Chef Layla Nader

Chef At Home in Chicago

I was born in Colombia to Lebanese parents, and my love for cooking began at home. From my mother, I learned that food is more than nourishment, it is a way to express love and bring people together. I grew up watching her prepare meals for hours, only to see the joy on everyone’s faces when they gathered around the table. In those moments, I understood that gastronomy was my calling.

Now based in the United States, I bring over 15 years of experience working in catering companies, hotels, and restaurants. Throughout my career, I have combined tradition, technique, and creativity to craft memorable dining experiences. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a gathering of friends and family, a corporate event, or weekly in-home meal preparation, I approach each occasion with care and attention to detail.

My philosophy is simple: food should connect people, inspire conversation, and transform every meal into a meaningful experience.

I am passionate, attentive, and deeply respectful of every guest I serve. I work with fresh, seasonal ingredients, carefully selecting high-quality products and preparing them with flavors designed to linger in your memory long after the last bite.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is creating moments that connect people and inspire joy, is bringing elegance and soul to every table I serve.

I learned to cook at...

Institut Vatel Paris France Escuela de Restauracion y Hosteleria Madrid Espana

A cooking secret...

The secret is simple: Fresh Ingredients, bold Flavors, and love y passion in every dish. My cooking style is refined yet soulful—rooted in tradition

My menus

Mediterranean/Italian – INDULGE MENU

STARTER

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Eggplant Rollatini Parmigiana

Caponata Antipasto (vegetarian)

Wild Mushroom Risotto Balls (vegetarian)

Sicilian Arancini |Arborio rice stuffed with Mozzarella, Bolognese meat and Tiny Peas)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Agnolotti Carbonara

Creamy Tomato soup and Basil served on mini cheese Bread Crust

Roasted Carrot & Ginger Soup (vegetarian)

Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Lobster & Corn Risotto – Creamy risotto with lobster chunks and sweet corn. Asparagus and Zucchini with caramelized Onions

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggplant Lasagna with Bolognese (Impossible meat) (vegetarian)

Atlantic Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Cream, Risotto & Asparagus

Risotto di Mare with Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels & Clams

Chicken Saltimbocca | Scalloppini of Chicken with Prosciutto, sage and Mozzarella cheese with Wine sauce, pasta Penne and carrots caramelized

Atlantic Salmon Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetabled

Cannelloni Scampi Di Mare| Shrimp, Fresh Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheeses blended and Stuffed into the pasta rolled pasta sheets. Oven Baked and Covered Creamy Cardinale Lobster Sauce

Bronzini Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetables

DESSERT

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Classic Tiramisu

Vanilla Crème Brulee

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake, with Vanilla ice Cream & fresh Berries

Latin American – INDULGE MENU

STARTER

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Causa Peruvian | Tuna-Chicken-Shrimp

Tuna, Mango, Avocado Timbale

Tacos Trio | Birria (beef) Chicken Tinga and Pork Pastor with Sour cream, Guacamole , pico de gallo , Tomatillo Salsa and Cilantro

Beef empanadas with Aioli

Colombian-Style Avocado Cream with Sautéed Shrimp Served chilled, silky texture, sautéed garlic-butter shrimp and fine pico de gallo Mango

Passion Fruit & Shrimp ceviche with green plantain chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Corn Soup with Ancho Chili and Fresh Cream

Tomato tortilla soup with Avocado and Mini Crostini

Shrimp Salad: Mixed Greens, cherry Tomatoes, Orange, radish and Oregano citrus Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coconut Chicken with pineapple Sauce, and jasmine Rice, Served with Avocado Salad

Seared Tenderloin of Beef with Chimichurri Sauce, Rustic Potatoes and Vegetables

Red snapper with garlic, served with cilantro and lime Rice accompanied by Vegetables

Atlantic Salmon Filet in lemon and passion Fruit Sauce with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables

DESSERT

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Coconut Cream

Chocoflan with Caramel sauce

Dulce de Leche Tres Leches with Cinnamon Crunch Soft sponge soaked in three milks, dulce de leche reduction and a delicate cinnamon crunch

Surf & Turf Chef's Special

STARTER

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Lobster Crostini with citrus Butter sweet lobster on toasted brioche with a delicate citrus finish

Golden Seared Scallops with Osetra Caviar & Truffled Cauliflower Cream

FIRST COURSE

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Shrimp Salad: Mixed Greens, cherry Tomatoes, Orange, radish and Oregano citrus Vinaigrette

Ravioli Ricotta and lemon, with Shrimp butter served over Creamy Cardinale Lobster sauce

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Filet Mignon & Butter Poached Lobster – With Golden Rosemary potatoes, french haricots & Carrots, and red wine demi-glace

