Guests’ online reviews speak in superlatives
I cannot say enough superlatives about the evening Chef Martin provided for us. The food was spectacular, the cooking class phenomenal, the evening unforgettable. Book Martin for your next special event. You won’t be sorry that you did.
For our bridal brunch the bride and her guests were treated with top quality food and experience. Chef Martin and his team gave us an experience of a life time. From the moment Martin and his team entered we never had the need to to do any tasks they handled our brunch exquisitely.
Martin was tasked to prepare a feast for 20+ people for my 40th birthday. He and his team absolutely smashed it out of the park. He worked closely with us to come up with the menu that balanced contemporary Californian dishes with a touch of “Indian-ness” which I requested.
The meal was exquisite and our guests were thoroughly delighted!
The team were so professional and sharp. They also did a wonderful job with the table setting and flowers. Martin and his team made my midsummer backyard party dream come true. I am forever grateful for the experience. ✨🙏♥️
The meal was exquisite and our guests were thoroughly delighted!
The team were so professional and sharp. They also did a wonderful job with the table setting and flowers. Martin and his team made my midsummer backyard party dream come true. I am forever grateful for the experience. ✨🙏♥️
We had Chef Martin come to our house for a gathering of about 25 guests. He came to visit a few months before the event and gathered details about preferences, style, food allergies, etc. He curated a menu of 4 passed courses and 4 seated courses, each of which was better than the last. His attention to detail and access to ingredients really takes it up a notch. All of our guests raved about the experiences, making for a truly memorable evening. Would recommend to anyone looking to put on a special occasion.
I had the pleasure of working with Martin from Capitola Garden Feast for a close friend's 50th birthday celebration in Sonoma County, and he was one of the highlights of an unforgettable weekend.
What sets Martin apart is how genuinely he wants to understand you. From our first conversations, he took the time to really learn about the guest of honor, our group, and what would make the event meaningful, and then he customized everything to make it extra special. He's warm, funny, and clearly passionate about what he does, and that energy carried through the entire event.
The food was outstanding, every course beautifully presented and delicious. Martin was completely reliable: he showed up on time, brought all the equipment, plates, and table decor needed, and handled everything seamlessly. It was the little touches that elevated the night, like personally introducing each dish and sharing how it was prepared. Every single guest left happy.
There are plenty of talented chefs out there, but Martin's combination of skill, warmth, and genuine care is rare. I can't recommend Capitola Garden Feast highly enough.
What sets Martin apart is how genuinely he wants to understand you. From our first conversations, he took the time to really learn about the guest of honor, our group, and what would make the event meaningful, and then he customized everything to make it extra special. He's warm, funny, and clearly passionate about what he does, and that energy carried through the entire event.
The food was outstanding, every course beautifully presented and delicious. Martin was completely reliable: he showed up on time, brought all the equipment, plates, and table decor needed, and handled everything seamlessly. It was the little touches that elevated the night, like personally introducing each dish and sharing how it was prepared. Every single guest left happy.
There are plenty of talented chefs out there, but Martin's combination of skill, warmth, and genuine care is rare. I can't recommend Capitola Garden Feast highly enough.
I hired Martin from Capitola Garden Feast to cater my birthday celebration for about 35 people in Sonoma County, and the experience exceeded every expectation.
I had spoken with several chefs before finding Martin, and what immediately stood out was our first conversation. Instead of jumping straight into menus and logistics, he genuinely wanted to learn about me, my background, my interests, what I enjoyed, what I didn't, and the people who would be attending. It never felt like a questionnaire. It felt like a natural conversation between two people. Martin shared stories about himself as well, has a great sense of humor, and it was obvious from the start that he loves not only cooking, but hospitality.
What he ultimately delivered was much more than a catered dinner. He created an experience tailored to us.
Martin, his son, and the rest of his team were wonderful throughout the day. Everyone showed up with a positive attitude, a smile, and a genuine desire to make sure our guests had a great time. They seamlessly accommodated the challenges of serving appetizers outdoors in the backyard and then moving guests into two separate rooms for dinner.
