your personal chef

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food” - Paul Prudhomme

Private CHEF SERVICES

My career as a private chef serving a variety of clients on land and sea has spanned decades. Now, I want to bring my knowledge and experience to work for you and your family. Whether you need someone to create a special dinner or cocktail party experience, or simply want someone to design and prepare weekly recurring meals, my personal chef services are designed to make your life easier.

PRIVATE DINING

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” - Giada De Laurentiis. If you are planning a special event or celebration, allow me to provide a completely stress-free dining experience that allows you to enjoy your guests. I will create and serve an in-home meal that will “wow” your senses and make your occasion one to remember.

MEAL PLANNING

Have a busy schedule? Hate to cook? Perhaps you have elderly family members who need conveniently scheduled meals? Let me do the worrying about “What’s for dinner”?

My meal planning service allows me to create nourishing meals based upon your preferences and dietary needs, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I do the planning, grocery shopping, food preparation and cooking. All you need to do is bring your appetite! (In-home cooking, or pre-arranged local delivery or pick-up is available for meal plans).

Chef Susan Balok

Chef Susan Balok

ABOUT CHEF SUSAN

I am a culinary-trained chef who has been practicing my craft steadily for a variety of clients. After graduating with honors from Johnson & Wales, I set out on “my adventures in cooking” which have taken me to kitchens all over the Atlantic seaboard and Caribbean Ocean. Now that I have settled in Asheville, NC, I’m excited to bring my skills and creativity to your table. Cooking is my passion.

in-home Cooking Lessons

Private cooking lessons are a great way to gain confidence in the kitchen, or simply share the experience of creating great food in your own kitchen. Each session will be hands-on, with knowledge sharing and easy-to-follow demonstrations. My in-home cooking lessons will enable you to:

  • learn new techniques that make cooking easier, more efficient and enjoyable,

  • try a new cuisine or a special recipe you would like to master,

  • incorporate special dietary needs into your own cooking, or

  • pass along the joy of cooking with your own family and friends - make it an occasion!

For best learning experience, cooking lessons are limited to 1-6 persons per session.

 

Special dietary needs available

I’ve discovered through years of experience that being on a special diet doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy a great meal. Whether you have food allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure, need gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan dishes, or are just plain picky about what you eat, I can restore your ability to have savory and sweet delights at your table.

All dietary needs will be discussed during initial menu consultation to ensure your health needs are met. All menus can be customized to provide gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or any health-related requirements.