Filet Mignon & Seared Jumbo Shrimp Duo – With Garlic potato purée, charred asparagus, and red wine demi-glace

Atlantic Salmon Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce & Beef tenderloin reduction red wine with Risotto Fungi, Roasted Vegetabled

DESSERT

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Raspberry tart with Mascarpone Ice cream

Lemon Tartlet with Meringue

Mediterranean/Tapas & Paellas Menu

STARTER

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Charcuterie and cheese, olives, Serrano Ham, Manchego Cheese, Chorizón, with bread, crackers, biscuits, and fresh fruits

Chicken or Ham Croquets/Croquetas de Jamón o Pollo

Traditional Spanish egg and potato omelet Tortilla de patatas y cebolla

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Mediterranean Salad & Baguette Bread

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

SEAFOOD PAELLA - Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Calamari, Clams, Fish and Crab, Safron, Pearl Rice, and Vegetables, garnished with lemons and Roasted red Pepper

MIXED PAELLA - Chicken, Spanish Chorizo, Pork Ribs, Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels, Clams, Vegetables, Safron, garnished with Lemons, Olive, and roasted Peppers

VALENCIAN PAELLA - Chicken, Pork Ribs, Vegetables, Safron, pearl rice, garnished with red roasted Peppers and Lemon

VEGETARIAN PAELLA - Eggplant, green beans, bell peppers, Zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, Mushroom, if an ingredient is not available it will be replaced

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Churros with chocolate or dulce de leche,

Caramel Flan

Crema Catalana

The Italian Cheese Wheel Experience

STARTER

All inclusive

• Sicilian Arancini |Arborio rice stuffed with Mozzarella, Bolognese meat and Tiny Peas)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil oil, aged balsamic reduction & toasted focaccia

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Fresh linguine tossed tableside inside a wheel of imported Parmigiano Reggiano, emulsified with European butter and pasta water, finished with cracked black pepper

Herb-crusted Filet Mignon or Mediterranean Branzino with lemon caper beurre blanc

Served with roasted seasonal vegetables

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream

Local – BASIC MENU

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup (vegetarian)

Maryland Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts & Orange Vinaigrette (vegetarian)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp & grits Croquettes ( Southern Style) with Cajun Remoulade

Maryland Crab Bisque

Creamy Tomato soup and Basil served on mini cheese Bread Crust

Shrimp & Corn Risotto – Creamy risotto with lobster chunks and sweet corn. Asparagus and Zucchini with caramelized Onions

Corn Soup with Ancho Chili and Fresh Cream

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

BBQ Short Ribs with Fingerling Potatoes & Roasted Green Beans

Boneless Beef Short Ribs with Rosemary Apricot Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes & Vegetable Bouquet

Blackened Cod ( Southern U.S. Style) served with: Mashed Potatoes & grilled Zucchini

Blackened Chicken( Southern U.S. Style) served with: Mashed Potatoes & grilled Zucchini

Lobster Mac & Cheese-Creamy Macaroni with Chunks of Lobster

Roasted Turkey Breast Served with giblet gravy and Cranberry Orange Relish,

Crab-Stuffed Atlantic Salmon | Atlantic Salmon Fillet stuffed with lump crab meat, finished with Lemon beurre Blanc Sauce, served with Rice pilaf and sauteed Asparagus

Beef Filet + Shrimp Served with Mashed Potato and Broccolini

Crab-Stuffed Flounder Served with Lemon Risotto and Roasted Green Beans

Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin served with: Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Zucchini

DESSERT

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Cheesecake with Berries

Classic Tiramisu

Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Bread Pudding With Sauce

Triple Chocolate Cake

Chef's Signature Experience

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Crab Cakes with lemon Alioli | Golden, delicate crab cakes served with a bright citrus aioli

Creamy burrata with Heirloom tomatoes, balsamic pearls & Basil Oil served with herbs crostini

FIRST COURSE

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Lobster Bisque with cognac cream | Silky lobster bisque finish with cognac and fresh herbs for deep, elegant flavor

Salad: Baby Arugula, pear, candied Walnut & Gorgonzola with Champagne Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon with red wine demi-Glace, Truffle Mashed potatoes & Grilled Asparagus, seasonal Vegetables

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla crème brûlée with Berries | A Classic French dessert with perfectly caramelized sugar crust

Seafood – INDULGE MENU

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp Bruschetta Dip

Crab Cake with lemon aioli

Mini lobster Rolls-Mini Buttery lobster rolls on Brioche

Lobster & Corn Fritters – Mini fritters with lobster and sweet corn, served with aioli

Mussel & Chorizo Stew – Steamed mussels with chorizo in a light tomato broth

Seafood paella Bites with Romesco Aioli

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Causa Peruvian Shrimp

Crab & Corn Salad – Crab and sweet corn salad with lemon and fresh cilantro

Seared Tequila Shrimp Skewers – Grilled shrimp skewers with Pineapple-peppers Pico de gallo

