Chef Avara Yaron

Personal Chef in Boulder

My grandmother taught me to cook with love. I developed a plant-based delivery & catering company in Oregon, specializing in themed dinners. In 2010, I moved to Bali, Indonesia where I dreamed up a cafe on the grounds of Green School where my daughter was a student. Living Food Lab generated meals and snacks for 400 children from around the world, their parents, school staff, plus a flow of visitors. Next, a 2nd location in Ubud, Bali’s first collaborative business space. I created Living Food Lab Academy where I shared my enthusiasm for turning on people of all ages to the power of their food choices. I taught in Bali, Java, Singapore, Australia, Europe & the U.S. I sold the Lab in 2019, returning to the U.S. to cook delicacies as a personal chef, cater dinners & retreats, and counsel families in up-leveling their nutritional intake. Personal cheffing is my favorite work.

When not in the kitchen, writing novels is my passion.

I look forward to getting to know you and preparing wonderful food your family or friends are excited to eat.

For me, cooking is...

An artform. A passion. I have a degree in art and bring an awareness of color, line and presentation to delicious flavors.

I learned to cook at...

My grandmother's knee when I was small. We baked and cooked everything from scratch. She was a real food pusher!

A cooking secret...

Conscious food as a prayer. Freshest produce and proteins. Fresh herbs and spices. Making vegetables sing. Clean, healthy food that is inspiring.

My menus

Italian Celebration

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Antipasti Skewers with Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Olives, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Crispy Polenta Rounds with Sautéed Greens and Assorted Mushrooms

Cannellini Herb Dip with Garlic Toasts

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Olive-Fig-Balsamic Tapenade with Sesame Cheese Straws

Pepperoni Rolls in Puff Pastry

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Rainbow Panzanella Salad with Pink Grapefruit, Tangerine, Pomegranate and Citrus Vinaigrette

Dill Asparagus with Romaine Wedge, Seared Lemon Vinaigrette and Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Radicchio, Endive, Fennel and Peach Salad with Honeyed Pecans

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sicilian Caponata & Rigatoni Pasta

Rosemary-Butter Prawns, Farro-Spinach Cake, Garlic Charred Baby Broccoli, Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Herb-Marinaded Steak on Positano Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes and Garlic Broccolini

Roasted Sea Bass with Caramelized Fennel and Roasted Purple Cauliflower on Butternut Squash Purée

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte and Amaretto Cashew Cream

Limoncello Lemon Tart with Olive Oil Shortcrust

Espresso Créme Brulée

Zabaglione: Italian Custard with Mixed Berries

Italian Essence

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Antipasti Skewers with Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Olives, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Crispy Polenta Rounds with Sautéed Greens and Assorted Mushrooms

Cannellini Herb Dip with Garlic Toasts and Rainbow Crudités

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Radicchio, Endive, Fennel and Peach Salad with Honeyed Pecans

Rainbow Panzanella Salad with Pink Grapefruit, Tangerine, Pomegranate and Citrus Vinaigrette

Dill Asparagus with Romaine Gem Wedge, Roasted Lemon Vinaigrette and Savory Pumpkin Seed Brittle

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Herb-Marinaded Steak on Positano Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes and Garlic Broccolini

Slow-Roasted Spice-Rubbed Salmon Fillet, Butternut Squash Purée, Farro Cake, Caramelized Fennel

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach and Cheeses, Creamy Polenta, Mushroom Reduction

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte and Amaretto Cashew Cream

Limoncello Lemon Tart with Olive Oil Shortcrust

Almond Créme Brulée with Berries

Pan-Asian Essence

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Mini Okonomiyaki (Japanese Vegetable Pancakes with Toppings)

Adobo Filipino Chicken Wings with Creamy Ginger Dipping Sauce

Lettuce Cups with Ground Chicken, Shiitake Mushroom, Ponzu & Wasabi Sauce

Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Thai Green Papaya Salad with Green Apple, Thai Basil, Mint and Chopped Roasted Peanuts

Asian Chopped Vegetable Salad with Almonds and Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette

Balinese Gado Gado (Indonesian platter of steamed and fresh vegetables and hard boiled eggs with Spicy Peanut Sauce)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

5-Spice-Glazed Salmon with Mango Slaw and Cilantro Drizzle

Red-Curry Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Vegetable Pad See Ew (Thick Thai Noodles)

Ginger-Soy Marinaded Steak Slices with Garlic-Cilantro Asparagus, Curried Butternut Squash Purée

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Indonesian Black Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut

Vietnamese Coffee Crème Brûlée

Dark Cacao Torte with Coconut Chantilly Cream and Miso Caramel

Pan-Asian Delight

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Okonomiyaki (Japanese Vegetable Pancakes with Toppings)

Lettuce Cups with Ground Chicken, Shiitake Mushroom, Ponzu & Wasabi Sauce

Baked Salmon Sushi Nori Cups

Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips

Adobo Filipino Chicken Wings with Creamy Ginger Dipping Sauce

Thai Crab Cakes

Balinese Gado Gado (Indonesian platter of steamed and fresh vegetables and hard boiled eggs with Spicy Peanut Sauce)

Lemongrass Chicken Sate and Spicy Peanut Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Thai Green Papaya Salad with Green Apple, Thai Basil, Mint and Chopped Roasted Peanuts

Asian Chopped Vegetable Salad with Almonds and Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette

Chili-Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Miso-Honey Glazed Celery Root and Edamame Purée

Balinese Urab (Green Beans, Spinach and Mung Bean Sprouts with Shredded Coconut)

Rustic Bean Soup with Shredded King Oyster Mushrooms and Wilted Spinach

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna Steak, Wasabi-Japanese Sweet Potato Mash, Korean Gochujang Smashed Cucumbers

Chili-Garlic Prawns with Braised Baby Bok Choy in Spicy Fish Tea

Red-Curry Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Vegetable Pad See Ew (Thick Thai Noodles)

5-Spice-Glazed Salmon with Mango Slaw and Cilantro Drizzle

Ginger-Soy Marinaded Steak Slices with Mushrooms, Garlic-Cilantro Asparagus, Curried Butternut Squash Purée

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Chai Crème Brûlée

Vietnamese Coffee Crème Brûlée

Indonesian Black Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut

Hong Kong Egg Tarts with Puff Pastry

Dark Cacao Torte with Coconut Chantilly Cream and Miso Caramel

Black Sesame Mochi Cake

Pan-Asian Celebration

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Okonomiyaki (Japanese Vegetable Pancakes with Toppings)

Lettuce Cups with Ground Chicken, Shiitake Mushroom, Ponzu & Wasabi Sauce

Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips

Adobo Filipino Chicken Wings with Creamy Ginger Dipping Sauce

Balinese Gado Gado (Indonesian salad with steamed and fresh vegetables and Peanut Sauce)

Thai Crab Cakes with Curry-Cilantro Dipping Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Thai Green Papaya Salad with Green Apple, Thai Basil, Mint and Chopped Roasted Peanuts

Asian Chopped Vegetable Salad with Almonds and Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette

Chili-Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Miso-Honey Glazed Celery Root and Edamame Purée

Balinese Urab (Green Beans, Spinach and Mung Bean Sprouts with Shredded Coconut)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chili-Garlic Prawns with Braised Baby Bok Choy in Spicy Fish Tea

Ginger-Soy Marinaded Steak Slices with Mushrooms, Garlic-Cilantro Asparagus, Curried Butternut Squash Purée

5-Spice-Glazed Salmon with Mango Slaw and Cilantro Drizzle

Red-Curry Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Vegetable Pad See Ew (Thick Thai Noodles)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chai Crème Brûlée

Vietnamese Coffee Crème Brûlée

Indonesian Black Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut

Dark Cacao Torte with Coconut Chantilly Cream and Miso Caramel

Latin American Celebration

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Fillo Cup Shrimp Bites, Avocado, Cilantro Cream

Mini Pollo Asado (Chicken) Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas and Salsa Roja

