Chef Joanna Ruckenstein

Private Chef in Montreal

I've cooked for professional photography shoots, private dinners, all sorts of parties, weddings, and delivered desserts all over Montreal on a weekly basis for 25 years. My current focus is farm to table cuisine, with a focus on fresh food prepared with creativity & a touch of decadence. My mission is to show people that taking care of your body by eating well can taste orgasmic!!

I learned to cook with my mom, ITHQ cooking school in Montreal and during my travels in the Caribbean, US, Europe, Asia, Australia

For me, cooking is...

Passion, a wild experience and super exciting as the inspiration from my heart is translated to my client's plate!

I learned to cook at...

My mom ITHQ cooking school in Montreal My travels in the Caribbean, US, Europe, Asia, Australia

A cooking secret...

Fresh herbs, and the rest is a secret!!

My menus

From Italy with Love

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled squid toast, marinated artichokes, lemon, olives, parsley

Fresh oysters, 3 sauces, lemon, freshly grated horseradish

Tuna carpaccio, soy & warm extra virgin olive oil, fried rosemary, Kalamata olive toast

Antipasto platter- assorted charcuteries, fresh mozzarella, figs, summer honey, focaccia, pistachios

Seared foie gras, brioche, seasonal jam

Pizza with grilled mushrooms, oregano, aged parmesan & Comte, caramelized onions

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fennel salad, pistachio, chives

Rigatoni, veal sausage, fennel, light tomato sauce, pecorino

Mixed greens, marinated artichokes, buttermilk dressing, dill, tarragon, chives, crispy pancetta

Fresh linguine, shrimp, clams, mussels, white wine, tomato

Homemade pappardelle, broccoli rabe, pecorino, garlic

Garlic shrimp or lobster, salsa verde, pumpkin seeds, Thai chili

Homemade spinach & ricotta gnocchi, parm broth, corn, aged parm

Linguine cacio e pepe, truffle

Homemade whipped ricotta, romesco sauce

Asparagus risotto, chanterelles, crispy pancetta, mascarpone

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled rib steak, puttanesca butter, roasted potatoes OR fries

Baked Mediterranean sea bass in salt crust, salsa verde, farro with herb oil, lemon zest

Veal ossobuco, red wine sauce, risotto alla milanese with confit garlic, gremolata

Veal chop milanese, grana padano sauce, salad

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roasted banana cheesecake, caramel sauce, macadamia nuts, almond butter crunch toffee

Olive oil cake, citrus, mascarpone creme fraiche, blueberries & Port

Tiramisù chocolate dipped cherries, homemade Ferrero Rocher

Roasted fruit, mascarpone, basil-balsamic syrup

Dark chocolate lava cake, coffee ice cream

Tiramisu cheesecake, Valrhona-Baileys chocolate sauce, fresh berries

Strawberry rhubarb crostata, homemade strawberry ice cream

Tacos from around the world

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Chorizo, spinach & gruyere quesadillas

Red snapper ceviche, sweet potato, cilantro, chile

Cucumber gaspacho, mint, cilantro, garlic breadcrumbs, lime creme fraiche

Scallop carpaccio, avocado cream, basil, mint, tortilla chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Crispy fish tacos, tomatillos, guacamole, jamòn

Grilled vegetable tacos, romesco, queso fresco

Slow cooked lamb adobo tacos, jalapenños, feta

Jerk chicken or pork tacos, pickled onions, mango slaw

East Indian butter chicken tacos, crispy cauliflower, raita

Grilled lobster tacos, crab salad

Korean fried chicken tacos, pickled daikon, pear

Beef kebab tacos, tomato salsa, tahini yogurt sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Paella- Giant shrimp, lobster & mussels, chorizo, herbed rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cinnamon churros, Mexican spiced chocolate sauce, homemade horchata

Key lime pie, fresh Quebec strawberries

Chocolate & coffee tres leches cake

Brunch

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Fresh oysters, 3 sauces, lemon, freshly grated horseradish

Cheese souffles with apple, walnut & pomegranate salsa

Cucumber gaspacho, mint, cilantro, garlic breadcrumbs, lime creme fraiche

Cauliflower fritters, tahini sauce, fattouche salad with grapes, roasted chickpeas, Bulgarian feta & jalapeno, homemade pita

