Chef Kiel Nickerson

Chef At Home in Ravenna

Many beautiful and amazing moments happen throughout life while dining with people that we love in places that we cherish. With KNCO Private Dining & Event Catering, our guests are able to relax and relish in those moments to a tune of euphoria. After over 15 years in the hospitality industry, both in chef and service roles, I began mentally developing the idea of KNCO as a brand itself. The concept of this started as & remains under one umbrella; using our refined skills in personal service to create a deserved feeling of tranquility, as well as culinary preparation & execution as a medium to stimulate and satisfy your senses of both scent & taste. By listening to and communicating with our clients, we're able to craft each menu, layout, execution scheme & run of events to the specific needs of the event or dining experience at task. By using the freshest & highest quality products available in our dishes as well as the most effective & cutting edge culinary techniques, we are able to give our clients a 100% satisfaction guaranteed on any and all dishes served. At several points in my career I yearned for an opportunity where my clients and my craft would be more than just a number equation. With KNCO Private Dining & Event Catering, every event is handled with grace & executed with a passion for perfection. - Chef Kiel N.

For me, cooking is...

my passion, my hobby, my career, my legacy & first true love all in one.

I learned to cook at...

a young age as my father was a Chef & I've been blessed to be in the industry myself since age 16 (about 17 years, over half my life).

A cooking secret...

is research & development with using the most cutting edge techniques, the freshest ingredients, and taking time to learn the vision of our clients.

My menus

Japanese

STARTER

All inclusive

Beef Tataki. Ginger Soy Marinated Wagyu Beef. Crispy Pan Seared Rice Cake. Sriracha Honey Aioli. Confit Egg Yolk. Fresh Scallion. Ponzu Sauce

Hibachi Filet Mignon. Sauteed Hibachi Vegetables. Chopped Filet Mignon. Fluffed Jasmine Rice. Plumb Sake Soy Reduction. Yum-Yum Sauce

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Bok Choy. Red & Napa Cabbage. Thai Peanuts. Caramelized Mandarin Orange. Shaved Carrot. Chow Mein. Ginger Sesame Dressing

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Ginger Teriyaki Braised Beef Short Rib. KimChi Rice Cake. Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Plumb Sake Soy Reduction

DESSERT

All inclusive

Italian Fusion

STARTER

All inclusive

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta. Garden Fresh Basil. Robust Italian Olive Oil. Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette. Toasted Brioche. Fresh Grated Pecorino

Charcuterie Display. Eclectic Meats & Cheeses. Toasted Baguettes. Artisan Crackers. Local Honey, Jams & Preserves. Fresh Fruit. Intense Dark Chocolate

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Caprese Salad. Vine Ripened Heirloom Tomatoes. Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella. Robust Italian Herb Olive Oil. Garden Fresh Basil. A Dash of Aged Balsamic Vinegar

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Tuscan Stuffed Salmon. Ancient Grains. Sauteed Kale & Arugula. Roasted Whole Carrots. Tomato Beurre Blanc

Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Breast. Roasted Spaghetti Squash. Creamy Fennel Herb Filling. House Made Rustic Bolognese Sauce

Ravioli Carbonara. Savory Bacon Marmalade. Cracked Black Pepper. Caramelized Onion. Fresh Grated Pecorino Romano

Campanelle alla Vodka. Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes. Fresh Spinach. Calabrian Bread Crumbs. Fresh Burrata. Whipped N’duja Butter

Vegetarian Risotto al Salto. Roasted Wild Mushrooms. Braised Baby Kale. Caramelized Vidalia Onion. Herb Creme Fraiche. White Truffle Oil. Crispy Fried Garlic

DESSERT

All inclusive

All American BBQ

STARTER

All inclusive

Brisket Croquette. 22 Hour Cherry & Applewood Smoked Beef Brisket. Aged White Cheddar. Paprika Aioli. Pickled Red Onion

Smoked Pork Belly. Carolina Style Glaze. Honey Butter Cornbread Crumble. Apple Cabbage Slaw

Smoked Gouda & Aged White Cheddar Mac & Cheese w/ Brown Butter Bread Crumbs

Fire Roasted Sweet Corn Succotash w/ Fresh Scallion Salad

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Georgia Peach & Burrata Salad. Mixed Summer Greens. Fermented Honey. Crispy Prosciutto. Fresh Basil Oil. Toasted Pecan Crumble

