Best Private Chefs 2015 In New York City, Los Angeles And More
A guide to the top private chefs in the U.S.
The guest list is out. Linens have been chosen. Now who's making all the food? You don't need to sweat it with all these fantastic private chefs around the country to choose from.
Leave it to the professionals.
New York
dineDK: An alum of Boulud Sud, Per Se, the Mina Group and Tasting Table's Test Kitchen and Dining Room, chef David Kirschner creates custom, memorable dining experiences, relying on fresh market ingredients and his years in the kitchen.
Maia Pearl Catering: Catering vet Sasha Odnoralov specializes in French, Asian, Middle Eastern and vegetarian cuisine for intimate gatherings and big blown-out weddings, as well as hands-on cooking classes.
Kitchensurfing: This start-up's mantra is "Everyone can have a personal chef," and it makes it happen with an easy-to-use online booking tool, where you can browse chefs' menus and book up to a week in advance or the same day.
Phoebe Lapine: Lapine wears multiple hats—cookbook author, culinary instructor, caterer and blogger—and she can whip up meals for quick reheating at home, as well as catered special events.
Los Angeles
Paella Project: Happiness is one giant pan of flavorful paella prepared by chef Adriana Morera, and your guests will agree. Piping hot and visually stunning, it's perfect for any wedding or rehearsal dinner.
LA Food Works: If you've got guests who want to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, these cooking party experts are for you. Instructors lead guests through the seasonally inspired menu, perfect for the cooking-averse.
Danila Cuisine: Genoa-born Danila Angileri brings a bit of her pesto-slathered homeland to your kitchen or next private event, but made with local ingredients.
Courtney Howerton: Howerton channels her fashion-industry background to make her bright, elegant dishes, which can be tailored to any dietary restrictions or preferences and event type.
Tiny empanadas from Paella Project | Photo: Courtesy of Paella Project
Chicago
Silver Plum: Chef Elizabeth Prewitt isn't into cookie-cutter menus. For any finger food nibbles, weeknight dinner or special event, she makes each one personalized and catered to your personality.
The Culinistas: Gluten-free, vegan, raw and macrobiotic food lovers, rejoice. From catering to big groups to crafting satisfying meals, this online culinary consultant has services in New York City and Los Angeles as well.
Chef on the Run: Culinary Institute of America alum Colin Mauthe does corporate events or dinner at home, prepared on-site or saved in the freezer for later.
Crying Onion: Chef Andrew Spear and his team don't take themselves too seriously, but they do take their seasonal menus and cooking to please any client's dislikes (no cilantro, less sodium, whatever) seriously.
San Francisco
The Heirloom Chef: Chef Maggie Lawson infuses flavor and nutrition into her comfort food-focused cooking, adapting to the seasons and any dietary restrictions.
The Mindful Feast: Organic and sustainability are chef Komoot Ngaojutha's schtick, and it comes in the health-focused menus that will win any weeknight dinner, cooking class session or big banquet.
EatWith: Chefs bring you into their kitchen in this private chef club, where you can dig into unique, all-inclusive menus. They'll also host a pop-up just for you and your guests with simple online booking. Aside from Chicago, the service is available in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and even abroad.
Thomas John Events: The expert chefs on this experienced wedding planning team rely on their own farms and rooftop garden for hyper-local, incredibly fresh ingredients for your big bash.
RELATED Menu Planning, Demystified "
Miami
YieldingSeed: This family-owned catering business cooks with self-improvement in mind and ease of use for you. Simply order whichever health-focused meals you want online in one click, and you're done.
Savoir-Faire: Everything is made fresh the day of your dining event under chef Virginie Leplus, and her culinary influence is international, ranging from Asian to French.
Basil Personal Chef: Brazilian chef Stella Giraldella gives a wide array of catering options from corporate events to fitness-focused meals for those on a diet.
The Naked Bite: Private cooking classes, kitchen organizing and tailored catered dishes are on the menu for chef Amber Antonelli.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Plate & Platter: Becka Brown will handle dinner and the dishes, whether you're relying on the Daniel Boulud alum for personal chef help, dinner parties or cooking classes.
The Blissful & Fit Chef: Wellness is at the forefront of Christy Morgan's educational cooking boutique, whether it's in the form of a monthlong juice cleanse menu or hands-on cooking classes.
Seven Loaves Catering & Events: Rustic, modern, outdoor, barbecue—this catering firm can tackle any occasion based on size, dietary restrictions and clients' whims.
My Private Chef: Chef Skye Davis melds her CrossFit certification with food for her online catering company, so you can get nutritional meals at the touch of a button.