Caesar slaw, marinated portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic, Caesar dressing, bacon

Potato latkes with sour cream & caviar

Romanian eggplant salad- tomato, red pepper

Honey baked feta, lavender, sesame, thyme, filo

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Warm wild mushroom tartlets, thyme, goat cheese

Antipasto platter- assorted charcuteries, fresh mozzarella, figs, summer honey, homemade focaccia, pistachios

Mediterranean salad- roasted peppers, tomato, cucumber, feta, Kalamata olives, grilled artichokes, red onion, red wine vinaigrette, basil

Nicoise chopped salad- confit white tuna, Nicoise olives, cherry tomato, red pepper, green beans, egg, tarragon vinaigrette

Cheese board- assorted hard & soft cheeses, baguette, homemade croutons, fruit (Vegan cheese available)

Bread basket- croissants, homemade challah bread, bagels, homemade cornbread, muffins, served with whipped butter, jams, peanut butter & almond butter

Yogurt cups- Assorted Greek yogurt, homemade granola, berries, bananas, honey & nut butters

Fresh juices & assorted smoothies

Ratatouille tart, aged parm & tomato concassé, served warm

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Egg bar- Scrambled, Frittata, Fried, Benedict, skillet home-fries with onion

Double smoked bacon, sausage, honeyed ham

Banana french toast with homemade challah bread, maple syrup (2 slices per person)

Pancakes, maple syrup, berries, assorted toppings

Assorted bagels, homemade gravlax, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, homemade cream cheese, lemon, tomato

Avocado toast, chile flakes, honey, feta, lemon zest, poached or fried egg

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Cinnamon churros, Mexican spiced chocolate sauce

Apple tarte tatin served warm, homemade vanilla ice cream, candied pecans, spiced crumble

Homemade cookie bar- Cream cheese rugelach, triple chocolate chip cookies, shortbread

Key lime squares

Fruit platter- Melons, berries, pineapple, etc

Chocolate chip banana bread

Sour cream coffee cake, brown sugar streusel

Strawberry blintzes, sour cream

Flavours from the Med

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Cashew hummus, assorted raw vegetables, macadamia crunch with dill

Grilled squid toast, marinated artichokes, lemon, olives, parsley

Red snapper ceviche, sweet potato, cilantro, avocado & chile

Cucumber gaspacho, mint, cilantro, garlic breadcrumbs, lime creme fraiche

Crab cakes, homemade caper aioli

Antipasto platter- prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, figs, summer honey, focaccia, pistachios

Tuna carpaccio, soy & warm extra virgin olive oil, fried rosemary, Kalamata olive toast

Guacamole, bacon & grilled tomatillos, raw seasonal veggies, spiced tortillas, cornbread

Crispy feta, sesame, hot honey

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Warm salad, roasted peppers, lardons & poached egg, truffle vinaigrette

Greek feta, macadamia nut crunch, summer honey, homemade pita

Green salad, artichokes, buttermilk dressing, crispy prosciutto

Cauliflower fritters, tahini, fattouche salad

Mediterranean sea bass baked in salt crust, chermoula, farro with preserved lemon vinaigrette

Grilled oyster mushroom salad, oregano, aged parm

Fresh linguine with seafood, white wine & herbs

Kale caesar, parsnip bacon, parm, caper dressing

Sizzling shrimp, salsa verde, baguette

Grilled Portuguese marinated octopus, chorizo chips, harissa mayo

Greek maroulosalata salad- dill, served with crispy zucchini & tzaziki

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Smoky grilled Cornish game hen, sweet potatoes, pickled onions

Grilled hanger steak, fries, heirloom tomato salad, chimichurri

Seared scallops, beurre blanc, wild mushrooms, aged gouda

Grilled rib steak, puttanesca butter, roasted potatoes

Asparagus OR corn risotto

Lamb kofta kebabs, grilled chops, braised shoulder- assorted sauces, fries, grilled veg

Moroccan mixed grill platter, fries with homemade harissa mayo, homemade pickles

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roasted banana cheesecake, caramel sauce, macadamia nuts, almond butter crunch toffee

Chai crème brulee, butter cookies

Valrhona chocolate mousse, hazelnut crunch, Toblerone, fleur de sel

Key lime pie, fresh Quebec strawberries

Tiramisù chocolate dipped cherries, homemade Ferrero Rocher

Dark chocolate lava cake, vanilla ice cream

Apple tarte tatin served warm, homemade ice cream

Bon Appetit!

