Chef James Zitz
Chef At Home in Falmouth
Get to know me better
A passionate and experienced personal chef dedicated to creating memorable experiences using locally sourced farm raised resources.
I am a professional chef with over 25 years experience. I came through the ranks under the tutelage of industry leading chef in San Francisco, Key West, Seattle and Washington, DC. My inspiration comes from what is seasonally available around me and is influenced by Modern American, French Pronvencial, Northern Italian and a variety of cultures "peasant foods."
After resettlement in my home state of Virginia, I have dedicated myself to utilizing sustainable local prodhcts provided by smaller family operations that provide the highest quality available. I have cultivated amazing relationships with many small farms and other small producers. I believe that the areas surrounding Washington DC and Richmond showcase some of the greatest small farm products the world has to offer, opulent and abundant.
I would love to share this with you in a memorable culinary experience.
I am available for to cook for small gatherings, corporate retreats, food drop off for parties of all sizes and can provide a team of select professionals to provide an amazing experience at large and small full service engagements.

More about me
For me, cooking is...
A way to share what inspires me, a tacit engagement through imagination, tactile delight and our desire to be nurtured.
I learned to cook at...
Cafes near the fisherman's wharfs of Key West and Seattle, through fine dining in San Francisco and onto the imaginative locavore restaurants of DC
A cooking secret...
To allow the ingredients to dictate what they require rather than trying to manipulate them into a preconceived idea, to showcase them at their peak.
My menus
Roasted Mushrooms with Tarragon and Garlic Butter
Lamb Lollipops with Cucumber Pomegranate Sauce
Roasted Pears Stuffed with Ricotta and Walnuts over Arugula
Blue Crab and Honey Crisp Apple Salad Wraps
Fig and Ham en Croute with Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion
Fried Green Tomatoes and Eggplant with Pecan and Fig Emulsion, Nasturtium Leaf (vegetarian)
Grilled Shrimp Cakes- on Buckwheat Blinis with Garlic, Dill Aioli (GF)
Chesapeake Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette
Beef Tenderloin Canape- Horseradish Cream, Yellow Tomato Emulsion
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Umami Maple Glaze
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardon and Apple Cider Gastrique
Leek and Gruyere Bread Pudding topped with Olive Oil Poached Garlic, Fennel and Tomatoes
(Salad) Classic Caesar Salad with Steakhouse-style Caesar dressing
(Salad) Poached Pears Stuffed with Ricotta and Walnuts over Arugula
(Salad) Panzanella Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes (vegetarian)
(Salad) Roasted Maitake Mushroom, Tomato Concasse, Parmesan Crisps, Arugula, Balsamic Honey Drizzle
(Soup) Summer Squash and Lemon Verbena Soup, with Caramelized Honey Pecans (V)
(Soup) Maryland Crab Soup
Chilled Honeydew Melon Soup with Creme Friache, Lemon Thyme and Chervil
Beef Brisket Stuffed Peppers- Local Brisket/ Wild Rice/ Seasonal Vegetables/ Green Peppercorn Cream
Coffee Rubbed Brisket, Sweet Potato and Root Vegetable Gratin, Green Onion Soubise
Crab-Stuffed Flounder with Roasted Winter Greens and Lemon Aioli
Crabcakes with Remoulade, Smashed Potatoes and Autumn Vegetable Slaw
Herb Crusted Beef Roast- Horseradish Sauce, Dijon Apple Relish
Roasted Leg of Lamb with Cucumber Raita, Lavender Poached Vegetables
Pan Roasted Beef Loin with Root Vegetable Gratin and Acorn Squash
Roasted Salmon with Orange Glaze with Warm Farro and Autumn Greens Salad
Low Country Shrimp and Grits- Local Grits, Red-eye Gravy, Blistered Tomatoes
Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Lemon, Leek and Spinach Puree, Grilled Summer Squash and New Potatoes
Blueberry Cheesecake with Mint Coulis
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Blueberry Compote
Coconut Custard Tart with Lemon Grass Syrup (Dairy Free)
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis
Pecan and Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze
Sorghum Molasses Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream
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Asparagus- Truffle Oil, Comte Fondue, Black Garlic (V)
