Chef Melissa Schaefer

Private Chef in Newburgh

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.

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

My menus

Italian/Mediterranean - Indulge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Burrata Margherita Pizza (V)

Caprese bites (V)

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Camembert

Seared Ahi Tuna Agrodolce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Spring Pea Cappelletti, Lemon-Butter, Pecorino (vegetarian)

Local Tomato Salad & Arugula (vegetarian)

Grilled Radicchio, Roasted Fennel, Ricotta Salata, Citrus Thyme Vin (vegetarian)

Napolitano Lasagna – Ricotta, Pomodoro & Parmiggiano

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Osso Bucco, Risotto Milanese, Gremolata

Handmade Kabocha Truffle Agnolotti (V)

Grilled Tuscan Ribeye, Fingerling Potato, Garlic Rapini

Ratatouille over Polenta (GF, V)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Pistachio Castagnole

Tiramisu – Zabaglione, Espresso, Mascarpone

Galaktoboureko

White chocolate cheesecake, Lemon & Raspberry Gastrique

Latin American - Indulge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Beef Cheek Birria Tacos

Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos with Cantina Guac, Pickled Onion & Salsa Roja

Vegan Avocado Tostada, Tomato, Micro Herbs (V)

Pork Belly Tostadas with Queso Fresco and Avocado

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fire Roasted Corn, Black Beans, Avocado, Pickled Peppers, Charred Lime Vin (vegetarian)

Jicama, Blood Orange & Red Onion Salad (vegetarian)

Roasted Local Corn Salad with Avocado, Pickled Peppers & Cilantro Lime Vin (vegetarian)

Farmstand Minestrone (vegetarian)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pulled Pork Enchiladas with Cheddar & Chile de Arbol Salsa

Quesabirria Tacos – Braised Short Rib, Chili Broth, Cheesy Tortilla

Loroco Pupusas, Curtido Slaw, Tomato Salsa, Black Beans & Rice, Sweet Plantains (GF, V) (vegetarian)

Pulpo a la Gallega, Roasted Fingerlings, Fresno Chiles & Cilantro

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Tart Tatin with Cardamom & Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Semifreddo with Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Pistachio Castagnole

Campfire S’more Tart

Local - Basic

STARTER

All inclusive

Yogurt Parfaits with fresh fruit & granola or almonds & pumpkin seeds (vegetarian)

Mini avocado tostada with pico de gallo (GF) (V)

Breakfast Plank- Charcuterie, quick pickles, deviled eggs, condiments, fruits

Charcuterie and cheeses of your choosing and accompaniments

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Herb Roasted Chicken, Roasted Root Vegetables, Mashed Potato, Pan Gravy

Grilled Ribeye, Arroz Amarillo, Maduros, Salsa Verde

Veggie Lasagna (V, GF)

Chicken Milanese, Saffron Risotto, Arugula & Fennel Salad w Lemon Vin

DESSERT

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Apple Oat Crisp GF w/ Vanilla Bean ice cream

Local Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Brown butter chocolate chip cookies & Chocolate covered strawberries

Warm Apple Dumplings w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Surprise

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Gigante Bean Crostini

Phyllo wrapped Brie Bites with Lemon-Thyme Honey and Pistachio

Tellicherry Pepper Steak Bites with Smoked Onion Jam

Thai Chicken Summer Rolls with avocado, pickled carrot and cucumber

Wild mushroom & goat cheese gyoza with balsamic gastrique

Ahi Tuna Tartare w/ Lemon, Cucumber, Sicilian Extra Virgin, Calabrian chilies

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Agnolotti del plin in brodo- Handmade agnolotti, an iconic dish from Piemonte, Italia - with Scratch-made Chicken stock,

Arugula, Roasted Pear, cucumber, tomato, pickled shallot, lemon thyme Vin

Roasted Local Beet, Pickled Dark Cherry, Field greens, roasted parsnip, scallion, fine herbs, balsamic herb Vin

Charred Tomato Bisque with Creme Fraiche & Chive, Sourdough-Cheddar Toast

Romaine, Shaved Pecorino, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Radish, Pickled Shallot, Lemon-thyme Vin