Heirloom Tomato & Grilled Corn Salad. Wild Red Arugula. Charred Michigan Sweet Corn. Fresh Basil. Feta Cheese. Sherry Vinaigrette. Sea Salt

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Espresso Rubbed Beef w/ Bourbon BBQ Jus & Truffle Whipped Potato Puree

BBQ Shrimp & Grits. Jumbo Black Tiger Shrimp. Stone Cut Yellow Corn Grits. Sweet & Tangy Bacon Marmalade. Black Garlic Infused Butter

Applewood Smoked Baby Back Ribs w/ Carolina Mop Sauce & Braised Collard Greens

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Banana Pudding. Vanilla Custard. Brown Butter Crumble

Surf 'n' Turf

STARTER

All inclusive

Creamy Seafood Cake. Cold Water Lobster. Alaskan King Crab. Lemon Chive Aioli. Fresh Arugula Salad. Warm Honey Vinaigrette

Short Rib Toast. Chardonnay Braised Beef Short Rib. Caramelized Onion. Black Truffle & Aged Gruyere Creme. Brown Butter Brioche. Herb Gremolata

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Creamy Lobster Bisque with Toasted Herb Focaccia

Spinach & Spring Mix Greens. Roasted Sweet Potato. English Cucumber. Banana Bread Crouton. Sage & Brown Butter Vingaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Black Angus Upper Prime NY Strip. Whipped Golden Potatoes. Oyster Mushroom. Peppercorn Creme. Bleu Cheese Truffle Butter

Butter-Poached Cold Water Lobster Tail. Sweet Corn Veloute. Chive Oil. Crispy Prosciutto Dust

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Fresh Berries. Caramelized Sugars

Modern French

STARTER

All inclusive

Classic Caesar - Crisp Romaine Wedge. Herb Brioche Croutons. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper. Parmigiano Reggiano Tuile. Creamy Caesar Dressing

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Brown Butter Toasted Brioche. Pesto Whipped Goat Cheese. Prosciutto di Parma. Fresh Georgia Peach. Fermented Honey

Pan Seared Diver Scallops. Black Garlic Beurre Blanc. Fried Basil. Toasted Pine Nuts. Caramelized Pineapple Reduction

Creamy Seafood Cake. Cold Water Lobster. Black Tiger Shrimp. Alaskan King Crab. Lemon Chive Aioli. Fresh Arugula Salad. Honey Bacon Vinaigrette

Crispy Polenta Bite. Shallot & Porcini Ragu. Whipped Creme Fraiche. Chive Oil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Char Encrusted Filet Mignon. Roasted Heirloom Marble Potato. Poached Asparagus. Sauce Foyot

Blackened Faroe Island Salmon Filet. Creamy Sage & Goat Cheese Polenta. Braised Baby Kale. Fire Roasted Corn Succotash. Sherry Cream Sauce

Cabernet Braised Beef Short Rib. Creamy Caramelized Vidalia Onion Risotto. Honey Roasted Whole Baby Carrots. Rich Beef Jus

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Fresh Berries. Caramelized Sugars

Chef's Featured Tasting Menu

STARTER

All inclusive

Truffled Deviled Eggs. Sweet & Savory Bacon Onion Marmalade. Flamin E G G ' Hot Bread Crumbs

Hoisin Duck Cannoli. Salt Roasted Pistachio. Crispy Fried Duck Skin Crumble. Spring Onion Salad

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Heritage Blend Greens. Fresh Strawberries. Meredith Sheep & Goat Dairy Cheese. Candied Pecans, White Balsamic-Blueberry Vinaigrette

Creamy New England Lobster Bisque w/ Rosemary Herb Focaccia Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Ginger Teriyaki Braised Beef Short Rib. Kimchi Fried Rice Cake. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Plumb Sake Soy Reduction

Roasted Cauliflower Steak. Toasted Sunflower Seeds. Garlic & Herb Hummus. Ramp Pesto. Sweet Thai Chili Glaze. Crispy Root Vegetable Bouquet

