Chef Ben Snellenberger

Chef At Home in Fairhope

I've been a professional chef for 15 years and received my training from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Early in my career while in New York, I bounced around different kitchens that ranged from Michelin rated to small gastro pubs. Gathering experience and getting the chance to see all kinds of different food.

From there I moved to Montana for two and a half years working in healthcare facilities trying to elevate existing culinary programs and teams. Afterwards, I moved to Houston (my hometown) and worked under some amazing chefs like Ryan Pera with Agricole Hospitality and Chris Shepard (James Beard award winner) at Underbelly Hospitality.

I also had a small stint as an executive cef at an elevated Tex-Mex restaurant until covid shut down the industry. Then I moved to Fairhope, AL with the family for a chef opportunity at the Hope Farm.

For me, cooking is...

Passion. You can't be successful in this career without loving every aspect of it.

I learned to cook at...

The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

A cooking secret...

Never stop learning and keep pushing the boundaries of different cuisine.

My menus

Asian Experience

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Pork Pot Stickers with Sweet Chili Sauce and Garlic Crisp

Curried Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki and Cilantro

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

Korean BBQ Pork Belly Skewers with Scallion and Crushed Peanut

Vietnamese Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

Vietnamese Chargrilled Pork Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Rice Salad with Tomato, Cucumber, Herbs & Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette

Lil Gem Salad with Cucumber, Radish, and Carrot with a Peanut Ginger Vinaigrette

Glass Noodle Salad with Ssamjang dressing, Scallions, Pickled Carrots, Radish, and Crushed Peanuts

Green Apple and Cashew Noodle Salad with a Sesame Dressing

Thai Beef Salad with Glass Noodles, Fresh Basil, Cilantro, and Mint

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Chargrilled Vietnamese Chicken over Vermicelli Noodle Salad in Coconut Lime Broth

Beef and Broccoli with Fried Rice

General Tso's Chicken with Garlic Broccoli, and Steamed Rice

Fried Gulf Fish with a Thai Chili Tamarind Glaze, Roasted Garlic Broccolini, and Steamed Scallion Rice

Chargrilled Vietnamese Pork with Vermicelli Noodles and a Basil, Cilantro, and Scallion Herb Salad

Braised Short rib and Rice Dumpling in a Rich Ssamjang Broth with Crispy Shallots

Braised Lamb or Beef with Nam Prik, Radish and Carrot Slaw and White Rice

Beef Tenderloin Namikaze with Ssamjang, Garlic Broccoli and White Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Egg Custard Fruit Tart with Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berries

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta

Classic Cheese Cake with Mango Compote

Rice Pudding with Raisins, Toasted Nuts, and Citrus

Italian

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Italian Salsa Verde Chicken Skewers

Pinenut Arancini with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Caprese Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato, Basil, and Reduced Balsamic

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Pickled Shallot and Oregano

Antipasto Platter with Cured Meats, Pickled Vegetables, Marinated Olives, and Cheese

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lil Gem Salad with House Italian Dressing

Panzanella Salad with Sourdough, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, and Red Wine Vinaigrette

Tomato Salad with Cucumber Vichyssoise, Tomato Vinaigrette, Shaved Shalott, and Basil

Pea Salad with Prosciutto, Fresh Horseradish, and a Mustard Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Hand Made Pasta and Spicy Tomato Sauce

Roasted Gulf Fish Fillet with Italian Salsa Verde, Sauteed Greens, and Rosemary Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Chicken Parmesan with Blistered Tomato Tartine, Mozzarella, and Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Cream

Braised Oxtail Ossobucco with Pickled Onions, Polenta, and Braised Green Beans

Fresh Chitarra Pasta with Gulf Shrimp, Tomato, and a Garlic Pepper Sauce

Roasted Chicken with Chili Agrodolce, Lemon Farro Risotto, Charred Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy

Tomato Risotto with seared Scallops and Herbs

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu

Panna Cotta (mango coconut, key lime, or Vietnamese coffee)

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Tex Mex Coastal

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Shrimp and Snapper Ceviche with Onion, Tomato, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Avocado, and Lime

Queso with Chorizo and Chips

Shrimp Brochette with Ancho Chili, Lime, and Cilantro

Marinated Chicken Fajita Skewers with Chipotle Aioli

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Caldo De Pollo (Spicy Chicken Soup), with Cilantro, chili, and rice

Elote Salad with Charred Corn, Avocado, Arugula, Parmesan, and a Lime Chili Dressing

Tuna Crudo with Aqua Chile, Cilantro, and Avocado

Local Greens Salad with Tomato and Lime Vinaigrette, Queso Fresco, Pickled Onions, and Charred Corn

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Marinated Beef and Chicken Fajita with Peppers and Onions, Mexican Rice, and Refried Beans

Pork Carnitas with Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Pickled Onions, and Rice and Beans

Mole Negro Roasted Chicken with Mexican Rice and Rice and Beans

Roasted Gulf Fish Fillet with Tomatillo Salsa Verde and Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Rice and Beans

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Tomato Salsa Verde, Melted Oaxaca Cheese, Queso Fresco, and Pickled Onions with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans

