Get to Know Chef David Pan

Meet the man behind our culinary creations at Orange Beach Concierge: Chef David Pan. An award-winning chef trained in classical French cuisine, Chef Pan has had a long career creating great food and exceptional dining experiences for the people around him. He brings that same passion to our clients in coastal Alabama, using his talents to prepare mouthwatering dishes, boutique catering, custom dining events and flavorful experiences.

Chef Pan was born and raised in the Midwest, where his culinary journey began. Inspired by the likes of Julia Child and Auguste Escoffier, he chose to study French cooking methods at Le Cordon Bleu Mendota Heights, one of the most prestigious culinary institutes in the world. After graduating, Chef Pan began his culinary career at W.A. Frost in St. Paul under legendary Chef Russell Kline.

His culinary talents continued to flourish as he worked under notable chefs at elite establishments, including the invite-only Minneapolis Club and the James Beard-Awarded Gustavus Inn. Fate called when Chef met and married a Gulf Coast girl, and he relocated his life and culinary endeavors to Orange Beach in 2013. Now firmly planted on the Alabama Gulf Coast, “I set my sights on introducing my wife’s hometown to the French cooking methods and the classic culinary techniques I love,” he remembers.

Although not an Alabama native, Chef quickly made a name for himself along the Gulf Coast. He has won numerous awards and accolades in the area, including Best Flavor at The Wharf Uncorked Wine + Food Festival and First Place at the 11th Annual National Shrimp Festival Restaurant Challenge, a culinary competition for Gulf Coast Chefs. Together with his wife and business partner, he founded DMP Hospitality Group, a boutique culinary group that includes Orange Beach Concierge, The Pantry at The Wharf, and The Liquor Cabinet.

Chef Pan can often be found in the kitchen working on delectable dishes for lovers of great food. He provides daily meal options and pre-made family dinners at The Pantry, where visitors come to find upscale provisions and good food to go. He is also a talented personal chef, creating exquisite dining experiences that give guests a sense of home with carefully curated menus and personal one-on-one service.

“Being part of families who are getting back together to break bread and enjoy each other’s company is always a pleasure,” he says about his personal chef experiences. “I always try to add something special to their meal by asking about their favorite dish or dessert and incorporating it into the evening.”
When he isn’t cooking or serving our clients, Chef Pan enjoys traveling with his wife, playing golf, and catching live music shows. And he’s always on the hunt for a great slice of pizza, which he says “is harder to find than you’d think!”