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

Nguyen Menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Braised Pork Buns with Gochujang and Pickled Vegetables

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Mini Crab Cakes with Garlic Aioli

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Pickled Shallot and Oregano

Pimento Cheese Bites with Assorted Pickles and Herbs

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Chargrilled Oysters with Garlic and Thyme Butter

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette

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

Classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons

Charred Peach and Burrata Salad with Arugula, Candied Pecans, Pickled Shallots, and Reduced Balsamic

Green Apple and Cashew Salad with Mixed Greens, Herbs, and a Honey Sesame Dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Caste Iron Tenderloin with Chimmichurri, Seared Gulf Shrimp, Pomme Puree, and Charred Broccolini

Braised Chicken Rague with Fresh Pappardelle Pasta

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

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

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

Seared Pork Chop, Creole Mustard Glaze, Cheesy Grits, and Candied Collard Greens

Braised Lamb with Nam Prik and White Rice

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Big Ass Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Dubai Chocolate Cheese Cake

Coffee Panna Cotta

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)

Ratta 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

Bacon Wrapped Date Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almond and a Lemon Agrodulce Glaze

Creole Mustard Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Korean BBQ Tuna Tartar bites with Sesame and Scallion

Charred Tomato Bruschetta with Pickled Shallot and Oregano

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

Classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan and Croutons

Charred Peach and Burrata Salad with Arugula, Candied Pecans, Pickled Shallots, and Reduced Balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Caste Iron Tenderloin with Chimmichurri, Seared Gulf Shrimp, Pomme Puree, and Charred Broccolini

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

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

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

Braised Short rib Bourguignon with Carrots and Pearl Onions over Garlic Mashed Potatoes

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Cheese Cake with Berry Compote

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream

Coffee Panna Cotta

Southern

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Pimento Cheese Toast Bites with Pickles and Herbs

Chargrilled Oysters with Garlic and Thyme Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seafood Gumbo with Shrimp, Conecuh sausage, and Crab

Crawfish or Shrimp Etouffee served with White Rice

Charred Peach and Burrata Salad with Arugula, Candied Pecans, Pickled Shallots, and Reduced Balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

5 oz Tenderloin topped with Cajun Gulf Shrimp | Charred Broccolini | Pomme Puree

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

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

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

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

Triple Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream

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

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

Asian

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Braised Pork Buns with Gochujang and Pickled Vegetables

Pork Pot Stickers

Chicken and Shrimp Smashed Goyza

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Rice Salad with Fresh Herb and Chili

Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Green Apple and Cashew Noodle Salad

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

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

General Tso's Chicken with White or Steamed Rice

Beef and Broccoli with White or Steamed Rice

Vegetable Lo Mein with Special Sauce

Char Su Pork with Scallion and White Rice

Chargrilled Vietnamese Pork with Vermicelli Noodles

Beef Tenderloin Namikaze with Ssamjang

Braised Lamb or Beef with Nam Prik and White Rice

Chargrilled Chicken with Nuamc Cham and White Rice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baked Egg Custard

Asian Southern Fusion

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Boudin Pot Stickers with Sweet Chili Sauce and Garlic Chili Crisp

Smoked Pork Bao Buns with Creole Mustard Teriyaki

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Glass Noodle Salad with Pork Belly Burnt Ends and Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette

Crawfish and Conecuh Fried Rice with Siracha Mayo

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Braised Shortrib and grits with a Teriyaki Glaze and pickled Radish

Cornmeal Crusted Gulf Fish with Vietnamese Maque Shoux and Herbs

Coconut Curry Green Beans with Crispy Garlic

Braised Kimchi Collard Greens with Crispy Shallot and Scallion

DESSERT

All inclusive

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta

Show me more

Chef Ben's reviews

4.88

•

54 services

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!