Services
As a personal chef, I plan creative, individual menus according to the client’s likes and needs. I shop for the highest quality ingredients and prepare full dinners that are packaged and stored in the client’s refrigerator or freezer, ready in minutes for their enjoyment. Among the benefits are healthy, tasty meals that meet individual preferences and health needs.
I also cook privately for gourmet dinner parties almost every weekend. This is an on-site preparation and service of 5 Star dining. Clients are in heaven and have a great evening !
About the Chef
My background includes:
BS from the University of Maryland ( Business Admin ) and an MS from Norwich University in Vermont. I am a graduate of the Culinary Business Academy, USPCA, and am a USPCA certified Personal Chef. I have my HACCP certification ( food handling and safety) from the Certifying Board of Dietary Managers.
My culinary career started in in Washington D.C. in the 1980s as a chef and restaurant manager for several high end establishments. After I continued cooking - plus perfected every other skill needed to work in the restaurant industry - I moved to Vermont and worked at various ski resorts.
Cooking continued to be an avocation even when I worked in the computer industry; actually, one of my best decisions was to take a break from the computer industry and go full steam ahead with my passion to being a private chef.
I have cooked for more than twenty families from Newport Coast, to Lido Island, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. In addition, I had the responsibility of being the Head Chef at Beau Monde Programs, an Executive Renewal Program in Laguna Beach where all of the cooking was done on site. Most of the clients were celebrities and other high profile people who had meals prepared according to specific dietary restrictions and/ or personal preferences.
Since I am always upgrading my skills, I have attended - and continue to attend - culinary and Cordon Bleu classes in Italy and other European countries. My food specialties are Asian Pan-Pacific and Italian cuisine - I even use secret family recipes from my Italian grandmother !
frequently asked questions
What is a Personal Chef Service?
As a personal chef, I plan creative, individual menus according to the client’s likes and needs. I shop for the highest quality ingredients and prepare full dinners that can be offered in two ways:
1- meals that are packaged and stored in the client’s refrigerator or freezer, which are ready in minutes for their enjoyment. Among the benefits are healthy, tasty meals that meet individual preferences and health needs.
2 - gourmet dinner parties which are on-site preparation with cuisine and personal service better than 5 Star dining. This option includes serving the meals and all clean-up. You do nothing but enjoy the meal !
What if I am trying to lose weight or am on a special diet?
I can accommodate any dietary need through a special request.
What areas do you service?
Most of my clients are local to the Huntington Beach area. I have cooked for over twenty families from Newport Coast to Lido Island to Seal Beach but I also have serviced clients in Palos Verdes and San Clemente.
How are prices determined?
An hourly rate plus food costs
Contact Barry at: BarrysHomeCooking@Verizon.Net
714-318-2807 or 714-374-8928