What I love about cooking is not only the good tasting food I'm able to skillfully prepare, but it's the joy I bring others. They say "eating is one of life's greatest pleasures," and I'm so happy to be able to bring that to others.
moreBorn and raised in North Hollywood, I'm a twin and youngest of 4 boys. I was introduced to good food at an early age. My father was a self taught gourmet cook and enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors. He did a great deal of grilling and I usually watched. One day he asked if I wanted to light the fire on the grill...well of course I did! What kid didn't want to play with fire!!! This turned in to a regular job when my dad grilled, until one day he asked me if I wanted to cook the burgers. Excitedly, I said, "yes" and this was the beginning of my legendary grilling career. Later, I started working for the restaurant chain Victoria Station in my early 20's and had some great experiences working at several different locations over the years.
After about 9 years at various restaurants, I realized gourmet cooking is something I did well. I decided to get serious with my skills and attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in 1980. Instead of returning to Southern California after graduating in '82, I accepted a position at a small restaurant as an executive chef in Calistoga, in the Napa Valley area, and proceeded to kick ass. I met a wonderful woman, started a beautiful family, and began an interesting career working in restaurants, catering companies, retail, and private events. Later, I felt a need to return to my roots and be by the ocean once again. A great move for my body and mind.
My new wife and I have decided to slow down and relocate to northwestern Arkansas on beautiful Beaver Lake. I’m re-establishing myself to share my California fusion cuisine under the name of "Butler for Two". I specialize in buffets and small to mid-sized parties. An expert at grilling, seafood, vegetarian dishes and much more, I offer top quality dishes at a fair price. My dishes are unique and beautifully presented with fresh bold flavors, but make no mistake about it...I am the Grill Master!
I'm personable,flexible and very easy to work with,and now, I'm a Thumbtack 2015 and 2016 Award Winner! Yes, I have been blessed with the honor of being a "Best of 2015" award winner for Food Service Professional, and a "Best of 2016" award winner for Best Pastry Chef. Thank you to all my customers who voted for me. I am so honored and pleased that you enjoyed my cooking!
Douglas was terrific to work with. Professional, courteous and showed up when he said he would! Everything he made was delicious and enjoyed by everyone at the party! I would definitely recommend him!
Karen R.
Fantastic! Such an incredible dinner. I am not a foodie, nor do I want to be, but now I see what the fuss is about. Doug was just amazing, and the shrimp scampi bread, bring it on! I loved every minute of it and looking forward to doing it again! He was awesome!
Nancy F.Douglas is an accomplished chef, grill master and baker. He has years of experience in catering of all types. He is personable, professional, honest and more than capable of making any food event, dinner, lunch, breakfast, picnic, BBQ a meal to remember. He is easy to work with, knows all the ins and outs of making an event special and can completely customize to match any theme or desire. You need look no further, Douglas is the Chef you want!
Jay S.My family and I vacationed in Hermosa Beach, CA for a month and thought it would be cool to have a personal chef come and cook dinners for our family. We hired Doug and was blown away. We loved everything he prepared for us. He cooked us dinners Monday thru Friday and we ended up hiring him to grill for us on Saturdays when we had friends and family over. Everyone was totally impressed and thoroughly satisfied. We can't wait until our next vacation so we can hire him again! Elizabeth M. This was the best catering experience I have EVER had. Doug really made my parents anniversary brunch SPECIAL!!!
Sharon P.This was the best catering experience I have EVER had. Doug really made my parents anniversary brunch SPECIAL!!!
Sharon P.We had a spectacular evening! Chef Doug is a true gentleman, an experienced professional, and an entertainer as well. We had a hands-on demo for a yummy appetizer, and the rest of the delicious food magically appeared at the perfect pace. A great way to entertain at home and be stress-free. Everyone was happy!
Shelley T.Douglas and his crew were fabulous. Our Halloween party was for about 80 people and Douglas handled it with grace. Not one glitch in his prepping or serving. The food was amazing not one of the 80 people who attend had anything bad to say and they all loved it. I would definitely HIGHLY Recommend Douglas to any of my friends and family for their special events. And I know I will use him again in the future for a large party or special dinners for 2. Thank you so much Douglas, for all your hard work and special attention you give to all that you do.
Renee and JayWe are over-the-top pleased and excited to recommend Douglas Wattson for catering/party needs. Even though he had done a large party on Christmas Eve, he showed bright and early on Christmas morning to begin his prep for my party of 30 and he worked non-stop for the next 9 hours. Everyone raved at the savory and eye pleasing food. Thanks, Douglas. We enjoyed our dinner and our experience with Douglas! All of us had a really fabulous time. Thank you so much Douglas! He was on time, very professional, food was awesome...just a perfect birthday dinner! yum!
Sherri J.