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

Gebhardt Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Brochette Stuffed with Monterey Jack and Jalapeño

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli and Scallions

Cheeseburger Sliders with American Cheese, Caramelized onion, and Comeback Sauce

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta, Pickled Shallot and Oregano

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

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

Caesar Salad with Parmesan, and Seasoned Breadcrumbs

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

Classic French Onion Soup with Toasted Brioche and Melted Gruyere

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 Collard Greens and Pickled Shallots

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

Chicken Roulade Stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Farro, Sautéed Greens, and Lemon Agrodulce

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

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

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

Seared Pork Chop with a Creole Mustard Cane Syrup Glaze, Parmesan Cheddar Grits, Braised Collards

Seared Pork Loin with Lemon Farro, Pear Mustarda, and Charred Broccolini

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

Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu

Banana Pudding

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Curry Express

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Curried Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki and Cilantro

Garlic Hummus Crostini with Roasted Pepper and Pickled Onion

Tuna Crudo with Coconut Curry Broth, Tumeric Pickled Cauliflower, Cilantro

Beef Shawarma Skewers with Tomato Chutney and Pickled Onions

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chickpea Salad with Local Greens Wilted Spinach, Tomato, Feta, and Citrus

Lil Gem Salad with Curry Lime Vinaigrette, Couscous, Cucumber, Tomato, Pickled Onions, Herbs

Coconut Red Curry CHicken Soup with Spiced Yogurt and Herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and Sauteed Green Beans

Lamb Vindaloo (Spicy) with Basmati Rice and Sauteed Green beans

Smoked Brisket Coconut Thai Red Curry with Basmati Rice and Sauteed Green Beans

Steamed Gulf Fish with Coconut Thai Green Curry over Glass Noodles and Curried Cauliflower

DESSERT

All inclusive

Rice Pudding with Raisins, Toasted Nuts, and Citrus

Cheese Cake with Spiced Tamarind Compote

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Matthews Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Braised Pork Belly Skewers with Blackberry BBQ Sauce and Scallion

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Vietnamese Chargrilled Pork Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

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

Fresh Baked Focaccia Topped with Confit Garlic and Rosemary

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, Sundried Tomato, and Herbs

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

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Toast Points

Classic French Onion Soup with Toasted Brioche and Melted Gruyere

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

Seared NY Strip with Chimichurri, Steak Fries, and Charred Broccolini

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

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

Chicken Parmesan with Blistered Tomato Tartine, Mozzarella, and Hand Made Pasta with a Garlic Cream Sauce

10 Layer Lasagna with Hand Made Pasta, Ricotta and Mascarpone filling, Ground Beef, and Spicy Tomato Sauce

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

Pan Seared Gulf Fish Fillet with Sauce Meuniere | Charred Broccolini | Pomme Puree

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

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

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

Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu

Banana Pudding

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

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

40 oz Bone in Ribeye Topped with Sautéed Jumbo Lump Crab

20 oz 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

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Crab Cakes with Smoked Jalapeno Aioli

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

Chargrilled Oysters with Viet Cajun Butter

Collard Green and Crab Dip with Toast Points

Jalapeno Cornbread with Cane syrup Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

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

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

MAIN COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

8 oz Tenderloin with Pomme Puree, Charred Broccolini, and Chimichurri

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

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

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

Braised Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions over Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Herb Roasted Snapper with Spiced Fried Wild Rice and a Blistered Tomato Reduction

Roasted Half Chicken (Deboned) over Dirty Rice and Topped with a Creole Beurre Blanc

Buffalo Fried or Grilled Chicken with Charred Creole Brussel Sprouts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Bread pudding with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Jenn

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Italian Salsa Verde Chicken Skewers

Pinenut Arancini with Sundried Tomato Pesto

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta, Pickled Shallot and Oregano

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

Prosciutto Wrapped Brie with Lemon Agrodulce

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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, Arugula, Fresh Horseradish, and a Mustard Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Hand Made Pasta and Spicy Tomato Sauce

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

Chicken Roulade Stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Farro, Sautéed Greens, and Lemon Agrodulce

Roasted Chicken with Chili Agrodolce, Lemon Farro Risotto, Charred Broccolini

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

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

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

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Bader Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli

Cheeseburger Sliders with American Cheese, Caramelized onion, and Comeback Sauce

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

Braised Pork Belly Skewers with Blackberry BBQ Sauce

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

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toast Points

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Vietnamese Chargrilled Pork Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

Chopped Caesar Salad with Parmesan, and Seasoned Breadcrumbs

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

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Toast Points

Crawfish Etouffee served with White Rice and Scallion

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

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

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

Seared Pork Chop with a Creole Mustard Cane Syrup Glaze, Parmesan Cheddar Grits, Braised Collards

Braised Chicken Rague with Fresh Pappardelle Pasta

Roasted Chicken Breast over Mushroom 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

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

Seared Scallops over Chitarra Pasta with a White Wine Butter Sauce, Corn, Tomato, and Herbs

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

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

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

Classic King Cake

Banana Pudding

Tiramisu

Howard Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Braised Pork Belly Skewers with Blackberry BBQ Sauce

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

Roasted Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Thyme Butter

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

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta, Pickled Shallot and Oregano

Pimento Cheese Crostini with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Vietnamese Chargrilled Pork Skewers with Cilantro and Crispy Shallot

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 Parmesan, Crushed Croutons, and House Italian Dressing

Classic French Onion Soup with Toasted Brioche and Melted Gruyere

Tuna Crudo with Chili Oil, Ponzu, Garlic Crisp, and Scallion

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

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

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

Seared NY Strip with Chimichurri, Steak Fries, and Charred Broccolini

Giant Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella and Blisterd Tomato with Hand Made Garlic Noodles

Grilled Chicken Rigatoni Pasta with Basil Pesto and Burrata

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

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

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Tiramisu

Banana Pudding

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Chef Ben's reviews

4.89

•

68 services

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!