His is Walmart heated up food he got me a store bought cake his food is not seasoned I don’t recommend him to no one
Joe Merchanthouse Private Chef
Great value
- 33 hires
- Based in Louisville, KY
- 30 years in business
- 1 employee
- Background checked
About Joe Merchanthouse Private Chef
CIA Chef | Tuscan–Southern Private Dinners, Bourbon Pairings & Chocolate Desserts — Louisville Hi, I'm Joe — cooking for you is my passion. I'm a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, a trained chocolatier, and a restaurant chef with 30 years in the industry, including three years living and working in Tuscany. I cook multi-course private dinners in your home, weekly meal prep built around your household, and chef-led catering for weddings and events — all from fresh, seasonal ingredients, with fine-dining technique. I love meeting new people and delivering food and service above and beyond expectations, in homes and venues all over Louisville. Tell me about your occasion and I'll put together a menu and a quote — I handle everything, from the shopping to leaving your kitchen spotless. Thank you, and buon appetito! Joe Wine & Bourbon Pairings available as an add-on — Wine +$45/person, Bourbon +$35/person, or both +$65/person, curated per course. I personally reply to every enquiry, usually within the hour. Dinner packages: The Tuscan–Southern Table — multi-course private dinners from $95/person ($250 minimum for two). The Bourbon-Paired Tasting — the same dinner with pairings curated per course, $130/person with bourbon, $140 with wine, $160 with both. The Chocolatier's Celebration — four courses with a chocolatier's finale, from $150/person. Wedding catering tiers: Buffet and drop-off from $18/person (cooked, delivered and set out — no on-site staff; $450 minimum order). Staffed buffet from $45/person. Chef-led plated service from $75/person. Events of 200+ guests quoted individually. Tastings available — $100 for two, credited in full when you book; choose 4–5 dishes from the sample menus. Small events & house parties: The House Party — passed bites and stations (mini hot browns, crispy polenta bites, caprese skewers) from $25/person, staffed. The Merchanthouse Promise: I cook everything to order and I'm in your kitchen all night. If something isn't to your liking, tell me while I'm there and I'll fix it on the spot — adjust it, remake it, or swap it for something you'll love. You hired a chef so you could relax; my job is to make sure you do.
Reviews
The service and quality of food Joe provides is top notch! He offered a large selection of meals to choose from to customize our menu. He was very responsive, accommodated our schedule, and created the most delicious meal for our KY Derby event! Will definitely be using his services again!!
Great experience! Food was enjoyed by all.
WOW! Joe was incredibly professional, polite, and an outstanding chef. He was so considerate of being in our home. He did all the dishes. When he left, there was no sight of him having cooked a delicious meal in our kitchen. Joe is worth it 100x over. Thank you!
Just a really bad experience. I really hate to leave a bad review but it was not worthy of the price. The food was what I would describe as heated up Costco frozen, minute rice, fatty meat. Zero presentation from the “Chef” and lack of confidence. I would not recommend this guy. He is not a Chef in my opinion.
Joe prepared all the food for a recent gathering I had of 70 people. The process of deciding on choices down to the delivery and set up was done with such ease and no stress. Joe delivered outstanding items and we received rave reviews. Would highly recommend him as the quality of food was incredible as was his service!
Joe was so relatable and took time to explain how he prepared food when asked. He worked with us to find a menu that was within our budget. I would definitely hire him again. Thanks Joe!!!
Chef Joe did a fabulous job…. the food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was very lovely.
Joe has already done one meal for us, and he blew the crowd out of the water! We asked for a simple sandwich and salad bar, and he did Italian subs with a delicious ricotta-based spread, roast beef and arugula sandwiches on poppy seed buns, then a barley, brown rice, pecan salad that was excellent, and to finish off strawberry white chocolate chip cookies. People were blown away and we are looking forward to many more meals with Chef Joe!
Joe is amazing! He hosted a dinner party for my friends and I while we were visiting Lexington. He is very accommodating, personable, and easy to work with. His professionalism is top notch and his food is delicious! Don’t hesitate to book Joe. You will not be disappointed!
Chef Joe was excellent to work. The food tasted amazing. The set up for the catering was work. Chef Joe is a great chef.
Amazing food and Chef Joe was amazing and made things so easy for us!
All of the food was phenomenal! The quality and creativity made for an exceptional experience. Will ask for his assistance again in the future. Wonderful experience!
I had contacted Joe to create a dinner for my father's birthday. From the initial response to the menu creation to the actual dinner itself, everything was flawless. My parents have food allergies and are a little bit high maintenance when it comes to their food, but Joe worked around every requirement and did not make me feel like I was asking for too much. Although I was not there for the actual dinner, my parents raved about how warm and personable Joe was and have not stopped talking about how good the food was! My parents are looking for an excuse to plan another dinner so they can use Joe's skills again!
Services
Joe Merchanthouse Private Chef★ 4.8
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