I create signature dining experiences that blend technique, creativity, and cultures—so every table feels truly memorable.

Aura Maria Medina Merchan

I design personal, culture-inspired menus with refined technique and a creative signature.

I’m a professionally trained chef whose culinary journey began at 19 in Argentina, and it has grown into a life of cooking, learning, and discovering flavors across different countries and cultures. I’ve worked in Spain with Asturian cuisine and traditional paellas, completed an internship in France at Aubergue del Ady, and built high-level experience in Bogotá and Punta Cana.

I hold diplomas in Gastronomic Management, International Cuisine, and Culinary Administration, which helps me combine creativity, technical precision, and organization in every experience I deliver. I also bring a strong coffee culture to my table—my barista and latte-art training sharpened my focus on flavor, detail, and presentation, and I especially love elevating vegetables in unexpected, delicious ways.

Plan my experience

I believe cooking with love—and working with quality ingredients—is the key to an exceptional final result.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with love and all five senses in mind

For me, cooking is love, connection, sharing, and enjoying flavors—it’s the doorway to all the senses, and I bring that intention to every dish I serve.

I keep learning everywhere I cook

I learn from everyone around me, and from every place I take a piece in my heart and in my knowledge—those experiences shape my technique, my curiosity, and my creativity.

I let quality and care guide every decision

I focus on cooking with love and choosing quality products, because that’s how I consistently achieve a result that feels truly exceptional.

Aura Maria’s Menus

I offer complete, curated menus inspired by the cuisines I’ve cooked and studied—Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, French, and Japanese—crafted as a cohesive experience from starters to dessert.

Request my menus

Stories and testimonials

Chef Aura was amazing! From start to finish every dish was authentic and flavorful! Will always recommend!

Yarini Garcia

Chef Aura was AMAZING. We took a large trip to the Dominican and she was able to stay with us and feed us the entire time. The food was nothing but spectacular. I don’t know how I took a trip without one before, especially with the service I received. She was very flexible to any changes we had and was the nicest person to work with.

Cheyenne Pointer

Excelente profesional, muy amable, servicial, la comida estuvo excelente, muy detallista, la recomiendo al 100% valió la pena cada plato de los que preparo.

Samantha Bourdierd

Chef Aura was absolutely phenomenal! Every course she prepared was a culinary masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. She truly exceeded all of my expectations. I’m already looking forward to my next trip — we’ll definitely be booking her again without hesitation!

Jesslie Ramos

Chef Aura Maria was incredibly polite, always wearing a warm smile. Her attention to detail and accommodating nature were truly impressive. Her professionalism and thorough preparation made planning and executing my husband's birthday surprise effortless and seamless.

Tiffini Bey

Our experience with Chef Aura in Cabarete, Dominican Republic was incredible. The food was delicious and the portion sizes were generous. All ingredients were fresh. Would highly recommend!

Katrina Thiessen

We were a little hesitant at using this service given we live in a different country and didn’t know what to expect but our chef exceeded our expectations by 100%! There are a few picky eaters in our group but she make everything to our liking and the portions were perfect everytime. She made everything from scratch which we were amazed at, even the most delicious coconut ice cream we have ever experienced. Food was always on time of our expectations nice and fresh. They had great personalities even with the language barrier we were able to joke and laugh with them. I am so happy we decided to go through with having a chef for the time we did. We were so sad when she left us! We will absolutely request her again if we are in that area again or recommend someone who is! Thank you again for your service!

Charvel Redd

Chef Aura fue increíble. Hizo nuestro aniversario muy especial y inolvidable. Llegó a tiempo, dejó la cocina bien limpia, y para colmo cocinó la comida más rica que hemos probado en la vida. Esperamos hacer esta experiencia de nuevo.

Hannah Barham de Fulgencio

My chef was punctual and informative. Overall best experience I’ve had.

Kenya Briscoe

Chef Aura Medina was great all around, and her staff were lovely.

Jacob Sims

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private chef experience with Chef Aura Maria cost?

The average menu price for Chef Aura Maria is 4481 DOP per person. Final pricing may vary depending on the menu, number of guests, and event details.

What type of cuisine does Chef Aura Maria cook?

Chef Aura Maria offers Chef's special, Mediterranean, Italian, Fusion, French and Japanese cuisine for private dining experiences.

Where does Chef Aura Maria offer private chef services?

Chef Aura Maria offers private chef services in Pimentel, DO.

Which occasions can I book Chef Aura Maria for?

You can book Chef Aura Maria for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night, Corporate and Foodie adventure, depending on availability and the event details.

How do I book this private chef experience?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Take a Chef team will help confirm the experience with the chef.

I’d love to cook for you—reach out and let’s plan your next meal.

[email protected]
+1 8293046521

Kissimmee, Florida

Chef Aura Maria Medina Merchan