Earlier this month I received the unfortunate news that a chef startup that had recruited me back in 2013 is ending its operation in Southern California. Their business idea didn’t quite fit the geographically dispersed LA footprint, so they’ve decided to focus solely on NYC where they’ve been seeing a lot of success.

I have to admit, I genuinely enjoyed working with them. Not only did they match me with a good number of awesome jobs that allowed me to meet some amazing people that I would have not met otherwise, but it was also a fantastic business experience. I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for people of many different lifestyles and demographics all across Southern California, which gave me an outlook on what people like and what they want to eat on special occasions, which is commonly unrelated to where and how they live.

Over the course of two years, the startup’s concept evolved several times, eventually landing on a prefixed, four-course family-style dinner menu, charging $50 per person for parties of 6 to 16. I wanted to keep up with contemporary trends, so I designed numerous, creative menus but I also introduced my personal interpretations of American classic, culinary themes.

When I summarized all my menu orders, it was clear that four of them were top sellers. My number one menu, that absolutely beat all others, was inspired by a traditional, American steakhouse dinner— four courses, family style, with Filet Mignon roast as the star. I guess meat and potatoes really never go out of style!

Anyway, take a look at these four menus and let me know if you’d like me to cook one of them for you!