Choriqueso: Chorizo and Cheese Dip with Toasted Corn Chips

Fiesta Platter: Smoky Refried Bean Dip, Herby Yogurt Dip, Rainbow Crudités

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chiles Rellenos with Homemade Salsa and Fresh Corn Salad

Leche de Tigre: Citrus-Marinaded Seafood

Mayan Green Salad, Blackened Corn, Black Beans, Quinoa-Stuffed Avocado

Central American Chopped Salad, Mixed Radishes, Citrus, Heirloom Tomatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Orange-Mint Dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chimichurri Steak Slices, Sopa Tarasca (Smoky Chile-Tomato-Bean Stew), Queso Fresco

Coconut-Crusted Salmon, Mango Salsa, Spiced Squash Purée

Peruvian Chicken, Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread, Aji Verde Green Sauce, Tomato-Pepper Pebre

DESSERT

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Crème Brûlée with Caramelized Rum Bananas

Peruvian Torta de Chocolate

Puerto Rican Pastelillos de Guayaba (Guava Turnover)

Plátanos Calados (Caramelized Plantain) filled with Soft Cheese, Cinnamon Syrup

Italian Delight

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Antipasti Skewers with Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Olives, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Spinach-Artichoke Flatbread with Ricotta

Polenta Bruschetta with Arugula Pesto and Smoked Salmon

Cannellini Herb Dip with Garlic Toasts

Olive-Fig-Balsamic Tapenade with Sesame Cheese Straws

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Pepperoni Rolls in Puff Pastry

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil and Chives

Sicilian Caponata and Rigatoni Pasta

Radicchio, Endive, Fennel and Peach Salad with Honeyed Pecans

Rainbow Panzanella Salad with Pink Grapefruit, Tangerine, Pomegranate and Citrus Vinaigrette

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus and Chives

Dill Asparagus with Romaine Wedge, Seared Lemon Vinaigrette and Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Braised Chard with Toasted Pine Nuts, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Parmesan and Chocolate Balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cioppino: Mixed Seafood and Tomato Stew infused with thyme and garlic

Brasato al Barolo: Red-Wine Braised Beef Shank on Creamy Polenta with Sage, Rosemary and Mint

Herb-Marinaded Steak on Positano Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes and Garlic Broccolini

Roasted Sea Bass with Caramelized Fennel and Roasted Purple Cauliflower on Butternut Squash Purée

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte and Amaretto Cashew Cream

Orange Ricotta Cheesecake

Limoncello Lemon Tart with Olive Oil Shortcrust

Pear, Pistachio and Rose Cake

Almond Crème Brûlée

Zabaglione: Italian Custard with Mixed Berries

Summer in the Colorado Rockies Feast

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Mini Tacos with Homemade Blue Corn Tortillas

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus and Chives

Grilled Palisade Peaches and Plums with Mozzarella and Balsamic Drizzle

Hot Pink Beet Hummus with Rainbow Crudités

Pulled-Chicken Stuffed Jalapeños

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Creamy Coconut Mushroom Soup

Arugula, Palisade Peach & Basil Salad with Sheep Feta and Poppy Seed-Citrus Vinaigrette

Basket Woven Dill Asparagus with Crisp Romaine Gem Wedge, Seared Lemons, Seared Lemon Vinaigrette and Savory Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Chilled Avocado Soup made with Craft Beer

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bison Medallion, Colorado 3-Bean Chili, Braised Greens

Herb-Marinaded Steak Slices, Mashed Purple Sweet Potato, Garlic Charred Baby Broccoli, Chimichurri

Trout en Papillote (Rainbow Trout cooked in parchment with Shallot Butter), Caramelized Fennel and Herbs, Potato Stack au Gratin

Lamb Chop with Red Wine-Strawberry Pan Sauce, Vegetable Pearl Couscous, Roasted Cauliflower

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Peach Galette with Amaretto Cream

Baklava Cheesecake with Almond Crumble

Mini Cantaloupe Bread Bundt Cake with Praline Caramel

Pear & Apple Puff Pastry Turnover with Cacao Drizzle

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Chef Avara's reviews

4.92

•

99 services

A wonderful experience all around. I highly recommend it!