The food was outstanding. Every course was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Martin brought all the plates, utensils, and table decor and transformed the space into something special. We provided the wine separately, but his team coordinated the wine service perfectly with each course. Martin personally introduced the dishes and explained the preparation, which added a thoughtful touch and made the evening feel even more personal.
By the end of the night, everything had gone flawlessly. To top it off, the team left the kitchen spotless.
I'm sure there are many talented chefs who can prepare excellent food. What left a lasting impression on me was Martin's approach from beginning to end. He wasn't simply cooking a meal. He was thoughtfully curating an experience based on a sincere understanding of me, my friends, and the setting. That level of care is rare.
I highly recommend Capitola Garden Feast. What started as hiring a chef for a birthday celebration ended with gaining someone I now consider a friend.
I had spoken with several chefs before finding Martin, and what immediately stood out was our first conversation. Instead of jumping straight into menus and logistics, he genuinely wanted to learn about me, my background, my interests, what I enjoyed, what I didn't, and the people who would be attending. It never felt like a questionnaire. It felt like a natural conversation between two people. Martin shared stories about himself as well, has a great sense of humor, and it was obvious from the start that he loves not only cooking, but hospitality.
What he ultimately delivered was much more than a catered dinner. He created an experience tailored to us.
Martin, his son, and the rest of his team were wonderful throughout the day. Everyone showed up with a positive attitude, a smile, and a genuine desire to make sure our guests had a great time. They seamlessly accommodated the challenges of serving appetizers outdoors in the backyard and then moving guests into two separate rooms for dinner.
The food was outstanding. Every course was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Martin brought all the plates, utensils, and table decor and transformed the space into something special. We provided the wine separately, but his team coordinated the wine service perfectly with each course. Martin personally introduced the dishes and explained the preparation, which added a thoughtful touch and made the evening feel even more personal.
By the end of the night, everything had gone flawlessly. To top it off, the team left the kitchen spotless.
I'm sure there are many talented chefs who can prepare excellent food. What left a lasting impression on me was Martin's approach from beginning to end. He wasn't simply cooking a meal. He was thoughtfully curating an experience based on a sincere understanding of me, my friends, and the setting. That level of care is rare.
I highly recommend Capitola Garden Feast. What started as hiring a chef for a birthday celebration ended with gaining someone I now consider a friend.
I hired a Chef Martin to create a special dinner for my husband's 80th birthday celebration, and the experience exceeded every expectation. From the very beginning, the communication was thoughtful, organized, and tailored to our preferences and dietary needs.
The evening itself was truly unforgettable. The chef designed and executed an incredible 8-course tasting menu that felt like a five-star restaurant experience in the comfort of our home. Each course was beautifully presented, perfectly timed, and full of flavor--creative without being overwhelming, and clearly crafted with care
What made the night even more meaningful were the personalized surprise touches woven throughout the evening. These thoughtful details made the celebration feel incredibly special and unique to the guest of honor, and truly elevated the entire experience.
Beyond the food, what really stood out was the professionalism and warmth. The chef created a relaxed, elegant atmosphere that allowed us to fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about a single detail. Every guest commented on how special the evening felt.
It was the perfect way to honor such a meaningful milestone, and we would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking to create a memorable, elevated event at home.
The evening itself was truly unforgettable. The chef designed and executed an incredible 8-course tasting menu that felt like a five-star restaurant experience in the comfort of our home. Each course was beautifully presented, perfectly timed, and full of flavor--creative without being overwhelming, and clearly crafted with care
What made the night even more meaningful were the personalized surprise touches woven throughout the evening. These thoughtful details made the celebration feel incredibly special and unique to the guest of honor, and truly elevated the entire experience.
Beyond the food, what really stood out was the professionalism and warmth. The chef created a relaxed, elegant atmosphere that allowed us to fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about a single detail. Every guest commented on how special the evening felt.
It was the perfect way to honor such a meaningful milestone, and we would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking to create a memorable, elevated event at home.
Martin and his team deliver a Michelin star experience. We have hosted large 40-50 guest dinners with Capitola Garden Feast for three years and his team is extremely professional, the food is always delicious, and the menu is always unique.
Wow! How do I begin to describe the outstanding food, service, thought and detail?
