Meet The Chef
Chef Diego is a classically trained, farm-to-table chef with over a decade of fine dining experience in New York and the East End. Known for his fire-driven, coastal cuisine, he brings elegance, seasonality, and precision to every dish.
Chef is a classically trained, farm-to-table chef known for his refined take on coastal cuisine. With a background in fine dining and a passion for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, he blends precision and passion in every dish. At the heart of his cooking is a commitment to sourcing seasonal ingredients directly from local farmers, fishermen, and artisans — a philosophy that guides both flavor and sustainability. Over the years, Diego has built a reputation for executing high-quality dishes with elegance and intent. His work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine and Northforker, and he helped lead Anker to receive the Best Seafood Award – East End, a recognition of his mastery in coastal fare. Through Côte & Flame, Chef Diego now offers private culinary experiences — thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and crafted with purpose.
Founder of Côte & Flame
Our vision
Our vision is to reshape the way Tampa experiences food by strengthening the connection between chef, client, and community. We believe that exceptional cooking starts with exceptional ingredients, which is why we are committed to collaborating with local businesses, family-owned farms, and small-batch producers throughout Tampa Bay. By sourcing locally, we’re able to serve healthier, fresher, and more vibrant dishes—while supporting the growers and artisans who make our region unique.
We’re building long-standing partnerships with Tampa farmers to ensure that the ingredients on your plate are grown with care and harvested at peak quality. This local-first approach fuels everything we do, from crafting seasonal menus to designing wellness-forward meal prep for clients seeking nutritious, high-quality food. When we uplift our community, everyone eats better.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide exceptional in-home dining experiences that highlight freshness, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. We aim to make private dining accessible and memorable—whether you’re hiring a private chef for a night, planning a brunch in South Tampa, or looking for a customizable catering service that reflects your unique style.
We’re driven by three core goals:
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Serve unforgettable food made from ingredients we trust.
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Support the Tampa community by partnering with nearby farms and small businesses.
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Create meaningful, personalized experiences for every client, every time.
Why Choose Côte & Flame?
Clients choose us because we combine fine-dining experience with a personal touch. With seamless service, customized menus, and a focus on local ingredients, we create meals that feel both indulgent and meaningful. From weekly personal chef services to brunch catering in Tampa and private chef dinners for special occasions, our goal is always the same: to deliver food that leaves an impression long after the last bite.
