tropical accents dressed with your choice of lime or passion fruit vinaigrette. Colorful and refreshing, with enough brightness to lead beautifully into the main course
Pan-Seared Pork Chops Seasoned pork chops cooked until golden, finished with light garlic mojo
Puerto Rican Chicken Fricassee Tender chicken slowly braised with sofrito, peppers, potatoes, olives and a savory tomato-based criollo sauce. Served with white rice, habichuelas guisadas and sweet maduros
Carne Frita Encebollada Marinated pork cooked until tender inside with beautifully golden edges, finished with seasoned sautéed onions and concentrated pan juices. Served with plantain-and-yuca mofongo and house mayo-ketchup
Guava BBQ Ribs Slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with a smoky, tangy and lightly sweet guava barbecue sauce. Served with cheddar mashed potatoes and citrus cabbage slaw
Pernil Asado en sus Jugos Slow-roasted Puerto Rican pork shoulder seasoned with garlic, oregano and citrus, finished with crisp skin and its concentrated natural juices. Served with arroz con gandules, sweet maduros and seasonal vegetables
Mojo-Roasted Chicken · Yuca Escabeche Chicken roasted with garlic, citrus and oregano until tender, with flavorful golden edges. Served with yuca escabeche—cassava dressed with onions and a lively, tangy marinade
Salmon or Mahi-Mahi in Creole Sauce · Garlicky Vegetables: served with a vibrant criolla sauce of tomato, peppers, onions and herbs. Vegetables finished with garlic round out a colorful plate with coastal character
Boricua Brioche Bread Pudding · Rum Caramel Soft brioche baked into a rich, custardy bread pudding with golden edges. Served warm with rum caramel for a dessert that feels both familiar and worthy of a celebration
Tropical Carrot Cake Moist, warmly spiced carrot cake with tropical notes and a creamy finish. Tender, fragrant and just indulgent enough to close a generous island dinner
Cheese & Vanilla Flan · Guava Sauce & Toasted Coconut Silky cheese-and-vanilla custard beneath a delicate caramel, finished with guava sauce and toasted coconut. Creamy, fruity and lightly crisp in the final bite
Coquito Tres Leches Vanilla sponge soaked in coconut, condensed milk, warm spices and traditional coquito flavors, finished with lightly sweetened whipped cream
Chef William did a really good job with the meal preparation, presentation and delivery. My family was over joyed with his presence. His food was incredible. This is the first time we hired private a chef and It was one the best experiences we had. I highly recommend Chef William and his Assistant. 5 stars!
Chef William was incredibly attentive to our needs, and every detail of our experience was thoughtfully personalized. He was respectful, highly knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making sure we felt comfortable and cared for throughout the entire planning process. If you are uncertain about booking a private chef or using this type of service for the first time, please choose Chef William. He gives you the time, patience, and guidance you need, while making the entire planning process feel easy and stress-free. His dedication to ensuring we were taken care of was truly the best customer service we experienced during our time in Puerto Rico. We will absolutely be using his services again. Until we meet again, my friend! ????????????????????????????????????✨
Chef William was truly one of the highlights of our family vacation in Puerto Rico! From the very first conversation, he communicated a thoughtful menu, took the time to understand our preferences, and exceeded every expectation. Every meal was an experience. He prepared authentic Puerto Rican cuisine that was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully presented. The portions were generous, and every dinner left our entire family completely satisfied. The desserts were incredible and quickly became a favorite for both the adults and the kids! What really set Chef William apart was his exceptional service. He prepared every meal, served us, and handled all of the cleanup afterward, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy our time together. He was always punctual, professional, and genuinely warm throughout the week. Our children looked forward to every meal, and Chef William made each dining experience feel special. If you're looking for an authentic, stress-free, five-star private chef experience in Puerto Rico, we cannot recommend Chef William enough. He helped create memories our family will cherish for years to come!
I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for Chef William and his assistant during our recent family trip. Our group consisted of 20-plus family members spanning multiple generations, and coordinating meals for a gathering of that size is no small task. To make things even more challenging, several members of our family had different dietary restrictions and food preferences. Despite these complexities, Chef William approached every meal with remarkable skill, creativity, and enthusiasm. Throughout our stay, he consistently prepared delicious, beautifully presented meals that accommodated everyone's needs without ever making anyone feel like an afterthought. Whether someone required special dietary accommodations or simply had personal preferences, Chef William ensured that every guest enjoyed exceptional food and felt included at the table. What impressed us most was not only the quality of the meals but also the care and attention he brought to every interaction. His warm personality, professionalism, and genuine desire to make our family gathering special were evident from the very beginning. His assistant was equally attentive and hardworking, helping to create a seamless dining experience that exceeded all expectations. By the end of our trip, Chef William had become much more than our chef. He felt like an extension of our family—a welcome presence whose passion for cooking and caring for others was evident in everything he did. It was clear that he truly loved bringing people together through food, and our family looked forward to every meal as one of the highlights of our vacation for the 8 days we spent in Puerto Rico. The praise he received from all 20-plus members of our group was unanimous and well deserved. We are incredibly grateful for the memories he helped create and for the outstanding hospitality he and his assistant provided. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chef William and his assistant. They played a significant role in making our family trip so memorable, and we would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking an exceptional culinary experience while visiting Puerto Rico. With sincere gratitude, The Celestines family and Guests.
Chef William went above and beyond to make our vacation one to remember. He was so accommodating of an egg allergy in our group. Made a separate dessert each night. I cannot say enough good things about him! He was the best thing about Puerto Rico. We will use him any time we are able.
Chef William and his assistant were excellent. Such amazing flavorful food, thoughtfully curated for our group, and really gave us a feel for Puerto Rican comfort food. Cannot recommend him enough.
Chef William provided us with an incredible dinner experience! I can't recommend him enough. He showed up at the agreed upon time, and led our group through a culinary voyage full of incredible Puerto Rican cuisine. He let us watch him work his magic, and provided engaging stories about each dish. After dinner, he cleaned up EVERYTHING and left the kitchen spotless. I can't recommend him enough!
Our group of 11 friends celebrated multiple birthdays by inviting Chef William to our air b&b to share his amazing, authentic Puerto Rican family style dishes. It was such a memorable experience and we highly recommend him!
William was absolutely incredible! His phone was delicious, he was engaging, friendly, and attentive. We had an unexpected power outage and he simply “ran with the punches” and made it a fantastic experience. Can’t say enough great things about him.
I build every menu from scratch, so what you pay depends on the dishes, how many guests, and the kind of service you want. Most of my dinners come to around 185.40 USD, and I'll always work with the budget you have in mind. Send me a message and I'll put together a proposal for your event.
I cook Chef's special, Local and Fusion. I build my menus around ingredients that are in season and bought locally, because that's where the flavor is. And if anyone at your table has a dietary restriction, just tell me and I'll adjust the dishes so no one misses out.
To book me in Puerto Rico, click the Book Now button on this page and follow the steps. You'll add your event date, guest count, and any dietary restrictions as you go. Once your request comes through, I read it myself and reply with a menu proposal and the dates I have open.
Yes. I regularly cook for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night, Corporate and Foodie adventure. I handle the menu, the timing, and the setup so the meal fits the kind of event you're throwing. Send me your date and I'll check whether I'm free.
Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Private Chef Manager team will help confirm the experience with the chef.
Wilfredo did an amazing job. I booked him for the day I proposed to my girlfriend and he made the night memorable with amazing food and experience.