Tuna Tartare with Avocado and sesame

Lobster Mac & Cheese-Creamy Macaroni with Chunks of Lobster

Mini Seafood Tacos- Bite - Sized tacos with Fish, shrimp, and citrus Slaw

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bronzini Filet with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Risotto Fungi & Roasted Vegetables

Ravioli with Shrimp and Scallops in Cardinale Lobster Sauce

Atlantic Salmon Filet with lemon and capers Butter sauce, with Risotto Butternut Squash Roasted Vegetables

SEAFOOD PAELLA - Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Calamari, Clams, Fish and Crab, Safron, Pearl Rice, and Vegetables, garnished with lemons and Roasted red Pepper

Crab-Stuffed Atlantic Salmon | Atlantic Salmon Fillet stuffed with lump crab meat, finished with Lemon beurre Blanc Sauce, served with Rice pilaf and sauteed Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Crème Brulee with Berries

Panna Cotta with Berries

Classic Tiramisu

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Cheesecake with Berries

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Chef Layla's reviews

4.9

•

32 services

Chef Layla was amazing. She accommodated all of our requests and even baked a surprise birthday cake for the guest of honor. She was kind and engaging, I would highly recommend.

Chef Layla was amazing, she made my sisters bachelorette party and birthday dinner a very special and memorable evening. The food was incredible, presentation was beautiful, and her signature crème brûlée was the best we’ve ever had. We were thankful for the elegant place settings and the printed menu was a very nice touch. It was very easy working with Chef Layla to hone in the menu, she was very communicative through out the planning process. We will definitely be using her again, thanks Chef Layla!

Layla and Diego were very professional. We had a last emergency and they prepared for the food for us to enjoy the next day. We hope to have dinner with them soon

We hired Chef Layla and her assistant Oscar for two nights during a snowy lake house getaway with my husband, my mom, and our dog, and they somehow transformed an already cozy vacation into something truly unforgettable. Having restaurant-level plates arrive at our table in the middle of a quiet lake house felt surreal in the best possible way. Night one was an absolute showstopper. Perfectly caramelized scallops with a golden crust and a silky, decadent lobster bisque that tasted like it came straight out of a fine dining kitchen. The steak was beautifully cooked, and I still cannot believe how tender the short ribs were given the timeframe. And the desserts? Unreal. Layla torched the crème brûlée to perfection. Every bite somehow outdid the last. The second night was a gorgeous Mediterranean Lebanese feast that felt both elevated and deeply comforting. The flavors were vibrant and authentic, the portions were incredibly generous (we had leftovers for days!), and every plate was styled so elegantly — truly restaurant-worthy presentation in a home setting. Beyond the food, which was DELICIOUS, Layla and Oscar were such a joy to have around. They explained each dish, shared stories, and made the whole experience feel warm and personal. They brought absolutely everything they needed, required nothing from us, and left the kitchen spotless. Effortless luxury. By the end of the weekend, it genuinely felt like we had hosted talented friends rather than hired chefs. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering booking Chef Layla — don’t hesitate.

Chef Layla made my dad’s 70th birthday so special! She was so accommodating for our family and the food was so delicious!! She also made extra for my nieces to try her dishes and got them ice cream. So so kind and so great with families!

Our experience with Chef Layla was incredible. The food was better than we could've ever imagined. She took care of everything and all we had to do was enjoy the meal. I would highly recommend Chef Layla for any occasion. It was truly a memorable experience for myself and my family.

Chef Layla was a warm and kind chef for our birthday dinner. We threw her some curve balls (4 kids, a change in the head count) and she adapted gracefully. The kids ate well and they loved her soup! The pace of the meal was steady & comfortable. Excellent food and a really memorable experience. Also Sous Chef Oscar was a kind, attentive, and clearly as passionate as Layla. Great team.

Layla is amazing! She has a broad repertoire and loves what she does. She cooks with her whole heart! The food was delicious and well presented and her signature bon bons are the best!

We had Chef Layla come to our home to celebrate my fiancé’s 30th birthday, and it was such a special experience from start to finish! The food was absolutely incredible - every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and made with the freshest ingredients. Beyond her amazing cooking, Chef Layla was such a joy to have in our home! She’s warm, professional and clearly so passionate about what she does. To top it all off, her vanilla crème brûlée was one of the best I’ve ever had (and I love crème brûlée). It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. I can’t recommend Chef Layla enough!! She’s talented, personable, and made the whole night feel so special. We’ll definitely be booking her again!

Layla was phenomenal! She was so sweet and made our experience one of a kind. We will definitely be using her again in the future!