Beef Enchiladas with Spiced Picadillo, Tomato and Chili Gravy, Melted Oaxaca, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Rice and Refried Beans

Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Caramelized Onions and Peppers, Herbs, Mexican Rice and Refried Beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres Leches

Mexican Bread Pudding with Berry Compote

Bama Board

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli and Scallions

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

Miniature Buttermilk Biscuits with Pepper Jam, Assorted Pickles, and Pimento Cheese

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Vietnamese Chargrilled Pork Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Jalapeno Cornbread with Cane syrup Butter

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Bone in Ribeye Topped with Sautéed Jumbo Lump Crab

Chateaux Brion with Marsala Mushrooms and Chimichurri

Smoked Brisket Thai Coconut Curry with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Scallion and Cilantro

Fried Chicken over Dirty Rice

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Stuffed with Jalapeno and Monterey Jack Cheese

Sautéed Broccoli and Cheese Sauce with Crispy Scallions

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chive

Charred Brussel Sprouts with Tarragon and a Creole Vinaigrette

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Banana Pudding

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Egg Custard Fruit Tart with Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berries

Steak House (Basic)

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Mini Crab Cakes with Smoked Jalapeno Aioli

Beef Tartar with Garlic Aioli, Capers, Shallot, Lemon and Horseradish

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Chargrilled Oysters with Viet Cajun Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Wedge Salad with Black Pepper Buttermilk Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled Onion, Bacon Lardons, Blue Cheese

Classic Caesar Salad

Lil Gem Salad with House Italian Dressing

Local Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, and Toasted Almonds

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

16 oz Ribeye with Pomme Puree, Charred Broccolini, and Chimichurri

Roasted Gulf Fish Fillet and Garlic Herb Butter with Pomme Puree, Charred Broccolini

Buffalo Fried or Grilled Chicken with Charred Creole Brussel Sprouts

20 oz New York Strip with Pomme Puree, Charred Broccolini, and Chimichurri

8 oz Tenderloin with Pomme Puree, Charred Balsamic Brussels, and Chimichurri

Spicy Seafood Pasta with Crawfish and Conecuh Sausage | Hand Made Noodles | Corn | Tomato| Herbs

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Cheese Cake

Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Stewart Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Italian Salsa Verde Chicken Skewers

Pinenut Arancini with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Caprese Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato, Basil, and Reduced Balsamic

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Pickled Shallot and Oregano

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli and Scallions

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lil Gem Salad with House Italian Dressing

Classic Wedge Salad with Black Pepper Buttermilk Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled Onion, Bacon Lardons, Blue Cheese

Tomato Salad with Cucumber Vichyssoise, Tomato Vinaigrette, Shaved Shalott, and Basil

Classic Ceasar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Seared Tenderloin with Sauce Au Poivre, Pomme Puree, and Charred Broccolini

Seared NY Strip with Blistered Tomato, Reduxed Balsamic, Stewed Peppers, and Polena

Chicken Parmesan with Blistered Tomato Tartine, Mozzarella, and Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Cream

Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Cheddar Grits, Braised Collard Greens and Pickled Shallots

Sauteed Crawfish and Fresh Chitarra Pasta with Tomato, Corn, and Conecuh Sausage and Herbs

Roasted Chicken with Chili Agrodolce, Lemon Farro Risotto, Charred Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy

Braised Chicken Rague with Fresh Pappardelle Pasta, Grated Parmesan and Herbs

Roasted Chicken Breast over Dirty Rice and Topped with a Creole Beurre Blanc

Pan Seared Gulf Fish Fillet with Sauce Meuniere, Butternut Squash Purée, and a Sautéed Corn, Tomato, and Okra Succotash

Gulf Fish with a Thai Chili Tamarind Glaze, Roasted Garlic Broccolini, and Steamed Scallion Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu

Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Rinehammer Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli and Scallions

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta, Pickled Shallot and Oregano

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Wedge Salad with Black Pepper Buttermilk Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled Onion, Bacon Lardons, Blue Cheese

Classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan, and Seasoned Breadcrumbs

Lil Gem Salad with House Italian Dressing

Local Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, and Toasted Almonds

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Herb Roasted Chicken with Pepperonata and Garlic Rosemary Potatoes

Braised Chicken Rague with Fresh Pappardelle Pasta, Grated Parmesan and Herbs

Seared Tenderloin with Sauce Au Poivre, Pomme Puree, and Charred Broccolini

Seared NY Strip with Blistered Tomato, Reduxed Balsamic, Stewed Peppers, and Polena

Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Cheddar Grits, Braised Collard Greens and Pickled Shallots

Sauteed Crawfish and Fresh Chitarra Pasta with Tomato, Corn, and Conecuh Sausage and Herbs

Seared Pork Chop with a Sausage and Clam Butter Sauce, Braised Collard Greens, Dirty Rice

Fried Gulf Fish with a Thai Chili Tamarind Glaze, Roasted Garlic Broccolini, and Steamed Scallion Rice

Pan Seared Gulf Fish Fillet with Sauce Meuniere, Butternut Squash Purée, and a Sautéed Corn, Tomato, and Okra Succotash

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Carlin Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli and Scallions

