Chef David Clarke
He/Him
I grew up in Waialua, a historic plantation town on the island of O'ahu, where food, family, and culture were inseparable. Raised in a Filipino immigrant family rooted in Hawai‘i’s sugar plantation era, I learned early that meals are more than nourishment — they are connection, celebration, and storytelling.
My father, a fisheries biologist and lifelong waterman, shaped my deep respect for the ocean. From surfing on Oʻahu’s North Shore to fishing the waters of Puget Sound, I developed a strong connection to seafood and sustainable sourcing. At just five years old, I caught my first salmon and pulled my first crab in the San Juan Islands — experiences that continue to influence my Pacific Northwest–inspired cuisine. When my father attended the University of Washington, our family built lasting ties to the Seattle area, ties I’m proud to continue today.
My professional culinary journey began in Yountville, California, working under my cousin at Bottega. The intensity and artistry of the kitchen sparked something permanent. I later committed fully to the culinary path, working my way up from dishwasher to sushi and sashimi chef, prep cook, and line cook in both brunch and dinner service, as well as catering and private events.
Today, as a Seattle personal chef, I specialize in elevated in-home dining experiences, private dinners, meal prep services, and event catering throughout Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. My cooking blends Hawaiian, Filipino, and Pacific Northwest influences — featuring fresh seafood, seasonal local ingredients, and globally inspired techniques.
Nothing compares to the intimacy of cooking in someone’s home. As a private chef in Seattle, I create personalized menus that reflect each client’s tastes, dietary needs, and occasion — whether it’s a multi-course tasting menu, family-style gathering, or weekly meal preparation. My goal is always the same: to bring people together around thoughtful, beautifully prepared food.
Cooking creates conversation. It preserves heritage. It turns moments into memories. With deep Hawaiian roots and strong Pacific Northwest connections, I’m honored to share that story with you — one meal at a time.