Chef Alexandra Wells

Private Chef In Knoxville

I have spent the past two years on the culinary team at Blackberry Farm in Knoxville, TN. Blackberry Farm is a Relais & Château luxury resort that has won multiple James Beard Foundation and Food & Wine Magazine awards, both of which recognize the top restaurants in the country.

I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and Associate of Science in Baking & Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University. Before joining Blackberry Farm, I had the opportunity to learn from award-winning chefs and experience a wide-range of cuisines while working at private country clubs, bakeries, catering companies, and highly-awarded resorts such as The Biltmore Estate.

I was very lucky to be exposed to high-quality cuisine and an unmatched appreciation for food at a young age by spending my childhood summers visiting family in France. My experience there, tasting the most delish food and learning about the culture and history surrounding each recipe, inspired me to learn the art of cooking and share my love for food with all those around me. I would say I specialize in French cuisine and have the desire to spread the admiration of French food and culture with my guests. My passion for cooking stems from having the opportunity to bring joy and create unforgettable experiences for my guests.

For me, cooking is...

A way to honor tradition, showcase local ingredients, and connect with friends, family, and strangers alike

I learned to cook at...

Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and Associate of Science in Baking & Pastry Arts

A cooking secret...

Treating every ingredient with care and preparing every meal as if it were for my closest family

My menus

Summer Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Antipasto, Genoa Salami, Soppressata, Prosciutto, Manchega, Marinated Mozzarella, Mediterranean Olives, Assorted Fruits & Nuts

Artisan Charcuterie Board, European Cheeses, Fresh Pickles & Preserves

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bruschetta, Pistachio Pesto, Blistered Tomatoes, Basil

Calamari, Crispy Banana Peppers, Spicy Marinara

Cornbread Bites with Pimento Cheese Dip, Bread & Butter Pickles

Crab Crostinis, Artichoke, Lemon Caper Aioli

Crispy Hush Puppies with Roasted Corn Dip

Mezze Platter with tzatziki, hummus, crudité, feta, toasted pita, manchego, various dried fruits and nuts

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Kale & Brussels Salad, Avocado Green Goddess Vinaigrette, Cranberries, Toasted Pecans, Goat Cheese, Shaved Radish

Heirloom Caprese, Mozzarella, Balsamic Reduction, Basil

Italian Wedding Soup, Fresh Meatballs, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons

Mixed Greens Salad with Cranberries, Candied Pecans, Apples, Goat Cheese, White Wine Vinaigrette

Pan-Seared Scallops, Benton’s Bacon, Truffle Beurre Blanc

Salade au Chèvre Chaud - Mixed Greens, Broiled Goat Cheese, Crispy Bacon, White Wine Vinaigrette

Seared Romaine Caesar Salad, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons (or Traditional Fresh Caesar Salad with same toppings)

Soupe à l'Oignon - Caramelized Onion Soup, Crostini, Broiled Gruyère

Watermelon & Feta Salad, Cucumber, Mint, Honey Vinaigrette

Summer Vegetable Gazpacho, Herb Crema, Confit Tomatoes, Sourdough Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bœuf Bourguignon - Braised Beef Tips, Pearl Onions, Roasted Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Braised Pork Short Rib - Cheesy Grits, Braised Greens, Horseradish Cream

Chicken (or Shrimp) Piccata, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, Blistered Tomatoes, Herb Gremolata

Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan, Spicy Pomodoro Sauce, Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Coq au Vin Blanc - Braised Chicken, Winter Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Fortified Chicken Broth

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken - Fire-Roasted Peppers, Basil Pesto, Kalamata Olives, Spinach, Feta

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip) with Blistered Tomatoes/Roasted Garlic/Gorgonzola Topping, Broccolini, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Madeira Sauce, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Broccolini, Black Pepper Cream Sauce

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Snapper), Summer Vegetable Ratatouille, Basil Mint Pesto, Carolina Gold Rice

Veal Marsala (or Chicken), Sautéed Mushrooms, Broccolini, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Crumble, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Apricot Frangipane Tart, Honey Ice Cream, Caramelized Pistachios, Raspberries

Berry Pavlova with Lemon Coconut Cream & Fresh Berries

Caramelized Tart Tatin, Caramel, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Bean Custard, Brûléed Crust, Raspberries

Crêpes Suzette, Grand Mariner Flambéed Orange Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Dark Chocolate Soufflé, Caramel Ice Cream, Artisan Wafers

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Sabayon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramelized Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nibs