I was trying to plan a special, intimate 60th birthday dinner at home in our backyard. From the 1st phone call, Martin was engaging and full of wonderful ideas. He made the celebration feel truly special from start to finish, and every single guest is still talking about it.
The food was outstanding, but what made the evening unforgettable was the way Martin brought together flavor, presentation, creativity, and thoughtful attention to every detail. He even decorated the table with a personalized, custom arrangement AND handmade dishes! Every course felt beautifully planned and expertly executed. From the tray-passed bites to the final dessert, everything was elegant, unique, and absolutely delicious.
Some of the standout dishes included the bluefin tuna and strawberry poke in a crispy wonton cone, the lump crab origami dumpling, the incredible risotto with roasted scallops and grilled gulf shrimp, and the perfectly prepared beef tenderloin. The dessert plates were over the top delicious, included with a candle on each so we could make a wish for the Birthday boy for a memorable ending to the evening. On top of that, each course was paired with wine, which made the whole experience feel even more special and complete.
What truly sets Martin apart is that he creates more than just a meal. He creates an experience. Every sense was considered, and the level of care, artistry, and professionalism was beyond impressive.
We cannot thank Martin enough for making this celebration so extraordinary. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for a truly elevated and unforgettable catering experience!
I was trying to plan a special, intimate 60th birthday dinner at home in our backyard. From the 1st phone call, Martin was engaging and full of wonderful ideas. He made the celebration feel truly special from start to finish, and every single guest is still talking about it.
The food was outstanding, but what made the evening unforgettable was the way Martin brought together flavor, presentation, creativity, and thoughtful attention to every detail. He even decorated the table with a personalized, custom arrangement AND handmade dishes! Every course felt beautifully planned and expertly executed. From the tray-passed bites to the final dessert, everything was elegant, unique, and absolutely delicious.
Some of the standout dishes included the bluefin tuna and strawberry poke in a crispy wonton cone, the lump crab origami dumpling, the incredible risotto with roasted scallops and grilled gulf shrimp, and the perfectly prepared beef tenderloin. The dessert plates were over the top delicious, included with a candle on each so we could make a wish for the Birthday boy for a memorable ending to the evening. On top of that, each course was paired with wine, which made the whole experience feel even more special and complete.
What truly sets Martin apart is that he creates more than just a meal. He creates an experience. Every sense was considered, and the level of care, artistry, and professionalism was beyond impressive.
We cannot thank Martin enough for making this celebration so extraordinary. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for a truly elevated and unforgettable catering experience!
Working with Martin was an incredible experience! He helped me give a surprise 70th birthday dinner party for my partner David. Martin challenged me to help him create a menu that would be a tribute to David, not just a catered meal. Together we developed a 5-course dinner with optional wine pairing along with 3 passed appetizers for 18 people in my home. Inspired by David's life events and favorite foods, the menu was creative, playful, and approachable. A highlight was a savory butternut squash soup with an apple pie crumble topping, the latter a childhood favorite of David's. It tasted like no other butternut soup I have ever had. The gluten free crab ravioli served with zucchini cut into guitar shapes was a guest favorite. My favorite was a salad with a dressing from Geneva, which David recalled from his days when he lived in Switzerland. The table looked gorgeous. Guests had a wonderful time, and a couple of guests commented that it was the best meal they had ever had. Martin was professional, organized, and passionate about his craft, plus was a lot of fun to work with. I started out looking for a caterer, and I found an artist.
I hired Martin and his crew for my 50th birthday bash at our new mountain house. Impressed doesn't even begin to cover it. From the moment the staff arrived, they were all on point to bring the party to life. They were incredibly friendly and engaged with every single one of our guests, making everyone feel like a VIP.
The food was unique, sophisticated, and absolutely excellent. Everyone was impressed by the presentation, delivery, and flavors. I think I even saw sparkles in the air when I blew out my birthday candle. Not sure if they were real or I just imagined it, but it made the experience magical.
Another highlight was the pasta-making class they hosted for the kids. It was so engaging that the kids were completely mesmerized (and productive!), allowing the adults to enjoy time socializing and enjoying rather than babysitting. It’s rare to find a team that can handle high-end culinary execution while simultaneously keeping several children entertained.
