Elevate Culinary Experience with a Personal Chef in Santa Barbara

I offer elevated culinary experiences tailored to the needs of private clients. From small gatherings to ongoing household service, my focus is on precision, reliability, and food that is both thoughtful and deeply satisfying.

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About Chef Ben

I became a chef after retiring from a 14-year ballet career. During my final year of dancing while already living in New York I enrolled in culinary school with the clear intention of entering the private chef world.

Growing up, the heart of the house was the kitchen where food, remedies, serious conversations, laughter, and experimentation took place. Setting the table was a ritual. While I enjoyed toys like any child, I was drawn to helping my mother choose the china, silver, glassware, and linens, and to seeing how small details could shape a memorable occasion.

That early exposure shaped my understanding of hospitality as something intentional and considered. Carried forward through years of ballet training, it shapes how I work today: quietly, precisely, and with deep respect for the table and the people gathered around it.

MY PROMISE

Culinary Excellence — Every Time.

Every experience is carefully planned, precisely carried out, and presented with calm, confident attention to detail. Much like a ballet performance, there is only one moment to get it right and I approach every engagement with that same discipline and care.

Your Table Center Stage

Based primarily in Santa Barbara, I provide full-service culinary experiences for clients who value discretion, professionalism, and thoughtful execution. From intimate dinners to meticulously planned events, every detail from the menu to the presentation is carefully considered and tailored to your tastes.

Availability for special events is limited, ensuring that every engagement receives my full attention and care.

More Than A Chef

My services extend beyond the kitchen. In addition to daily meals and event dining, I curate gatherings and provide etiquette and protocol coaching for children, teens, and adults. Clients receive not just a chef, but a steady, informed presence who understands rhythm, refinement, and how a household functions at its best.

A Thougtful Beginning

For clients interested in working together, tastings are offered as a quiet introduction to my approach. They are intentionally simple, focused, and reflective of how I cook day to day—allowing you to experience the food, the pacing, and the care behind it.

Your Table, Reimagined

Every household has its own rhythm, tastes, and traditions. I create menus that honor that individuality, blending fresh ingredients, international influences, and health-focused precision into each meal. Every plate is an opportunity to elevate what dining means in your home.

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Discretion

I work exclusively with clients who value discretion, refinement, and excellence. My presence is calm and unobtrusive, allowing you and your guests to feel comfortable, well cared for, and at ease.

Focused Service

My work is designed to support your life, not complicate it. Meals, events, and ongoing service are handled with clarity and care, so your time and attention remain where they belong.

A Trusted Presence

Long-term relationships are at the core of my work. Over time, I come to understand your preferences, rhythms, and expectations allowing the experience to feel seamless, natural, and consistently refined.

Frequently Asked Question

If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us directly — we're always happy to assist!

1.⁠ ⁠What services do you provide?

I offer full-service private chef experiences, including daily family dining, weekly meal preparation, curated gatherings, private dinner parties, and etiquette and protocol coaching for children, teens, and adults. From multi-course tasting menus to carefully planned events, I handle every aspect so you and your guests can relax and enjoy each occasion.

2.⁠ ⁠Do you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Whether plant-based, gluten-free, performance-focused, or highly specific preferences, I create meals that align with your goals without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

3.⁠ ⁠Where do you serve clients?

I am based in Santa Barbara and primarily serve households in Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, Montecito, Ojai, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades. I am available to travel for select events, with limited availability to ensure each engagement receives my full attention.

4.⁠ ⁠How many guests do you typically cook for?

For regular engagements, I work with intimate gatherings of up to 24 guests. This allows me to maintain a high level of focus and care throughout the experience.

5.⁠ ⁠Do you work with groups larger than 24 guests?

While my regular work centers on smaller gatherings, I do accept a limited number of larger events each year. These are carefully scheduled to ensure the same level of attention and refinement.