Guanciale- Pea Puree, Cauliflower Foam, Tarragon Leaf
Scallop Crudo- Charred Grapfruit, Dill Oil, Celery Root Puree, Meyer Lemon (V)
Savory Peach Tart- Virginia Peaches, Lemon Thyme, Gruyere, Salted Honey
Pork Rillettes- Brioche Toasts, Apricot Chutney, Celery Leaf, Black Lava Salt
Foie Gras- Caramelized Pajerero Fig, Passion Fruit Gel, Shallot Frites, Chervil
Shrimp Toasts-Garlic Shallot Butter, Puff Pastry, Pinapple Sage
Salade Frisee- Green Apple, Tarragon, Brioche Crouton, Meyer Lemon Gastrique (V)
Salade Chevre Chaud- Warm Goat Cheese, Toasted Baguette, Chard, Roasted Cauliflower, Cider Vinegar Poached New Potatoes (V)
Truffle Potato Soup- Baby Leeks, Sorrel, Foie Gras, Buttermilk Biscuit (vegetarian version available with Eggplant and Walnut puree)
Burrata- Balsamic Grilled Grapes, Dill Flower, Crostini (V)
Warm Lentil Salad- Kale, Lardons, Golden Beets, Fennel, Sherry Vinegar
Pumpkin Soup with Oyster Mushroom and Pancetta
Chevre Canapes au Trois- Lemon and Fava Bean, Truffle and Asparagus, Grilled Artichoke and Portobello (V)
Swedish Beet Root Salad- Shaved Potato, Beets, Celery Root, Apple, Fennel in Lemon Mustard Espuma (V)
Swordfish with Lentils and Chorizo
Duck Gallettes- Buckwheat Crepe, Duck Confit, Tomato Concasse, Summer Greeens Salad
Stuffed Courgettes- Ricotta, Walnut, Tomato and Fennel Confit, Buckwheat Porridge, Summer Herbs (V)
Lavender Braised Ox Tail with Parmesan Risotto
Braised Poulette with Foie Gras Ravioli in Brodo
Stuffed Quail- Wild Rice, Walnut, Apricot, Salad of Asparagus, Shaved Fennel, Maitake Mushrooms, Kumquat Chutney
Pan Seared Lamb Chops- Pomeganate Citrus Relish, Cucumber Riata, Mediteranean Vegatable Couscous
Lamb Shank- Sauce Bordelaise, Roasted Tomato, Carmelized Sweet Potato
Entrecote- Bone in Ribeye, Parisian Butter, Honey Poached Carrots, Potato Aligot
Roasted Root Vegetable Pave over White Bean Stew- Fennel/ Kale/ Grilled Frisee/ Roasted Tomato
Caramelized Pears on an Almond Tart with Lavender Chantilly Cream
Classic Creme Brulee with Raspberries and Mint
Chocolate Mousse with White Chocolate and Raspberry Pirouttes
Coconut Custard Tart with Lemongrass Syrup
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis
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Dates Stuffed with Stilton Cheese, Pommegranate and Toasted Almonds in Sage Brown Butter Sauce (V)
Grilled Shrimp on Cheddar Corn Potato Cakes with Sauce Choron
Lamb Kefta with Chervil and Green Apple Riata
Virginia Local Meat and CheeseBoard served with Country Yeast Rolls and Pickled Seasonal Vegetables
Heirloom Tomato, Cucumber, Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches with Lemon Verbena Mayonnaise and Potato Gaufrette (V)
Whipped Local Goat Cheese and Honey with Tomato Jam and Crostinis
Moving Meadow's Farms Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Fava Bean Hummus, Grilled Flat Bread ,Summer Vegetable Crudite (Vegan)
Local Asparagus, Sauce Romesco, Almond Dust, Pecorino Tuille
Grilled Romaine Salad with Yogurt Sauce, Parmesan, Cheddar Corn Bread Croutons and Red Onion (V)
Cider Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Edward's Virginia Bacon
(Salad) Poached Pears Stuffed with Ricotta, Apricot and Walnuts, Tarragon Viniagrette (V)
Spring Greens and Oyster Mushroom Salad with Hot Bacon Viniagrette
Ramp and Sorrel Vichysoisse, Black Walnut Gastrique (V)
Maryland Crab Soup
Fried Green Tomatoes and Eggplant with Pecan and Fig Emulsion (V)
Swedish Beet Root Salad- Shaved Potato, Beets, Celery Root and Leaf, Apple, Fennel in Lemon Mustard Viniagrette
Beef Heart Tartare, Quail Egg, Charred Green Onion, Tarragon Jicama Relish, Pommes Allumette
(Salad) Grilled Peaches, Heirloom Tomato, Charred Scallions, Nasturtium, Red Veined Sorrel, Charred Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
Seared Duck Breast, Smoked Cheddar Grits, Toasted Fennel, Celery Root and Horseradish, Kumquat Gastrique
Zucchini Cakes with Corn and Basil Summer Salad, Lyoniasse Potatoes (V, Vegan)
Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, Summer Greens and Melon Salad with Blue Cheese. and Green Apple and Horseradish Dressing
Braised Chicken Thighs (Culpeper, Va) with Tuscan Kale and White Bean Stew
Lavender Braised Ox Tail Stuffed Peppers with Carolina Gold Rice
Coffee Rubbed Brisket, Sweet Potato and Root Vegetable Gratin, Green Onion Soubise