Lastly, as a host, the logistics were a dream. The setup and cleanup were flawless; they left my house in perfect shape, which is no small feat after a ~40-person party in a mountain home. Everyone had a truly great time, and I couldn't have asked for a better team to help me ring in half a century.
Thank you Martin and team for making it a truly special day!
The food was unique, sophisticated, and absolutely excellent. Everyone was impressed by the presentation, delivery, and flavors. I think I even saw sparkles in the air when I blew out my birthday candle. Not sure if they were real or I just imagined it, but it made the experience magical.
Another highlight was the pasta-making class they hosted for the kids. It was so engaging that the kids were completely mesmerized (and productive!), allowing the adults to enjoy time socializing and enjoying rather than babysitting. It’s rare to find a team that can handle high-end culinary execution while simultaneously keeping several children entertained.
Lastly, as a host, the logistics were a dream. The setup and cleanup were flawless; they left my house in perfect shape, which is no small feat after a ~40-person party in a mountain home. Everyone had a truly great time, and I couldn't have asked for a better team to help me ring in half a century.
Thank you Martin and team for making it a truly special day!
It is about time I express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional dining experiences Martin and his team provide. The level of excellence Martin brings to his craft is truly remarkable, often leaving both me and guests floored.
The personal touch he incorporates into his menus—telling stories through food influenced by conversation and experiences—is incredibly rare. His dinners are more than just meals; they are artistic journeys that spark lasting conversations and leave impressions that our guests talk about for years.
I also want to commend Martin's fantastic team, who provide such wonderful service and cater to every detail so well. Thank you, Martin, for consistently delivering such memorable experiences.
The personal touch he incorporates into his menus—telling stories through food influenced by conversation and experiences—is incredibly rare. His dinners are more than just meals; they are artistic journeys that spark lasting conversations and leave impressions that our guests talk about for years.
I also want to commend Martin's fantastic team, who provide such wonderful service and cater to every detail so well. Thank you, Martin, for consistently delivering such memorable experiences.
We received an incredible gift: a private dinner in our home prepared and served by chef Martin Hoellrigl and his sous chef son, Sky. This gourmet dinner for two was unusual for Capitola Garden Feast; the company usually caters to larger groups. Regardless, their meal just for us was outrageously wonderful. They set the table with flowers, candles, and even shimmering plates that Martin made himself, bearing our photos. He created an adventurous Italian tasting menu with at least eight courses, each one more delectable and interesting than the one before. The culmination was beef tenderloin flavored with grated truffles—a entre that you could literally eat with a spoon if you wanted to test its amazing tenderness. And then an eye-popping dessert of several white and dark chocolates and exotic fresh fruits. I lack the culinary vocabulary to describe that tower of cakes, mousses, creams, and lacy decorations other than to say “heavenly”. If your mouth is watering now imagine eating that confection! Every speck of the dinner bespoke creative Hoellrigl energy: cheeses and wafer-thin bacon slices crafted on their own rural property. Herbs and vegetables they recently harvested. Fruits they candied or leathered. Numerous beers and wines they carefully paired with every course, some of which were home-fermented. Every food morsel came to our salvers (which they made), on specially shaped plates or platters, with a synchronized serving flourish and a story about unusual spices or cooking techniques or tales from Martin’s colorful culinary history in Europe. Suffice it to say that the evening was unforgettable—over-the-top spectacular—and an unmatched experiential gift.
This was the menu!
Gazpacho shooter
from the ingredients of a Greek salad
Les petits fours Lorrains
with young leeks and Barbary duck
Carnaroli Arancini Piemontese,
with fresh winter truffles from Alba, Italy
Crunchy wonton cone, strawberry and date poké,
Flowering red veined maple leaf, coconut wasabi ice cream
Portrait of carrot soup and pea soup,
Xiao Long Bao with my homemade prosciutto
A warm salad of garden chick peas and purple potatoes,
with confit chicken oysters, chives, and pickled glaced shallots
Mascarpone polenta, Burgundy style braised short rib ragout,
Bunapi mushrooms, asparagus tips, roasted pearl onions,
salsify and celeriac chips
Whole braised Big Sur beef tenderloin, artichoke, sunchoke,
demi glace de grand cru Bordeaux, Fingerling gratin,
confit Heirloom Sungold, Tiny Tim, and micro Pinocchio tomatoes
Colombian Criollo cocoa entremets,
dark chocolate ganache, white chocolate mousse,
fresh apricots, agave syrup candied jackfruit, guavas, and pitahaya
This was the menu!
