Have Chef, Will Travel
The best private chefs in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and more
Whether you're planning a simple soiree in San Francisco or an all-out bash in New York City, one of these chefs can make your culinary dreams come true. From intimate cocktail parties to a sit-down dinner for 20 of your closest friends, here's who's got you covered, city by city.
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Chef David Kirschner, formerly Tasting Table's executive chef, has cooked at such respected restaurants as Bar Boulud. He takes his years of restaurant experience to craft elegant, seasonal dishes with a personal touch.
Fill out a basic online form (including information on your favorite foods, any allergies or restrictions, the location of the event) and founder Jill Donenfeld and her team will match you with one of their vetted chefs who will work with you on every detail of your event.
Kitchit connects you with working chefs (from James Beard Foundation Award winners to alums of The French Laundry) to create in-home dining experiences, where the chefs shop, cook and clean up for you.
With operations around the globe, Eatwith works with chefs in multiple cities and focuses on local, sustainable, organic ingredients for its twist on the dinner party. And you can host the event in your own home—or in the chef's.
Henderiks demonstrates phenomenal range, from beef brisket to full vegan menus, and is known for her ability to really understand her client's dietary requirements and wishes.
With her French training and gorgeous plating, Goldin specializes in beautiful, refined tasting menus and the like.
Fahr relies heavily on area farmers' markets and local butchers to source the best of the Southern California bounty, from sustainably raised meats and nut oils to produce at its peak (persimmons, dates, morels, asparagus).
Lisa Schoen
As Derek Jeter's private chef for years, Schoen specializes in healthy, high-protein diets and focuses on clean food packed with flavor but without a lot of added butter or sugar.
chefbyday@gmail.com or 516-445-3235
At a dinner party, appearances count. Haute Chefs L.A. focuses on high-quality ingredients through close relationships with farmers and delivers turnkey service with unparalleled style.
Dahlia Abrams
Abrams strives to provide balance with texture and flavor. She specializes in healthy, kid-friendly meals.
dahliaabrams@gmail.com or 248-840-5064
Chef Brigitte Theriault shops often in the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and at nearby Happy Boy Farms to produce healthy, rustic comfort foods with a global perspective.
This domestic staffing agency, in addition to its full-time services, offers chef placements for single events.
John Hagedorn
Hagedorn formerly worked under Top Chef alum Dale Levitski but now cooks up a storm for private clients around Chicago.
773-332-7315
Healthy eating comes first with Basil Personal Chef, which works with producers to source organic, pesticide-free, hormone-free ingredients.
Chef Virginie Leplus brings the tropical flavors of South Florida to life with French, Asian and Latin influences.
Maier prides himself on getting you whatever you might want or need while on vacation, whether that's house-made pasta for a small dinner or a kilo of caviar.
Chef Sarah Mandell offers a range of services from stocking the fridge of your vacation rental in Aspen or Snowmass to intimate dinners for two to holiday meals.
This Aspen and Snowmass one-stop shop handles everything from groceries and meal service for a week to cooking classes to sit-down dinners and cocktail parties.