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Cheese souffles with apple & pomegranate salsa

Crab cakes, homemade caper aioli

Tuna carpaccio, soy & warm extra virgin olive oil, fried rosemary, Kalamata olive toast

Mediterranean sushi roll- crab, shrimp, lobster, prosciutto

Seared foie gras, brioche, peach jam

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mixed greens, marinated artichokes, buttermilk dressing, dill, tarragon, chives, crispy pancetta

Baked wild shrimp, fall vegetables, lemongrass, dill oil, pea shoots, served en papillote

French onion soup, Port, leeks, Emmental toast

Grilled pizza with oyster mushrooms, oregano, aged parmesan & Comte, fried sage, soft egg

Nicoise lettuce & baby spinach, roasted peppers, French beans, veggie lardons & poached egg, truffle vinaigrette

Antipasto platter- assorted charcuteries, warm Brie, pissaladiere tart

Sizzling garlic shrimp, salsa verde, Thai chilis

Grilled lobster, brown butter, roasted garlic

Roasted honey Cornish game hen, sesame, wilted spinach, aged parmesan, teriyaki sauce, wild rice

Ratatouille tart, parm & tomato concasse

Halibut grenobloise, preserved lemon, almonds, herb salad

Scallop carpaccio, lime, avocado cream, basil, cilantro, served with crispy tortilla chips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled hanger steak on Himalayan salt block, mixed heirloom tomato salad, grilled onions, chimichurri sauce

Pan roasted trout or Mediterranean seabass, sauce vierge, mussels, farro with lemon & herbs, fried capers

Roasted duck breast, celeriac puree, five spice jus, hazelnut dukkah, pan roasted seasonal vegetables

Pan seared Angus rib steak, green peppercorn sauce, fries, aioli (with or without add-on of foie gras)

Pan roasted rack of lamb, fresh herb crust, ratatouille, Port demi glace

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mixed Quebec cheese platter, Port infused figs, assorted crackers, honeycomb, mini scones, pistachios

Chai creme brulee, butter cookies

Chocolate flourless ganache cake, hazelnut crunch, Gianduja sauce

Valrhona chocolate mousse, hazelnut crunch, Toblerone, torched meringue, fleur de sel

Key lime pie, fresh Quebec strawberries

Chocolate lava cake, cherries, caramel-vanilla ice cream

Warm banana fritters, ginger syrup, black sesame ice cream

Tiramisu in a glass, chocolate dipped cherries, crispy white chocolate-hazelnut biscotti

Bread & butter pudding, Baileys creme anglaise, chocolate ice cream

Apple tarte tatin served warm, homemade vanilla ice cream, candied pecans, spiced crumble

Memories of Tokyo

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Miso soup shots, shiitake mushrooms, Emmenthal toast, chives

Okonomiyaki vegetarian pancake, smoky okonomiyaki sauce, kewpie mayo, (with or without bacon)

Beef tataki, onion ponzu, crispy garlic

Sashimi platter, soy, homemade pickled ginger, wasabi

Chicken OR pork belly yakitori skewers, green onions

Sushi pizza, smoked salmon, red tuna, Japanese mayo, chives

Tuna carpaccio, soy & warm extra virgin olive oil, fried rosemary, Kalamata olive toast

Shrimp gyoza, ponzu & smoked chili dipping sauce

Tuna tartare, sesame, sunflower seeds, dill & miso

Pan fried lamb & coriander dumplings, soy & lemon dipping sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Clams in miso brown butter

Surprise sushi platter: salmon rolls, tuna rolls, vegetarian sushi, tamago nigiri, shrimp tempura, seared scallop nigiri, sirloin tataki with ponzu

Grilled oyster mushrooms, miso, soft egg, fried onions, aged parm

Crispy chicken wings, sticky soy dipping sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Black cod with miso, roasted cauliflower

Pan seared NZ lamb chops, Japanese tare sauce, crunchy salad

Tempura lobster, chili ponzu sauce, crunchy vegetable salad, sesame dressing

Grilled steak or tofu teriyaki, crispy brussels sprouts, fried rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate brownies, caramel ice cream, peanut brittle