Black Angus Upper Prime NY Strip. Whipped Golden Potatoes. Oyster Mushroom. Michigan Asparagus. Bleu Cheese Truffle Butter

DESSERT

All inclusive

S'mores Tartlet. Torched Marshmallow. Rich Milk Chocolate

Mediterranean Essence

STARTER

All inclusive

Baba Ganoush - Roasted Eggplant. Olive oil. Meyer Lemon. Tahini. Hive Honey. Toasted Pine Nuts. Fresh Parsley. Toasted Pitas

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Lacinato Kale. Fresh Quinoa. Roasted Sweet Potato. Crushed Walnut Crumble. Grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Red Wine Vinaigrette

Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack - Spring Peas. Citrus Zest. Whipped Yogurt. Rich Lamb Jus. Creamy Orzo Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Tuscan Stuffed Salmon. Ancient Grains. Sauteed Kale & Arugula. Roasted Whole Carrots. Tomato Beurre Blanc

Chicken Lemonato - Pan Roasted Chicken Breast. Meyer Lemon. Braised Heirloom Tomato. Sauteed Spinach. Truffle Potato Puree. Fresh Herbs

Cauliflower Medallion - Toasted Sunflower Seeds. Garlic & Herb Hummus. Root Vegetable Bouquet. Ramp Pesto. Sweet Thai Chili Glaze

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Fresh Berries. Caramelized Sugars

Ladies Night / Bachelorette Party

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Artisan Charcuterie Display. Eclectic Meats & Cheeses. Toasted Baguettes. Artisan Crackers. Local Honey, Jams & Preserves. Fresh Fruit. Intense Dark Chocolate

French Bread Crostini. Pesto Whipped Goat Cheese. Prosciutto di Parma. Fresh Georgia Peach. Fermented Honey. Fleur De Sal

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta. Garden Fresh Basil. Robust Italian Olive Oil. Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette. Toasted Brioche. Fresh Grated Pecorino

Wild Mushroom Toast. Grilled Sourdough. Whipped Ricotta Cheese. Roasted Mushroom Blend. Fresh Rosemary. Black Garlic-Balsamic Vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Caprese Salad. Vine Ripened Heirloom Tomatoes. Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella. Robust Italian Herb Olive Oil. Garden Fresh Basil. A Dash of Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Classic Caesar. Crisp Romaine Wedge. Cracked Black Pepper. Fresh Grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Lemon Zest. Creamy Caesar Dressing. Toasted Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

Heritage Blend Greens. Fresh Strawberries. Meredith Sheep & Goat Dairy Cheese. Candied Pecans, White Balsamic-Blueberry Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Blackened Faroe Island Salmon Filet. Creamy Sage & Gorgonzola Corn Polenta. Braised Baby Kale. Fire Roasted Corn Salsa. Sherry Cream Sauce

Campanelle alla Vodka. Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes. Fresh Spinach. Calabrian Bread Crumbs. Fresh Burrata. Whipped N’duja Butter

Chicken Lemonato. Pan Roasted Chicken Breast. Caramelized Meyer Lemon. Truffle Creme. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. Lemon Butter Sauce. Fried Capers

Vegetarian Risotto al Salto. Roasted Wild Mushrooms. Braised Baby Kale. Caramelized Vidalia Onion. Herb Creme Fraiche. White Truffle Oil. Crispy Fried Garlic

Vegan Chili Glazed Cauliflower Steak. Toasted Sunflower Seeds. Garlic & Herb Hummus. Ramp Pesto. Sweet Thai Chili Sauce. Crispy Root Vegetable Bouquet

DESSERT

All inclusive

S'mores Tartlet. Torched Marshmallow. Rich Milk Chocolate

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Chef Kiel's reviews

4.75

•

92 services

It was an amazing and delicious experience. Chef was very accommodating and attentive to details. Very generous portions. My family insisted on leftovers for breakfast! We would highly recommend Chef Kiel!

Fabulous meal! We had such a great experience! Everything was exceptional! We had a dinner party with 13 people, Chef Kiel and his assistant brought everything they needed and presented us with an amazing meal through all of the courses. We created our own menu that was based off of other options and his recommendations. He was easy to work with from the beginning to the end. We will definitely be doing this again.