Pan Seared Rockfish with Blood Orange Buerre Blanc, Roasted Yellow Beets and Wild Rice
Classic Creme Brulee with Raspberries and Mint
Lavender Custard Tart with Fresh Berry Compote
Blueberry Cheesecake with Mint Coulis
Sorghum Molasses Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Pecan Tuile and Blackberry Compote
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Fried Green Tomatoes with Smoked Pimento Cheese Sauce (vegetarian
Country Biscuits- Virginia Ham, Gruyere Cheese, Elderbery Jam
Fried Oysters with Smoked Paprika Remoulade
Baked Brie with Fig Jam and warm baguette
Seasonal Vegetable Crudite Platter with Buttermilmilk Green Goddess Dressing
Assorted Canapes
Grilled Chesapeake Oysters with Horse Radish Lemon Sauce
Chopped Romaine Salad with Roasted Potato, Boiled Egg, Radish, Tarragon Vinaigrette
(Salad) Grilled Peaches, Heirloom Tomato, Charred Scallions, Nasturtium, Red Veined Sorrel, Charred Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
(Salad) Poached Pears Stuffed with Ricotta, Apricot and Walnuts, Tarragon Viniagrette (V)
(Salad) Classic Caesar Salad with Steakhouse-style Caesar dressing
(Salad) Shaved Kale with Walnut, Sweet Cranberries, Pomegranate and Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Braised Chicken Thighs with Kale and White Bean Stew
Coffee-Rubbed Brisket, Sweet Potato and Root Vegetable Gratin, Green Onion Soubise
Cornmeal Crusted Fried Trout
Fried Chicken with Savoury Honey Drizzle
Pan Roasted Beef Loin with Root Vegetable Gratin and Acorn Squash
Roasted Salmon with Orange Glaze
Smoked Paprika Marinated Roasted Chicken with Apple Pie Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Herb Crusted London Broil with new Potato, Onion and Horseradish sauce
Glazed Baked Ham- Maple Orange Glaze
Pecan and Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze
Red Velvet Cake
Sorghum Molasses Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis
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Classic Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Fresh Mozzarella (vegetarian)
Panzanella Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Yellow Tomato Vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Baba Ghanoj with Crostini and Olives (vegetarian)
Fig and Ham en Croute with Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese
Hummus Mezze Platter- Freshly made Hummus, Flatbread crisps, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Spanish Olive Oil
Shrimp, Lemongrass, Coconut and Sweet Potato Soup
Shrimp and Melon Salad- Shaved Almond, Basil Leaf, Lemon Dijon Dressing
Burratta- Balsamic Grilled Grapes/ Lemon Oil/ Marinated Almonds/ Dill Flower/ Crostini
Ancient Grains and Whole Foods Salad (Vegan, GF)
Homemade Bolognese with Fresh Tagliatelle
Seafood Fra Diavolo with Linguine
Gnocchi alla Fonduta with Walnut Pesto (vegetarian)
Crispy Pan-Roasted Branzino with Yellow Tomato Emulsion
Pan Seared Filet of Cod with White Beans and Artichoke
Lavender and Tomato Braised Ox Tail Stuffed Peppers with Linguini
Homemade Tiramisu
Chocolate Chip Cannolis
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Blackberry Compote
Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream
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Panzanella Salad with Preserved Lemon and Fiore Sardo (vegetarian)
Mediterranean Stuffed Courgettes (vegetarian)
Naplese Caprese Salad
Fried Buffalo Mozzarella with San Marzano and Basil Sauce (vegetarian)
Proscuitto Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Pommegranite and Almond
Burratta- Balsamic Grilled Grapes, Lemon Oil, Marinated Almonds, Dill Flower, Crostini (V)
Lamb Lollipops with Cucumber Pomegranate Sauce
Seared Scallops in White WIne, Pernod and Butter Sauce, Shaved Fennel Shoots
Cheeseburger Slider Platter with Pickles, Tomatoes, Onion, and a variety of condiments
Lavender Braised Beef Cheek Tagliatelle with Pecorino
Mushroom Phyllo Croquettes with Spicy Honey Yogurt (V)
Gnocchi alla Fonduta with Walnut Pesto and Butternut Squash Agrodolce (V)
Mini Bell Peppers Arancini- Roasted Bell Pepper stuffed with Parmesan Risotto, Breaded and Lighty Fried
Trio of Flatbread Pizzas- Cheese, Pepperoni, and Spring Vegetables
Grilled Marinated Swordfish in Brodo with Pancetta and Braised Greens
Parmesan and Roasted Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Pea Purée (vegetarian)
