Salty Chef Catering
Salty Chef private dining experience

Private dining · Key West, Florida

Salty Chef Catering

"The Heart of my Kitchen." They say a chef’s hands tell a story that the tongue eventually translates. Here is mine.

Explore the menusMeet Chef Juan

20+

Years in luxury hospitality

Le Cordon Bleu

Classically trained

U.S. Marine

Service & discipline

Key West

Locally inspired

Chef Juan Cuadra

Chef Juan Cuadra

Founder

Executive Chef

Five-star precision. Island warmth.

Chef Juan’s cooking is a tribute to his family legacy, Nicaraguan roots and the discipline forged during his service as a United States Marine. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, he brings more than two decades of five-star luxury hospitality to every experience.

His career spans the Bellagio Las Vegas, Fairmont Turnberry Isle, the mega-yachts Seafair and Vitesse, VIP menus for the U.S. Open and The Masters, and hotel conversions for Marriott Autograph Collection and Hilton Curio.

Award-winning2026 Best Cheeseburger in Paradise-Key West

People’s ChefLocal, sustainable and health-conscious by design

Oklahoma Magazine · A Marine with MojoKeys Weekly · Chef and Key West hospitality coverageTravel & Tour World · Culinary and destination feature
Read Chef Juan's full bio

The menu collection

Made for your moment.

Every menu is a starting point. Season, setting, preferences and the day’s best catch shape the final experience.

01

The Nautical Menu

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Flexible dock-and-dine experiences, from breakfast aboard and Havana buffets to boils, sushi and drop-off platters.

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02

The Captain's Greenhouse

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Seasonal vegetables, herbs and tropical produce take center stage in bright, intentional preparations.

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03

Vegetarian: The Island Flora

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A lush, satisfying menu of tropical produce, grains, aromatics and thoughtfully layered textures.

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04

Food Stations

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A curated selection of food stations that are buffet style designed to create a memorable dining experience for your guests.

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05

Breakfast: Reef Awakening

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Rise with the tide, dine with the soul. In the islands, we measure time with the height of the sun and the depth of the flavor. Fresh. Salted. Inspired. Welcome to a Salty Chef morning.

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06

The Tipsy Turtle Brunch

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07

Lunch: The Midday Sandbar

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Fresh-from-the-dock seafood, flame-grilled favorites, colorful taco bars and bright coastal plates.

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08

The Nemo Little Ones

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A menu designed for the little ones, with a focus on fun, flavor, and nutrition. Each dish is crafted to delight young palates while providing essential nutrients.

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09

The TikTok Teenagers

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A menu designed for teenagers, with a focus on bold flavors, trendy dishes, and satisfying portions. Each dish is crafted to appeal to teenage tastes while providing a balanced meal.

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10

Nautical Cannabis Vibe

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A tropical culinary experience inspired by the Florida Keys and South Florida, featuring fresh seafood, island ingredients, and vibrant coastal flavors.

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11

Southernmost Platters

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Generous coastal platters designed for effortless entertaining, relaxed arrivals and beautiful shared tables.

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12

The Secret of Cayo Hueso

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A culinary story of Old Key West told through conch, local fish, citrus, spice and beloved island traditions.

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13

Pescatarian Salt Water Roots

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Menus are customized to each event. Consumer advisory applies to raw or undercooked items. Service fees and applicable tax are quoted with your proposal; gratuity is never mandatory.

Curated pairings

Every pour has a purpose.

An immersive progression of flavors, designed around the bottle and composed course by course.

Pairing 01

Bourbon Dinner

A refined tasting menu celebrating South Florida flavors and Florida Keys seafood, paired with the deep caramel, vanilla, and oak notes of premium bourbons. This dinner highlights fresh coastal ingredients, tropical produce, and bold grilling techniques inspired by Miami and the Florida Keys.

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Pairing 02

Schnebly Wine Pairing

A tropical tasting menu pairing Florida Keys cuisine with the fruit wines of Schnebly Redland’s Winery from Miami, Florida, bringing together the flavors of South Florida and the Florida Keys.

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Pairing 03

Sonoma Key West

Private chef tasting experience. Perfect for vacation homes, wine lovers, and special events. Chef presentation and storytelling of each course. Key West seafood meets California wine country.

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Pairing 04

Whiskey Pairing Dinner

A bold tasting menu inspired by the flavors of Miami and the Florida Keys, pairing island ingredients with rich, complex whiskeys. Each course balances tropical citrus, spice, and smoke with carefully selected whiskey styles.

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Pairing 05

Sake Dinner Pairing

A refined tasting menu pairing Japanese sake with Florida Keys cuisine, highlighting the delicate flavors of fresh seafood, tropical produce, and island-inspired dishes.

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Pairing 06

Rum Pairing Dinner

A tropical tasting menu pairing Caribbean rum with Florida Keys cuisine, highlighting the bold flavors of island-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and tropical produce.

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Pairing 07

Hands of Legacy

A tropical tasting menu pairing Caribbean rum with Florida Keys cuisine, highlighting the bold flavors of island-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and tropical produce.

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Your Key West table awaits

Make your next gathering legendary.

Tell us where, when and who you’re bringing. Chef Juan will shape the menu, service and atmosphere around your occasion.

Start your inquiry+1 786 661 6509