Chef Keil was beyond our expectations. He was polite, attentive to our group created a superior meal start to finish. He described each course, had plenty of food, and clean was perfect. I would recommend him to everyone and request his service again.

He was great and would definitely use him again.

Chef was great. Food was excellent.

Kiel was amazing! We will definitely use him again and recommend him to others. The food was fantastic!

Chef Jared from KNCO Private Dining was exceptional. Our family of eight adults (and toddler) raved about the taste and presentation of the heirloom carrots, scallops, mixed green salad, lemon chicken and wagyu beef. There were enough leftovers for breakfast. Chef Jared even made an extra effort to give our grandson a fun toddler dining experience. It was so relaxing to have our own chef come to our vacation rental and prepare an exceptional meal without the hassle of a large group restaurant experience.

Chef Kiel was amazing! The entire experience was extremely enjoyable and quite delicious. He worked with me to develop the menu and accommodated some allergy concerns. He communicated well through the website. We are still talking about the awesome fried chicken and the apple dessert. Would highly recommend and would ask him to come back again for our large family!

We had an incredible experience with Kiel. His six-course meal was thoughtful, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. What really stood out was the personal care and attention—he made adjustments to accommodate my pregnant wife, ensuring her meats were properly cooked, and took the time to chat with us between courses, which made the evening feel warm and special. Every dish was timed perfectly, and he handled everything from prep to cleanup seamlessly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an intimate, restaurant-quality experience at home. Thank you for a memorable night!

Awesome evening!

Chef Kiel was excellent! He was friendly and professional throughout this entire experience. I found that menu planning was extremely easy because he answered his messages timely and gave great input. He also accommodated dietary restrictions by basically preparing two different dinners. I hope to use his services again in the near future. My group is still talking about what an incredible evening we had and how special my sister's birthday was by using a private chef.

Chef Kiel was a professional from start to finish. His talent in the kitchen is incredible. His personality is warm, friendly and genuine. We celebrated my husbands 40th birthday with close friends and having Kiel prepare and serve his delicious food creations was the perfect touch to the party! Thank you so much!

Chef Kiel was was amazing in every step of the way. From great communication during the planning stage to communicating the day of the event. Food was amazing, cooked perfectly. He took care of everything from prep, plating and clean up. This event was held at a property rental, so you never know what you really will have instore for what is needed to pull off a dinner like this but Chef Keil brought everything he needed. I would put this dinner at the top of my list in terms of presentation, execution and taste against top restaurants I have eaten at. Thank you again to Chef Keil for making that a perfect night.

We had the pleasure of hiring Chef Kiel for a week during our family vacation, and the entire experience was exceptional. From his professionalism to his culinary skills, Chef Kiel exceeded our expectations in every way. Chef Kiel crafted a variety of delicious meals that perfectly suited our group. Some of the highlights included his Pearl Sugar Belgian Waffles, Hot Honey Glazed Fried Chicken, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise, Fresh Cut Fruit & Berries for breakfast, which was a hit with everyone. For dinner, the Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Fireball Aioli were outstanding, and his Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Truffle Whipped Potatoes were cooked to perfection. Each dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and showcased his culinary creativity. Not only was the food incredible, but Chef Kiel’s service was also top-notch. He arrived punctually every day, fully equipped with everything he needed, and even made the meal prep an interactive and fun experience for those of us curious about his techniques. His attention to detail in both the food and the setup made each meal feel special, and he left everything spotless afterward, making the experience entirely stress-free. Chef Kiel brought both excellent food and a great vibe to our vacation. His warm personality and expertise in the kitchen left a lasting impression on our family. If you’re looking for a private chef to take your vacation or event to the next level, I highly recommend Chef Kiel—he made our week unforgettable.

Chef Kiel was incredible. His efforts made my wife’s birthday so special; I am grateful to him for all his hard work, and the tremendous results. We recommend him highly.

Everyone in our group agreed that this was a Top 5 meal of all time. And the service and overall experience was just top notch.

Chef Kiel Nickerson came through on a surprise dinner I arranged for my manager’s retirement. He professionally and patiently worked out the menu with me ahead of time and showed up on time to prep. Dinner included his great food, proper presentation and clean up. Thanks Chef for making the surprise a reality!