Seafood Fra Diavolo – Shrimp, Scallop, Sea Bass in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Proscuitto Wrapped Filet of Cod with White Beans and Artichoke
Pan Roasted Duck Breast Served with red Wine, Figs and Polenta Stew
Lavender Rubbed Roasted Leg of Lamb with Herb Jus
Classic Baked Chicken Parmesan
Homemade Bolognese with Tagliatelle Pasta
Lavender Custard Tart with Fresh Berry Compote
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Raspberry Syrup
Coconut Custard Tart with Lemongrass Syrup (vegetarian)
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis
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Farcis Nicoise- Roasted Zuchini and Bell Peppers Stuffed with Ratatouille and Walnuts (V)
Fried Squash Bloosoms- Goat Cheese, Lavnder Honey, Dill Flower, Fennel Pollen (V)
Burratta- Balsamic Grilled Grapes, Lemon Oil, Marinated Almonds, Dill Flower, Crostini (V)
Poached Pears Stuffed with Ricotta, Apricot and Walnuts, Tarragon Viniagrette (V)
Tapenade- Served with Pissaladiere (Niciose-style Foccacia) (V)
Soccas with Walnut Pesto and Sauce Romesco (V)
Breton Celeriac and Potato Salad with Chervil and Cornichon, Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Salad Nicoise- Tuna, Boiled Egg, Green Beans, Radish, Poached Potatoes, Summer Greens, Basil Leaves,
Soupe au Pistou- White Bean Soup with Charred Carrots and Pesto (V)
Leek and Gruyere Bread Pudding topped with Olive Oil Poached Garlic, Fennel and Tomatoes
Ancient Grains and Whole Foods Salad (Vegan, GF)
Boursin Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomato and Pickled Chard
Shrimp and Melon Salad- Shaved Almond, Basil Leaf, Lemon Dijon Dressing
Celery Root Salad- Traditional French Comfort Dish
Poulet au la Provencal- Braised Chicken, White Wine, Artichoke, Niciose Olives, Shaved Garlic, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Bouillabaisse- Classic French Shellfish Stew- Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels and Clams
Navarin d'Agneu- Tomato and Coriander Braised Lamb Stew, Parsnips, Carrots, Celery Root and Potato
Pasta Provencal- Flavors Of Provence served warm with Penne Pasta, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, Bell Pepper, Basil, Olive Oil and Other Summer Herbs
Shrimp Pasta with Sundried Tomato Pesto
Pan Roasted Duck Breast Served with red Wine, Figs and Polenta Stew
Raspberry Sorbet with Mint and Pistachio Crumble
Flourless Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis
Lavender Custard Tarts with Fresh Berry Compote
Lemon Ricotta Cake with Blueberry Compote
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Poached Pears with Whipped Chevre. Honey Gastrique and Walnuts over Sorrel
Steamed Mussels with Andouille- in White Wine, Garlic and French Butter, with Crispy Rustic Loaf of Bread
Buckwheat Gallet with Port Salut, Duck Confit and Currant
Smoked Mackrel Rillettes served on Crostini with Chive Blossoms and Shaved garlic
Seared Scallops in White WIne, Pernod and Butter Sauce, Shaved Fennel Shoots
Escargot with Toast Points
Lobster and Honey Crisp Apple Salad Lettuce Wrap with Chives and Garlic Aioli
Warm Lentil Salad- Kale/ Lardons/ Golden Beets/ Fennel/ Sherry Vinegar
Salade Chevre Chaud- Warm Goat Cheese on a Toasted Baguette with Frisee, Roasted Cauliflower and Cider Vinegar Poached New Potatoes
Breton Celeriac and Potato Salad with Chervil and Cornichon, Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Sugar Beets salad Roasted Beets, Asparagus, Swiss Chard, Pine Nuts, Fresh Summer Herb and Goat Cheese Vinaigrette
Frisee and Strawberry Salad with Walnut Sherry Vinaigrette
Pot au feu de'Hommard- Lobster Stew in Saffron Lemongrass Broth
Bouillabaisse- Classic French Shellfish Stew- Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels and Clams
Roasted Salmon with Sauce Bernaise, Asparagus and New Potatoes
Butter Poached Sea Bass with Tomato and Fennel Confit, Purple Rice
Herb Marinated Grilled Swordfish in Brodo with Eggplant Puree and Spaghetti Squash
Pan Seared Filet of Cod with White Beans and Artichoke
Classic Creme Brulee with Raspberries and Mint
Coconut Custard Cups with Lemongrass Syrup (dairy free, vegetarian)
Lavender Custard Tart with Fresh Berry Compote
Strawberry Tart with Macadamia Nut Pastry Cream
Caramelized Pears on an Almond Tart with Lavender Chantilly Cream
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