Chef Melissa Schaefer

Private Chef In Newburgh
Chef Melissa Schaefer

Get to know me better

Private chef, 15 yrs, with a love of all things wild and free

I began my professional career in NYC, my years as a young line cook spent at restaurants including Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad Hotel, Chez Sardine, and The Russian Tea Room. The hours were long and the work was intense but, the skill that I gained made the experience a very rewarding one.

Craving a change from city life, I traveled to Alaska in 2016, where I spent my Summer season cooking for Tutka Bay Lodge and exploring new foods and practices. I remembered and re-learned to appreciate every facet of telling a story with food.

Inspiration for my menus is found at the local farms of The Hudson Valley. When thoughtful care results in truly special ingredients, it transcends through any dish. An avid admiration of this work is what motivates me to thoughtfully highlight the attributes of the peak local fare and bring an exciting experience true of the region to your table.

Food has always been about connection for me. A connection to the first phases of food allows me the opportunity to experience it in a new way, approach it more thoughtfully, and, I get to see the joy it brings to the table, the connection among loved ones.

Photo from Melissa Schaefer

More about me

For me, cooking is...

An expression of love, a foundation upon which to build an unforgettable experience

I learned to cook at...

I've learned much along the way but, everything important about what it is to cook, was learned from Nonna.

A cooking secret...

Striving to impress myself, remaining curious, I think about the experience of your first bite before I consider what to make

Chef Melissa's reviews

4.58
37 services

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