Life & Work with David Salgado of Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Salgado.

Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I learned to cook from both of my grandmothers while growing up in Bogotá. Watching them cook taught me that food is memory, care, and respect for ingredients. Those early moments shaped my understanding of cooking long before it became a profession.
I later studied culinary arts in Colombia, where I worked alongside Michelin-recognized chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, an experience that strengthened my technical foundation while keeping me connected to culture and emotion. Growing up in the capital exposed me to regional Colombian products and flavors from across the country, shaping a deep appreciation for local sourcing.
That foundation followed me to Los Angeles, where working with Michelin-starred chef Timothy Hollingsworth helped refine my approach to modern California cuisine. MKTO grew from that journey, creating intimate private dinners and personalized events that go beyond the plate, blending local California ingredients with subtle Colombian and South American influences, and a strong sense of hospitality..

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. The food industry is demanding. The long hours, physical work, missing important moments, and being away from home are part of the reality. Moving from Colombia to California was a huge change, both personally and professionally, and adapting to a new culture while learning from some of the best chefs required humility and resilience.
Building a business while staying true to my food philosophy hasn’t been easy. But, when you see the emotion at the table when guests feel genuinely cared for and satisfied, it gives meaning to every sacrifice. In those moments, everything feels worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of MKTO, a private chef brand focused on creating personalized food experiences shaped entirely around each client. My work centers on private dinners, custom events, and hands-on cooking classes, where food becomes both an experience and a shared moment.
What defines my cooking is the balance between culture and technique. I bring subtle Colombian and South American influences into my cuisine, combined with the discipline, precision, and creativity I developed through fine-dining and restaurant experience. That approach allows the food to feel refined while remaining personal and approachable.
What I’m most proud of is creating experiences that connect people, whether around a table or in the kitchen. What sets MKTO apart is that no two experiences are the same; each one is designed to reflect the guest, guided by emotion, culture, and thoughtful execution.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Bringing a different culture to Los Angeles isn’t always easy, especially through food. But when guests experience it with an open mind, when they taste it, connect with it, and feel the intention behind it, they fall in love. Those moments of discovery and connection are what keep me inspired and remind me why I do this.

Pricing:

• basic experience 150 per person
• cooking class 140 per person
• Private chef per day 650

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mkto.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkto.la/