Caprese Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato, Basil, and Reduced Balsamic

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Pickled Shallot and Oregano

Braised Pork Belly Skewers with Blackberry BBQ Sauce and Scallion

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lil Gem Salad with House Italian Dressing, Sundried Tomato, and Herbs

Classic Wedge Salad with Black Pepper Buttermilk Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled Onion, Bacon Lardons, Blue Cheese

Tomato Salad with Cucumber Vichyssoise, Tomato Vinaigrette, Shaved Shalott, and Basil

Classic Ceasar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Seared Tenderloin with Sauce Au Poivre, Pomme Puree, and Charred Broccolini

Seared NY Strip with Blistered Tomato, Reduxed Balsamic, Stewed Peppers, and Polena

Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Cheddar Grits, Braised Collards and Pickled Shallots

Cornmeal Fried Gulf Fish with Green Tomato Tartar Sauce, Southern Cassolette

Fried Gulf Fish with a Thai Chili Tamarind Glaze, Roasted Garlic Broccolini, and Steamed Scallion Rice

Pan Seared Gulf Fish Fillet with Sauce Meuniere, Butternut Squash Purée, and a Sautéed Corn, Tomato, and Okra Succotash

Sauteed Crawfish and Fresh Chitarra Pasta with Tomato, Corn, and Conecuh Sausage and Herbs

Seared Scallops over Chitarra Pasta with Crispy Bacon and a White Wine Butter Sauce and Herbs

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Banana Pudding

Tiramisu

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Chef Ben's reviews

4.89

•

76 services

Chef Ben provided an incredible Italian meal for our 7-member family at the end of our first day of vacation. He was engaging and very friendly and won rave reviews for all 7 of us. We will certainly be using him again.

Chef Ben was great! The food was perfect

Chef Ben was very friendly, and cgatted with the family, including kids and grandparents. He made a great, customized 4 course meal for a party of 16 adults. Would definitely recommend for a fun night!

We have hired several chefs prior to using this site & none compared to Chef Ben. We cannot say enough positive things about Ben from beginning to end he was very professional, accommodating & very engaging. The meal was delicious & presentation amazing. We would highly recommend Chef Ben!!!

Ben was awesome! I highly recommend the Bama board. Everything we ate was top notch! What an amazing chef and experience

Chef Ben was very professional from the beginning. His menu was very impressive. Being Christmas Day there was a lot of pressure on me as the hostess, to our whole family, for the food not to disappoint. I have to say it exceeded mine and my families expectations. Will definitely be hiring Chef Ben again.

Chef Ben definitely exceeded our expectations. Not only was food quality exceptional, and presentation just as good, but his interaction with our grandchildren was special. When asked at the end of the week in Gulf Shores at Kiva Dunes about what their favorite part of the week was, several our 7 grands said, "the dinner with Chef Ben"! I would highly recommend him for your next special dinner!

Chef Ben was outstanding. The entire experience working with him was phenomenal. Highly recommend working with Chef Ben.

Ben Snellenberger did not disappoint. We look forward to him cooking for us next year.

He fit in with our family instantly, and was able to relate to everyone, from ages of 40 to 88!!

Ben was amazing, he is an awesome chef & informative & kind & a gentleman to all love him

Chef Ben did a wonderful job from the first communication to the very end of the meal. The food was fabulous and he was very personable. We 100% plan on using Chef Ben in the future.

Chef Ben was GREAT! He provided a sample menu but was very flexible to revise it for our desired features and allowed us to have multiple selections to accommodate our large group. He brings EVERYTHING and did all of the clean up too. Was a very interactive and presented each course when we wanted it. Not too fast or too slow. I highly recommend this service and Ben as a chef.

Chef Ben was fantastic! Can’t say enough good things about him and everything he prepared…highly recommend for your next event!

Chef Ben arrived at planned time and was exceptional with managing the kitchen with another using the space as well. Kind and friendly with adults and children as he worked and created the beautiful decadent meal for our fam. The pacing was exactly as we needed-space to enjoy the food and each course without ever feeling rushed. Chef Ben announced each course after serving us and then allowed us to ask questions about ingredients and preparation between the praise of how delicious it all was. We thoroughly enjoyed him and his food. Highly recommend Chef Ben and intend to use him on our yearly beach trips to the Gulf Shore. Thank you, Chef.

Amazing job!

Ben was amazing!! We love using a private chef service and do it often, and he was by far the best one we have ever had! His food tasted incredible and he also has a great and fun personality! He’s honestly so great and we highly recommend him!

Ben was amazing and the food was incredible! He was very attentive and patient with our large group! Highly recommend!

We scheduled Ben for a fine dining brunch at our beach house and were blown away by the entire experience from start to finish. The communication and menu building was seamless (even though one guest was a meat eater and one a vegan) and Ben curated 4 perfect courses to impress us all. He arrived early to set up, brought all of the items needed (we didn’t have to prepare anything ahead of time!) the meal was presented beautifully, Ben was such a talented chef, each dish was plated perfectly and it felt like having a friend in our home. The food tasted like we were at a Michelin star restaurant and we are already planning to have him back again!