Chef James Kelly

Private Chef In Puntarenas

Chef James Kelly

Get to know me better

Passionate and dedicated Chef and culinary consultant with 20+ years experience.

I've been obsessed with food as long as I can remember and have been refining my culinary and hospitality skills since my first job at the age of 13. I've trained and worked side by side with some of the most inspirational chefs in the industry from the beach towns of the North East to Southern coast of California. In 2003 I relocated to Costa Rica from San Diego and have been forging partnerships with local farmers and fisherman ever since. As Executive Chef/Owner of Soma Chef Services & Owner of Rocamar Beach Cafe, I start every menu with only the finest ingredients available. With Soma we cater luxurious dinner parties, canapes, or even beach BBQs in private homes, or prepare daily meals for individuals and families on a specific diet, either tailored to a fitness plan, around allergies, or intolerances etc. We love a challenge! Additionally, I work as a food consultant creating recipes and developing products for fitness brands including TB12 Sports.

Photo from James Kelly

More about me

For me, cooking is...

A passion! It's where I can express myself through flavor, texture, and artistic presentation.

I learned to cook at...

The biggest influence has been whilst working with the team at 4th St. Cafe working with San Francisco transplants Michael & Jennifer Bailey.

A role model in the kitchen is...

A tough match between Jean George & Thomas Keller, both of whom I greatly admire.

A cooking secret...

Confidence, experience, love, and imagination.

My calendar

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Chef James's reviews

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