Avara was a delight to work with. We'd never worked with a private chef before and she patiently took us through multiple menu options, explained what could expect, and walked us through the process. Avara accommodated multiple dietary restrictions and was able to roll with multiple menu changes in the weeks leading up to our event with no complaint! Most importantly, the event went great. The presentation of the food was top notch, in particular the french garden salad. The various courses we had were unique and delicious, in particular the dessert (which was a special request of the birthday girl). And at the end of the night, our kitchen (and nice dishes) was totally cleaned!

A really lovely experience. Really love being able to watch a chef at work, and know that I'm getting exactly what I want to eat.

Avara was amazing. Her dinner was spectacular, her kindness enormous, her flexibility unparalleled, and her presence beautiful. I can’t recommend her enough.

Chef Avara is amazing! Her food was delicious and she has such a warm, zen vibe about her. Highly recommend!

Avara was incredible! My partner and I couldn't stop talking about how much we enjoyed the dishes, even hours after Avara had already left. Her presentation, personality, and just general attentiveness was out of this world.

We highly recommend Avara. And was great to work with.

Phenomenon experience all around. Avara is incredibly talented and a spectacular chef. Each dish blew us away and then her creative baklava cheesecake could easily win awards. The overall experience was wonderful. Such a smooth and thoughtful platform that is well structured and easy to use.

Absolutely amazing, the food was delicious and Avara was so kind and made the evening one to remember.

Amazing! Would highly recommend

Amazing. Can't say enough great things. Sorry it took so long to get a review up. Avara was great and had so many interesting things to say about her dishes and past experiences as a chef. This is what the personal chef interaction is all about. Finding out about the food, the dishes, what inspires chefs, and how they make everything. It was a perfect dinner and so much food. Loved her custom menu too to allow my kids to participate as well.

Avara was amazing. She built the menu specific to my request, showed up on time, and engaged in a delightful conversation with us. Her food was amazing, well prepared, and presented.

The chef, the food and the experience were Wonderfull. Very glad we did this experience. Chef was professional and we recommend the experience.

Avara was an awesome chef and very knowledgeable with food choices. She accommodated vegan and chicken meals for our group. The salad, veggies and Brie appetizer was delicious!! Will definitely request her again for future family dinners. Enjoyed her company as well! Private Feedback: Had a wonderful time with you and hope that we can utilize your services again! We truly enjoyed your company!! Food was delicious! The vegan meal and appetizers with salad was amazing! ????

Chef Avara was delightful and engaging during a private event at an Airbnb. Every bite was unforgettable and she did a great job explaining the backstory behind the ingredients and the dishes! She even used some ingredients from her own garden which was awesome. Everyone really enjoyed the dinner and Chef Avara's welcoming nature made us feel very special.

Chef Avara was amazing! Our dinner was meant to celebrate a proposal earlier in the day and we were very pleased with how it turned out. The menu was unique and the food and presentation were great. We really enjoyed being able to be in the comfort of our own home after a long day – we'd definitely recommend this service and Chef Avara.

Avara is personable, knowledgeable. and professional! We had 6 people learning a recipe that she taught at our request and she handled the crowd exceedingly well. So patient and easy-going! She is a lovely person who has eons of experience. We would have her over again in an instant!

Chef Avara was amazing! I have no words as we were blown away by the entire experience. We were a bachelorette party of 8 girls and every person enjoyed it so much. She was so easy to work with! Customized the menu to the bride's liking and exceeded our expectations. She was very personable and paid attention to details. We enjoyed Chef Avara so much! Thank you again!

Avara made our dinner experience a night to remember. I planned our private dinner as a surprise for my partner for our long weekend in Colorado. I'm a pescatarian but my partner is not, and I wanted to make sure he could have a meat option that was also delicious and something other than veggie or fish. She customized our dinner in such a unique and profound way, there is no way I would have eaten food like this anywhere in Denver. The combination of flavors were incredible and complimented each other so nicely. I will absolutely reach out to Avara the next time I am in Denver.