Gazpacho shooter
from the ingredients of a Greek salad
Les petits fours Lorrains
with young leeks and Barbary duck
Carnaroli Arancini Piemontese,
with fresh winter truffles from Alba, Italy
Crunchy wonton cone, strawberry and date poké,
Flowering red veined maple leaf, coconut wasabi ice cream
Portrait of carrot soup and pea soup,
Xiao Long Bao with my homemade prosciutto
A warm salad of garden chick peas and purple potatoes,
with confit chicken oysters, chives, and pickled glaced shallots
Mascarpone polenta, Burgundy style braised short rib ragout,
Bunapi mushrooms, asparagus tips, roasted pearl onions,
salsify and celeriac chips
Whole braised Big Sur beef tenderloin, artichoke, sunchoke,
demi glace de grand cru Bordeaux, Fingerling gratin,
confit Heirloom Sungold, Tiny Tim, and micro Pinocchio tomatoes
Colombian Criollo cocoa entremets,
dark chocolate ganache, white chocolate mousse,
fresh apricots, agave syrup candied jackfruit, guavas, and pitahaya
Last July, I had the pleasure of hosting our private men’s wine group for a Spanish-themed dinner that was, quite simply, beyond reproach. Martin and his team delivered an outstanding experience on every level, blending impeccable service with a sequence of next-level courses executed with artful brilliance.
The culinary precision was undeniable, from the incredible lobster sliders to the refined puff pastries filled with caviar. The delectable mixed meat main course anchored the meal, followed by a “Chocolate Fantasy” dessert finale that was a true showstopper. Each course was a thing of beauty for the palate, and the execution was so sophisticated that this meal would certainly be considered Michelin star level quality, rivaling the finest dining institutions.
Martin’s attention to detail turned my home into a world-class destination for the night. If you are looking to host an unforgettable evening where the food is as much a work of art as the wine, this team is unmatched.
The culinary precision was undeniable, from the incredible lobster sliders to the refined puff pastries filled with caviar. The delectable mixed meat main course anchored the meal, followed by a “Chocolate Fantasy” dessert finale that was a true showstopper. Each course was a thing of beauty for the palate, and the execution was so sophisticated that this meal would certainly be considered Michelin star level quality, rivaling the finest dining institutions.
Martin’s attention to detail turned my home into a world-class destination for the night. If you are looking to host an unforgettable evening where the food is as much a work of art as the wine, this team is unmatched.
Very professional and elevated experience, exquisite detail and dedication to every course, and the service was outstanding! We had a dinner for 24 people, and everything was seamlessly organized and the chef was attentive and fun with all our guests! If you want an elegant and unique artisan food experience, Chef Martin and Capitola Garden Feast are the perfect choice.
Luxury Private Chef Experience
Michelin-level private dining and bespoke culinary experiences for discerning hosts, celebrated in guest reviews for extraordinary artistry, flawless hospitality, and unforgettable evenings. Every gesture carries devotion, each ingredient is a profound metaphor, and each event becomes a living expression of sacred human connection.
Serving private residences, estates, and luxury retreats throughout San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Monterey, Carmel, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Meet Your Chef
Martin Hoellrigl
A native of Austria, Chef Martin Hoellrigl combines a deep background in food, wine, and hospitality with training in tourism management, culinary arts, and hospitality studies through Cornell University.
Before founding Capitola Garden Feast in 2017, he worked with renowned hospitality institutions including Le Bristol Paris and Palais Daun-Kinsky in Vienna, and has cooked for notable guests such as Julia Child, Pope John Paul II, Tonio Lamborghini, and George W. Bush. His approach combines technical skill, warm hospitality, and a focus on creating memorable private dining experiences.