Key lime pie, fresh Quebec strawberries, mint syrup

Warm banana fritters, ginger syrup, black sesame ice cream

Tropical fruit platter, assorted ice creams

Mango & sticky rice, coconut

Thai Feast

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled chicken satay skewers, warm peanut sauce

Nam Tok- Grilled chicken or filet mignon, shallots, lime, fish sauce, roasted rice & herbs, lettuce wraps

Homemade ginger, lemongrass & lime lemonade, butterfly pea flower, served with a special seasoned Thai nut mix

Thai shrimp omelette, lime & garlic dipping sauce

Squid with Thai holy basil & dark soy

Pork spareribs with garlic & pepper

Pan fried fish cakes, kaffir lime, red curry, served with sweet chili sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pad Thai, tiger shrimp, tofu, peanuts

Geng om- Thai soup, beef ribs, chicken, sweet potato, dill, Thai chili

Green papaya salad, cherry tomato, long beans, peanuts & tamarind

Warming veggie Tom Yam soup with seafood, kaffir lime, tomato (can be done vegan as well)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled or steamed Mediterranean sea bass or red snapper, fresh mussels, lemongrass & ginger, stir-fried jasmine rice with Thai herbs & lime

Pan roasted Quebec duck with red curry, lychees & coconut milk, stir-fried jasmine rice with Thai herbs & lime

Pad see ew- flat rice noodles, broccoli, dark soy, ground pork or chicken

Grilled cornish game hen, garlic, pepper, fish sauce marinade, cilantro & Thai basil chimichurri, avocado

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Key lime pie, fresh strawberries, mint syrup

Chocolate brownies, caramel ice cream, caramelized bananas, peanuts & cacao nibs, five spice coconut-toffee sauce

Mango-lime tartlet, coconut

Warm banana fritters, black sesame ice cream, ginger syrup

Tapas gone international

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Thai Boston lettuce wraps with shrimp, Kaffir lime, roasted rice & lime juice

Thai chicken satay, warm peanut sauce, Japanese cucumber salad

Tuna carpaccio, soy sauce, warm olive oil, fried rosemary & Kalamata olives

Fresh oysters, 3 sauces, lemon, freshly grated horseradish/ Chinatown oysters, warm Japanese dipping sauce, crispy onions

Beef tataki, onion ponzu, crispy garlic

Antipasto platter- assorted charcuteries, fresh mozzarella, figs, summer honey, focaccia, pistachios

Shrimp gyoza & Lamb & coriander gyoza- ponzu & smoked chili dipping sauce

Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce

Cauliflower potato latkes with sour cream & caviar

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Nicoise lettuce & baby spinach, roasted peppers, French beans, lardons & poached egg, truffle vinaigrette

Grilled shrimp, salsa verde, tarragon, brown butter, pumpkin seeds

Seared foie gras, five spice, brioche & seasonal jam

Beet carpaccio, labneh, hazelnuts, thyme

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Middle Eastern table extraordinaire!- Mains, sides and sauces with a focus on Lebanon, Morocco & Israel

Latin fiesta!- Dishes from Mexico, Spain & South America to fill the table

All about Asia!- From Thailand to Korea, this table will transport you

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Roasted banana cheesecake, caramel sauce, macadamia nuts, almond butter crunch toffee

Chai creme brulee, butter cookies

Key lime pie, fresh Quebec strawberries, mint syrup

French apple tart, vanilla custard, salted butter caramel sauce, caramel ice cream, spiced crumble

Chocolate brownies, caramel ice cream, caramelized bananas, peanuts & cacao nibs, five spice coconut-toffee sauce

Tiramisù, homemade Ferrero Rocher

Bread & butter pudding, Baileys creme anglaise, chocolate ice cream

Olive oil cake, mascarpone, blueberries & Port

Dark chocolate lava cake, coffee ice cream

Pouding Chomeur, maple sauce, vanilla ice cream

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Chef Joanna's reviews

4.78

•

149 services

Chef Joanna was amazing. Good communication beforehand while making the plans, and the food was incredible. Great experience overall

Joanna was an incredible chef and her assistant Glen was attentive, super helpful, and made the night an absolute success. Joanna was quick to reply to messages when we were organizing the menu, she thoughtfully made our gluten-free guest their own dishes that honestly made some of the other guests jealous by how good the food looked. They arrived on time, were quick to set up and get started, tailored their service and timing to our guests and by the end of the night the kitchen was spotless and the trash was taken out. I could not recommend them enough!

