Job Description

PRIVATE CHEF

Atherton, California | Full-Time

A wonderful private family in Atherton is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Private Chef to join their household culinary team and work collaboratively alongside their existing Chef.

The Principals appreciate clean, fresh, globally inspired cuisine, with a particular emphasis on healthy Asian cooking. They are seeking a Chef who can consistently produce high-end, restaurant-quality meals with exceptional flavor, beautiful presentation and an emphasis on fresh, organic and exceptionally high-quality ingredients.

The family's preference is for food that is refined yet approachable—beautifully executed without being unnecessarily complicated, overly rich or heavy. The successful candidate should understand how to create sophisticated everyday meals that are health-conscious, vibrant, flavorful and satisfying while maintaining the standards of an excellent restaurant.

A strong international culinary repertoire is essential. The ideal Chef will be particularly confident preparing Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines, while also being highly proficient in fresh Mediterranean, Italian and contemporary California-style cooking. An understanding of authentic flavors, ingredients and techniques across these cuisines is highly desirable.

The Chef should also be comfortable adapting menus for special dietary requirements, health-conscious preferences and changing family needs without sacrificing flavor, quality or presentation.

Culinary Responsibilities

• Prepare exceptional breakfast, lunch and/or dinner service as required by the household schedule
• Create fresh, healthy and beautifully presented daily meals
• Develop thoughtful menus based on the family's preferences, schedules and dietary requirements
• Prepare a broad range of international cuisines with particular strength in Asian cuisine
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques
• Prepare fresh Mediterranean, Italian and California-inspired cuisine
• Source and utilize the highest-quality seasonal, organic and locally available ingredients whenever possible
• Maintain consistency in taste, quality, portioning and presentation
• Create meals that are sophisticated and restaurant-quality while remaining appropriate for everyday family dining
• Accommodate special diets, allergies and nutritional preferences as required
• Adjust menus based on the family's changing schedules, entertaining needs and preferences
• Maintain awareness of current culinary trends, ingredients and healthy cooking techniques
• Prepare thoughtful meals for family members and guests with varying tastes and dietary requirements
• Assist with intimate entertaining, dinner parties and special occasions as required
• Plate and present food beautifully and consistently
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the family's likes, dislikes and evolving culinary preferences

Kitchen Management

The successful candidate will take pride not only in the food they prepare but also in maintaining an immaculate, exceptionally organized private kitchen.

Responsibilities will include:

• Shopping and sourcing exceptional-quality ingredients
• Selecting the freshest produce, seafood, meats and specialty products
• Maintaining pantry, refrigerator and freezer inventories
• Restocking household food and kitchen supplies
• Monitoring expiration dates, freshness and product rotation
• Maintaining appropriate par levels while minimizing unnecessary waste
• Keeping refrigerators, freezers, pantries, drawers and storage areas exceptionally clean and organized
• Properly storing and labeling all ingredients and prepared foods
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation and hygiene
• Washing dishes, cookware, kitchen equipment and culinary tools as part of the daily kitchen routine
• Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation and cooking areas after service
• Ensuring the kitchen is left immaculate, organized and fully reset at the end of each working day
• Properly caring for high-end kitchen equipment, appliances and specialty culinary tools

Team & Household Collaboration

This is a collaborative culinary position supporting an existing Private Chef. The successful candidate must be comfortable working as part of a team and maintaining continuity in the family's culinary program.

The Chef should communicate effectively regarding menus, purchasing, inventory, family preferences and kitchen organization so that service remains seamless regardless of which Chef is working.

We are seeking someone with a low-ego, team-oriented mentality who respects an established household and culinary program while bringing their own creativity, knowledge and expertise to the position.

When covering the existing Chef's days off, this individual should be completely confident taking ownership of the culinary needs of the household and maintaining the same exceptional standards of food, service and kitchen organization.

Schedule

This is a full-time position supporting the family's existing Chef.

The schedule will include Sunday plus one additional weekday to provide coverage for the existing Chef's regular days off. Flexibility will be important based on the family's schedule, entertaining and household needs.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a talented and passionate culinary professional who understands the unique balance required in a private household. They will know how to produce exceptional food consistently while remaining flexible, discreet and responsive to the family's preferences.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Highly skilled in clean, healthy and globally inspired cuisine
• Particularly strong in Asian cuisines and flavors
• Experienced within high-end private households and/or exceptional restaurant environments
• Creative without overcomplicating food
• Health-conscious and knowledgeable about special dietary requirements
• Excellent at menu planning and adapting to individual preferences
• Highly organized and meticulous about kitchen cleanliness
• Skilled in sourcing exceptional ingredients
• Calm and efficient under pressure
• Professional, discreet and respectful of the family's privacy
• Flexible and adaptable
• Collaborative and comfortable working alongside another Chef
• Proactive and able to manage the kitchen independently when required
• Consistent in both culinary execution and presentation
• Passionate about hospitality and creating an exceptional dining experience

Excellent, verifiable professional references are required.

A generous compensation package is offered, commensurate with experience.

Please submit your resume for immediate and confidential consideration.