Absolutely a horrible experience. We agreed to a contract. There were discrepancies in the contract so I asked her to adjust accordingly. She agreed to adjust however she removed the most important parts of the contract - she also did not give me clarity on how many hours I'm paying for with the agreed-upon price due to this she canceled the day before my event when I respectfully challenged the contract. I would not recommend her.
The alternative personal chef
In high demand
- 14 hires
- Based in Chicago, IL
- 3 years in business
- 2 employees
- Background checked
About The alternative personal chef
My focus is doing everything with intention, love, and passion — I never cut corners. I’m an extremely versatile chef with experience across a wide range of cuisines, from fine dining and global flavors to elevated comfort food and health-focused meals. I specialize in highly personalized menus and adapt seamlessly to different dietary needs, preferences, and event styles. My background includes experience with respected restaurants such as Nobu and Jaleo, as well as ongoing work with regular private clients. I’ve also had the privilege of working with high-profile clients, including Austin Booker of the Chicago Bears, and partnering with CASA on charitable events. Whether I’m cooking an intimate dinner or a larger event, clients can expect bold flavor, thoughtful execution, and a chef who truly cares about the full experience.
Reviews
Sarah was hired for an anniversary dinner and the food was awesome. She went above and behind for the special occasion and I highly recommend.
Overall Impression: Chef Sarah showcased a thoughtful approach to flavor balance, texture contrast, and cultural fusion. Each dish stood strongly on its own yet felt like part of a cohesive culinary vision. Freshness of ingredients, precise seasoning, and artful presentation made the experience memorable from start to finish. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Hamachi Crudo with Jalapeño and Ponzu The hamachi crudo was exceptionally fresh, with its natural buttery texture complemented by the bright acidity of the ponzu. The thinly sliced jalapeño added a clean, sharp heat that lingered pleasantly without overpowering the delicate fish. Garnished with sesame seeds and microgreens, the dish balanced umami, citrus, and spice with finesse. The light chili oil in the sauce provided an additional layer of warmth, enhancing each bite. Kimchi Risotto with Crispy Sea Bass Chip This dish offered a creative fusion of Korean and Italian influences. The kimchi risotto was rich and slightly creamy, with a vibrant, tangy heat from the fermented cabbage that cut through the richness. Each grain of rice retained a pleasant bite, and the seasoning was spot-on. The crispy sea bass chip, with its golden-brown exterior and tender flake inside, added a textural contrast and a mild, savory depth. Together, they created a harmonious blend of comfort and refinement. Crispy Pork Belly with Asian Herb Salad The pork belly delivered a satisfying crunch on the outside with melt-in-your-mouth layers. Its seasoning was restrained, allowing the natural pork flavor to shine. The accompanying Asian herb salad, featuring fresh greens, thinly sliced radish, and roasted peppers, offered brightness and freshness, cutting through the pork’s richness. The herbal notes, combined with a personalized dressing, made the dish balanced and refreshing despite the decadence of the protein. Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Caramel Popcorn & Doenjang Crumble The dessert was a standout for its originality. The sweet corn ice cream carried a subtle vegetal sweetness and creamy texture, while the caramel popcorn provided crunch and a deep, toasty caramel flavor. The doenjang crumble, with its fermented, slightly salty undertones, brought an unexpected savory note that elevated the dish into a sophisticated play on sweet-and-salty. The combination was both comforting and intriguing, leaving a lasting impression.
My partner and I had a wonderful experience cooking with chef Sarah at our home. The food was amazing (we made a few Spanish dishes) but more importantly we learned a lot of techniques that will absolutely up-level our own cooking game. Would highly recommend hiring her!
Chef Sarah created an a relaxed atmosphere with amazing food. She made a unique menu for us with at least one dish she'd never made before. The environment made us feel like we were having a personalized experience. Highly recommend.
My experience with Sara has been amazing. She is professional, intelligent, and compassionate. Her talent is incredible. The food never disappoints. Prices are more than fair. She listens and respects all of my dietary restrictions. Looking forward to continued collaboration. Highly recommend.
Amazing food! Fantastic laminated menus and a great flower arrangement that made the night special. All four courses (salad, appetizer, pasta, and dessert) were great. Picking out the menu was fun as well! Can’t recommend this chef higher.
This incredible chef helped to created an incredible night. Food was heavenly. A++++
We recently hired Chef Sarah to prepare an in-home private dinner for us, and it was an exceptional experience. With a newborn at home, we were looking for someone who would be professional, courteous, and accommodating, and Chef Sarah exceeded all expectations. She was incredibly communicative and made sure everything went smoothly. My wife is a huge fan of Asian cuisine, and Chef Sarah tailored the menu specifically to her tastes. The food was nothing short of incredible, with some dishes being among the best I’ve ever had. It was a truly memorable event, and I can't recommend Chef Sarah enough for anyone looking for a top-notch private dining experience.
I would like to Rave about Sarah. She helped make Mother’s Day for my family extra special. I was soo happy to have found her and on such short notice. I wanted to surprise my mom with a private chef experience for Mother’s Day and chef Sarah went above and beyond for our family! She made the most delicious meal and my mom loved everything. I would highly recommend her for all your special occasions. She will create a memorable experience for you. She’s highly professional, super talented and passionate in what she does. You can tell that she loves what she does by how she talks about food and the way everything tastes. I would give her 10 stars if i could!
Services
The alternative personal chef★ 4.7
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