Joanna and Glen were absolutely phenomenal. The food was outstanding and presentation very appealing. We will definitely use them again!

Perfect date night! Joanna was super fun and the food was excellent. Would recommend, 10/10!

Wow, quelle expérience culinaire! Merci

Joanna exceeded our expectations by far! Excellent communication prior to the evening up until the moment she left. The food was insanely good! I would recommend her to anyone! Really made the evening memorable!

Chef Joanna was amazing! She was very responsive in creating the menu with us, and very understanding about working with us in the Airbnb we were in. The food was exceptional; she explained everything very well, all the plating was beautiful, and there was plenty of it. The chef helping her, Andrew, was also great, they were both very friendly, they cleaned up as if they had never been there, and every person there has been talking about the meal for several weeks afterwards. I have recommended her to several people since, and we had a wonderful experience.

Joanna and her sous chef were absolutely amazing! They were such down to earth people and the food was top notch, worth every penny. Each dish was beautifully plated and the food didn’t stop coming. Everyone in the group was stuffed. If I were to use a chef service again, Chef Joanna would be the first to hear from me!!

This was our first experience with Take a Chef and it was excellent. The occasion was a 60th birthday party for my wife with her family. It can be a stressful time. Joanna worked with us to create a wonderful Mediterranean menu served family style, everyone enjoyed it. I would usually do the cooking but Joanna and Glen did everything including serving and cleaning up. I got to relax, wonderful. The kitchen was cleaner than before she arrived and we had worked hard cleaning it before she came. The standout dish for me was the ceviche. Not too sour not too sweet, very tasty. The Lebanese Fattouche salad on steroids was also wonderful. Can’t wait to have her back again. Cheers!

Joanna was amazing. The food was unbelievably delicious. We had a seven course vegetarian meal for 10: excellent food, beautiful presentation, huge variety, served with professionalism. I cannot recommend Joanna and her sous chef Glen highly enough. Many guests said it was the best meal they’ve ever had (and they were not vegetarians!).

Ce fut une expérience fabuleuse. Joanna est professionnelle jusqu'au bouts des doigts. Le repas fut un festin. Les plats étaient succulents avec une présentation sans reproche. Un plaisir pour le palais mais aussi un plaisir visuel alléchant. La succession des services s'est fait à un rythme parfait malgré le retard de 2 convives. Elle a su s'adapter avec gentillesse et habileté. L'explication détaillée des plats a fait les bonheur des invités. Elle a été secondé avec une grande efficacité (Glen). La transition des plats s'est fait avec discrétion et la cuisine était impeccable lors de leur départ. Merciii Joanna! Expérience à recommander sans hésitation. Sylvie

Chef Joanne was incredible. She exceeded all our expectations. The entire evening was a dazzle with great convo and even more amazing food. From the appetizer to the main course the food just kept getting even more incredible. The desert was the best desert we ever had. Definitely would recommend Chef Joanne- the experience was unparalleled!

Nous avons adoré notre expérience! Nous recommandons sans hésiter la chef Joanna, elle était excellente de A a Z!

Joanna was amazing! Her food was beautiful, colorful and delicious. We enjoyed every dish and cant wait to book her again!

We had an unbelievably amazing experience with Joanna and her teammate! The food was delicious with fresh ingredients, the presentation was great, they did their thing, but were fun and engaging when we engaged with them, and the pacing of the night was spectacular! We couldn't have asked for a better experience. They cleaned everything up so well, you couldn't even tell they had been there cooking and serving a multi-course meal!

Repas impressionnant. Commentaires unanimes des 13 personnes : exceptionnel . Très souple… a accepté les Changements jusqu’à la dernière minute. nous Recommandons absolument Joanna ! Merci

Great intimate experience. Chef was punctual, clean, food was amazing and kitchen was left clean. Would definitely recommend.

Joanna was just fantastic! What an amazing experience and we can't recommend her enough

Joanna is an amazing chef. Very professional. The food was delicious as well as the presentation. Excellent service!!!

Joanna is an amazing chef! She made my mom's 60th birthday dinner very special, and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend and we will book with her again!