Lemon Tart, Graham Cracker Crumble, Pistachio Gelato, Meringue, Mint

Strawberry Shortcake, Local Strawberries, Vanilla Whipped Cream

Tiramisu, Creamy Espresso Sauce, Whipped Cream, Fresh Raspberries

Très Leches Cake

Trio of Dark, Milk, & White Chocolate Mousse, Whipped Cream, Artisan Wafers

Triple Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Raspberries, Blackberries, Tart Berry Sauce

Holiday Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Charcuterie Board, European Cheeses, Fresh Pickles & Preserves

Artisan Antipasto, Genoa Salami, Soppressata, Prosciutto, Manchega, Marinated Mozzarella, Mediterranean Olives, Assorted Fruits & Nuts

Mezze Platter with tzatziki, hummus, crudité, feta, toasted pita, manchego, various dried fruits and nuts

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Crab Crostinis, Artichoke, Lemon Caper Aioli

Calamari, Crispy Banana Peppers, Spicy Marinara

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Kale & Brussels Salad, Avocado Green Goddess Vinaigrette, Cranberries, Toasted Pecans, Goat Cheese, Shaved Radish

Pan-Seared Scallops, Benton’s Bacon, Truffle Beurre Blanc

Radicchio, Winter Citrus, Feta, Arugula, Sorghum Vinaigrette

Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Salad, Apples, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Handmade Lobster Ravioli, Creamy White Wine Sauce, Fresh Tomatoes

Handmade Mushroom Ragu Stuffed Agnolotti with Roasted Mushrooms, Black Truffle Alfredo

Handmade Butternut Squash Ravioli, Ricotta, Sage, Brown Butter, Benton's Bacon

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bœuf Bourguignon - Braised Beef Tips, Pearl Onions, Roasted Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Coq au Vin Blanc - Braised Chicken, Winter Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Fortified Chicken Broth

Braised Pork Short Rib - Cheesy Grits, Braised Greens, Horseradish Cream

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop, Toasted Quinoa, Spiced Carrots, Brussels, Pistachio Gremolata

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip) with Blistered Tomatoes/Roasted Garlic/Gorgonzola Topping, Broccolini, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Madeira Sauce, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Roasted Broccolini, Black Pepper Cream Sauce

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Grouper), Butternut Romesco, Black Lentils, Roasted Fall Squash, Brussels

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Snapper), Lemon Beurre Blanc, Carolina Gold Rice, Kale

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Pecan Pie, Caramel with Vanilla Ice Cream

Caramelized Tart Tatin, Caramel, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Dark Chocolate Soufflé, Caramel Ice Cream, Artisan Wafers

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Sabayon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramelized Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nibs

Cranberry Pie, Gingersnap Crust, Pistachio Gelato

Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Bean Custard, Brûléed Crust, Raspberries

Lemon Meringue Pie, Graham Cracker Crust, Toasted Meringue

Triple Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Raspberries, Blackberries, Tart Berry Sauce

Fall Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Antipasto, Genoa Salami, Soppressata, Prosciutto, Manchega, Marinated Mozzarella, Mediterranean Olives, Assorted Fruits & Nuts

Artisan Charcuterie Board, European Cheeses, Fresh Pickles & Preserves

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bruschetta, Pistachio Pesto, Blistered Tomatoes, Basil

Cornbread Bites with Pimento Cheese Dip, Bread & Butter Pickles

Crab Crostinis, Artichoke, Lemon Caper Aioli

Crispy Hush Puppies with Roasted Corn Dip

Mezze Platter with tzatziki, hummus, crudité, feta, toasted pita, manchego, various dried fruits and nuts

Pork Belly Biscuits with Apple Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sage, Candied Pecans, Spiced Cream

Crispy Kale & Brussels Salad, Avocado Green Goddess Vinaigrette, Cranberries, Toasted Pecans, Goat Cheese, Shaved Radish

Handmade Lobster Ravioli, Creamy White Wine Sauce, Fresh Tomatoes

Handmade Mushroom Ragu Stuffed Agnolotti with Roasted Hen of the Woods, Black Truffle Alfredo

Italian Wedding Soup, Fresh Meatballs, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons

Mixed Greens Salad with Cranberries, Candied Pecans, Apples, Goat Cheese, White Wine Vinaigrette

Pan-Seared Scallops, Benton’s Bacon, Truffle Beurre Blanc

Radicchio, Citrus, Feta, Arugula, Sorghum Vinaigrette

Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Salad, Apples, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Seared Romaine Caesar Salad, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons (or Traditional Fresh Caesar Salad with same toppings)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bœuf Bourguignon - Braised Beef Tips, Pearl Onions, Roasted Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Chicken (or Shrimp) Piccata, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, Blistered Tomatoes, Herb Gremolata

Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan, Pomodoro Sauce, Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Coq au Vin Blanc - Braised Chicken, Winter Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Fortified Chicken Broth

Handmade Spaghetti, Bolognese Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, Basil

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop, Toasted Quinoa, Spiced Carrots, Brussels, Pistachio Gremolata

Lotte à L’Armoricaine - Braised Monkfish, Tomato Sauce, Crème Fraîche, Roasted Fingerling Potatoe

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Lobster Cream, Roasted Potatoes, Broccolini

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip) with Blistered Tomatoes/Roasted Garlic/Gorgonzola Topping, Broccolini, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Madeira Sauce, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Steak au Poivre - Pan-seared NY Strip, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini, Black Pepper Cream

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Grouper), Sweet Potato Purée, Asparagus, Carolina Gold Rice

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Snapper), Butternut Romesco, Black Lentils, Roasted Fall Squash, Brussels

Veal Marsala, Sautéed Mushrooms, Garlic Sautéed Spinach, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Crumble with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Berry Pavlova with Lemon Coconut Cream

Champagne Poached Pears, Dark Chocolate Sabayon, Pistachio Brittle

Chocolate Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Crêpes Suzette, Grand Mariner Flambéed Orange Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Dark Chocolate Soufflé, Caramel Ice Cream

Dulce de Lèche Cheesecake

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Sabayon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramelized Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nibs

Tiramisu, Creamy Espresso Sauce, Whipped Cream, Fresh Raspberries

Trio of Dark, Milk, & White Chocolate Mousse, Whipped Cream, Artisan Wafers

Triple Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Raspberries, Blackberries, Tart Berry Sauce

Latin American Family-Style Dinner

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Pulled Pork Nachos

Chips with homemade dips: Guacamole, Queso, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, Corn Salsa

Quesadilla Platter with Dipping Sauces - Chicken, Cheese, and Steak fillings

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Roasted chicken, corn, green chiles, tomatoes & cilantro, topped with cheese, diced avocado & tortilla strips

Taco Salad - Fresh salad mix with tortilla strips, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes & your choice of fajita chicken or fajita beef

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Build your own Fajita Platter with sides - Tortillas, Chicken, Steak, Pork, Shrimp, Sautéed Peppers & Onions, Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Sour Cream and Cheese. Sides include: Mexican Street Corn Salad, Rice and Refried Beans

Enchiladas with Sides - Includes a variety of enchiladas (chicken, cheese, ground beef, chile con carne, shrimp) topped with Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Sour Cream and Cheese. Sides include: Mexican Street Corn Salad, Rice and Refried Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Dulce de Lèche Cheesecake

Très Leches Cake

Flan

Winter Indulge Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Crab Crostinis, Artichoke, Lemon Caper Aioli

Artisan Charcuterie Board, Blackberry Farm & European Cheeses, Fresh Pickles & Preserves

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Radicchio, Winter Citrus, Feta, Arugula, Sorghum Vinaigrette

Winter Truffle Pasta, Roasted Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Parmesan, Shaved Truffle

Pan-Seared Scallops, Benton’s Bacon, Beurre Blanc, Shaved Truffle

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Seared Foie Gras, Madeira Sauce, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Lobster Cream, Roasted Potatoes, Broccolini

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Grouper), Beurre Blanc, Caviar, Asparagus, Carolina Gold Rice

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop, Toasted Quinoa, Spiced Carrots, Brussels, Pistachio Gremolata

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Verrine de trois Mousses au Chocolat - Trio of Dark, Milk, & White Chocolate Mousse, Whipped Cream, Artisan Wafers

Dark Chocolate Soufflé, Caramel Ice Cream

Lemon Tart, Graham Cracker Crumble, Pistachio Gelato, Meringue, Mint

Champagne Poached Pears, Dark Chocolate Sabayon, Pistachio Brittle

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Sabayon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramelized Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nibs

Winter Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Raspberries, Cranberries, Tart Berry Sauce

Italian Night

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Calamari, Crispy Banana Peppers, Spicy Marinara

Bruschetta, Pistachio Pesto, Blistered Tomatoes, Basil

Artisan Antipasto, Genoa Salami, Soppressata, Prosciutto, Manchega, Marinated Mozzarella, Mediterranean Olives, Assorted Fruits & Nuts

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Romaine Caesar Salad, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons (or Traditional Fresh Caesar Salad with same toppings)

Heirloom Caprese, Mozzarella, Balsamic Reduction, Basil

Italian Wedding Soup, Fresh Meatballs, Parmesan, Sourdough Croutons

Handmade Lobster Ravioli, Creamy White Wine Sauce, Fresh Tomatoes

Handmade Mushroom Ragu Stuffed Agnolotti with Roasted Hen of the Woods, Black Truffle Alfredo, Shaved Truffle

