Meet Chef Damien: The Heart of Private Club Dining in San Francisco

Private clubs are often defined by experiences: the people, the amenities, and the food. Each piece works in harmony to entice members. When prospective members ask us about the Metropolitan Club menu, we only need to say three words: Executive Chef Damien.

Lynn Jacobs, our communications chair, caught up with Chef Damien after a recent ingredient run to Japantown. Damien isn’t afraid to venture far for the right ingredients.

“I needed a few ingredients for tonight’s miso soup,” Damien said. “I want everything to be just right.”

Damien’s Path to Private Club Dining

Damien has dedicated his career to making “everything just right.” He planted his first backyard garden at the age of four. At 12, he was catching fish, cleaning them, and then cooking a full fish dinner for his family. At 15, he worked at a restaurant as a dishwasher, advancing to prep cook and then line cook.

He eventually landed a private club dining job in Napa Valley, at the Silverado Country Club. From there, he pivoted to the premier restaurant/hotel space, serving as executive chef for Yoshi's San Francisco, Bourbon & Beef Oakland, Embassy Suites in Napa Valley, and the Chase Center.

After working in the premier restaurant space, he felt a call back to private club dining–which led him to apply for the Metropolitan Club’s executive chef position in Fall 2023.

“I wanted to be back in a club atmosphere, and I had a feeling I would get a call about this job,” Damien said. “I was very impressed, especially with all the history,” he added, after taking a tour of the clubhouse.

Creating an Evolving Menu

Since joining the club, Damien has had the chance to roll up his sleeves and work to create what he calls a “structured food program,” involving a consistent but evolving menu. He knows that he must earn the trust of the Members, learn their likes and dislikes, and offer a range of fine dining and comfort food options.

He welcomes the challenge–and it doesn’t faze him.

"You know how you tell your kids to find a job that doesn’t feel like a job?” he asked. “I have that job."

Members have already noticed Chef Damien’s commitment to his craft.

"The presentation, food, as well the staff’s attentiveness to my guests was exquisite,” said one Member. “Their professionalism and attention to detail were par excellence. I had the opportunity to personally compliment Chef Damien. Again, thank you for providing a most memorable evening."

Discover more about Chef Damien and his private club dining experience or contact our Membership team if you’d like more information!