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Handmade Linguine Pescatore, Shrimp, Sea Scallops, Mussels, Spicy Marinara Sauce

Handmade Spaghetti, Bolognese Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, Basil

Veal Marsala, Sautéed Mushrooms, Broccolini, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan, Spicy Pomodoro Sauce, Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip) with Blistered Tomatoes/Roasted Garlic/Gorgonzola Topping, Asparagus, Herb-Roasted Potatoes

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Tart, Graham Cracker Crumble, Pistachio Gelato, Meringue, Mint

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Sabayon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramelized Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nibs

Winter Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Cookie Crust, Raspberries, Cranberries, Tart Berry Sauce

Tiramisu, Creamy Espresso Sauce, Whipped Cream, Fresh Raspberries

4 Course Trip to France

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Coquilles St. Jacques - Pan-Seared Scallops, Crispy Bacon, Beurre Blanc

Pissaladière - Caramelized Onion Flatbread, Confit Tomatoes, Olives

Tartare de Saumon - Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Cornichons, Sweet Onion Vinaigrette, Baguette

Plateau de Charcuterie et de Fromages Artisanaux - Artisan Charcuterie, Local Cheese, Fresh Pickled Condiments, Jams

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Salade au Chèvre Chaud - Mixed Greens, Broiled Goat Cheese, Crispy Bacon, White Wine Vinaigrette

Soupe à l'Oignon - Caramelized Onion Soup, Crostini, Broiled Gruyère

Salade Niçoise - Leafy Greens, Tuna, Kalamata Olives, Haricot Verts, Hard-Boiled Egg, Sherry Vinaigrette

Salade Lyonnaise - Frisée Lettuce, Radicchio, Poached Egg, Crispy Bacon, Toasted Walnuts, Dijon Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coq au Vin Blanc - Braised Chicken, Winter Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Fortified Chicken Broth

Steak au Poivre - Pan-seared NY Strip, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini, Black Pepper Cream

Bœuf Bourguignon - Braised Beef Tips, Pearl Onions, Roasted Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Lotte à L’Armoricaine - Braised Monkfish, Tomato Sauce, Crème Fraîche, Roasted Fingerling Potatoe

Pan-seared Beef Tenderloin (or NY Strip), Madeira Sauce, Seared Foie Gras, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Carrots

Thyme-Basted Halibut (or Snapper), Butternut Romesco, Black Lentils, Roasted Fall Squash, Brussels

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Verrine de trois Mousses au Chocolat - Trio of Dark, Milk, & White Chocolate Mousse, Whipped Cream, Artisan Wafers

Tarte Tatin - Caramelized Apple Tart, Caramel Ice Cream

Oeufs à la Neige - Meringue, Caramel, Almonds, Crème Anglaise

Soufflé au Chocolat - Dark Chocolate Souffle, Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Artisan Wafers

Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Bean Custard, Brûléed Crust, Raspberries

Crêpes Suzette, Grand Mariner Flambéed Orange Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

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Chef Alexandra's reviews

4.7

•

32 services

Alexandra was amazing. I hired her to host an anniversary dinner for my fiancée and I while staying in Tennessee. First let me say that not only was Alexandra attentive to my requests, but she also executed the menu, down to the presentation. My steak and truffle mash were both delicious and the sea bass was so flaky and delicious! I would definitely recommend Alexandra for everyone’s private dinner while staying near Pigeon Forge!! Thank you again for hosting our anniversary dinner! P.S. I recieved the menu via the “takeachef” website!

Chef Alex was absolutely wonderful. She was punctual and kind. The food was delicious! We highly recommend her.

Our Take a Chef experience was incredible from start to finish. I would 100% recommend this service and their wonderful chefs.

Our first private chef experience was amazing!! Chef Alex is the best. She cooked us an amazing dinner and communication with her was great thru the entire process.

Very organized and professional. The food was great and the menu was exactly what we were looking for. The presentation was beautiful. Very satisfied and would highly recommend her service.

She was amazing!!! We have already recommended her to several friends.

Alexandra was wonderful. We felt very comfortable with her in our house and enjoyed her company. She is a phenomenal chef and I would hire her again.

Alex is fantastic. Prepared amazing food that was presented like a 5 star restaurant. Easy to work with - she even offered wine pairings fir each course. Using her again in a few weeks !

Chef Alexandra was amazing! She was on time and got all the food done promptly! The food was incredible and she cleaned up everything after and left the kitchen spotless! I would definitely hire her again! We had an amazing experience.