MAIN COURSE

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Chicken Milanese, Saffron Risotto, Arugula & Fennel Salad w Lemon Vin

Filet Mignon, Shiitake, Asparagus, Chive Whipped Potato, Bordelaise

Piedmontese Bavette, Salmoriglio, Risotto Milanese, Local Snow Pea Chiffonade, Roasted marinated cherry tomato

Grilled Wild Pacific Salmon, Warm Quinoa Salad w/ cucumber, kalamata & cherry tomato, sautéed spinach

Pan roasted monkfish, snow peas, celery root, chili oil, tarragon

Handmade Kabocha Truffle Agnolotti (V)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Tarte Tatin & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Blueberry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Brown butter chocolate chip cookies & Chocolate covered strawberries

Campfire S'more Tart - Alder wood smoked chocolate, Chocolate Budino, Graham Pate Sucree, Marshmallow Brûlée

Chocolate Cassis Cake w Berries & Freshly made whipped cream GF

Latin American - Basic

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Empanadas

Mini Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos (vegetarian)

Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Mexican Crema & Tomatillo Salsa

Tostones with Guacamole and Corn Relish (GF, V)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Tinga tacos, Cantina guac, queso fresco, salsa verde & roja

Pork Carnitas Tacos with guacamole, sour cream, queso fresco

Veggie Taco Trio – Sweet Potato/Black Bean, Avocado/Cucumber, Tempeh/Rice/Roasted Veg (V)

Grilled skirt steak, rice & beans, peppers & Onions

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Classic Flan

Churro bites w vanilla ice cream

Tres leches cake

Freshly made raspberry sorbet & chocolate covered strawberries (gf, df, v)

Seafood/Surprise - Basic

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Veggie & Fish Sushi (can be cooked, GF options available)

Baked Clams Oreganata

Grilled Halloumi, Tomato & Cucumber with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette (vegetarian)

Cucumber & Scallop Ceviche rounds

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Wild Pacific Salmon, Warm Quinoa Salad, Cherry Tomato, Spinach

Halibut Tacos with Radish, Pickled Onion & Charred Tomato Salsa

Grilled Zucchini Involtini, Quinoa Salad, Roasted Heirloom Tomato (vegetarian)

Cioppino

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Posset (GF)

Fresh Berry Salad & Freshly Squeezed OJ (V)

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Lemon & Raspberry Gastrique

Warm Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Ice Cream

Local - Exclusive

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops, Avocado, Local Roasted Corn, Pickled Peppers, Watercress, Roasted Lime Vin

Chèvre Zucchini Flowers, Lavender Honeycomb, Camembert

Foie Gras Torchon, Pain Rustique, Dark Cherry Mostarda, Mache-Nasturtium Salad

Vegan Veg Terrine, Eggplant, Pickled Carrot, Avocado, Chimichurri

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Agnolotti del Plin in Brodo – Handmade Piemontese Agnolotti in Chicken Stock

Local Green Apple, Whipped Feta, Fine Herbs, Field Greens, Lemon Vin (vegetarian)

Classic French Onion Soup

Frisée aux Lardon Lyonnaise with Poached Egg & Dijon Shallot Vin

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Beef Wellington, Pommes Purée, Haricot Vert, Bordelaise

Local Duck Breast, Togarashi Mustard Greens, Roasted Root Vegetables, Dark Cherry Reduction

Butternut Squash Terrine, Beech Mushroom, Braised Leek Butter, Mustard Greens (Vegan) (vegetarian)

Venison Tenderloin, Maitake Mushroom, Celery Root Purée, Roasted Fingerlings, Snow Peas

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Campfire S’more Tart – Alder wood smoked chocolate, Graham Pâte Sucrée, Marshmallow Brûlée

Pistachio Castagnole (Sicilian beignet)

Japanese Super Fluffy Cheesecake

Zabaglione & Berries

Italian/Mediterranean - Exclusive

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Sea Scallop, Hen of the Woods Mushroom, Tomato Broth, Old Bay Crisp

King Crab Beignets with Chive-Lemon Aioli

Classic Escargot with Herbs & Garlic

Charred Tahini Eggplant & Veggies, Warm Za’atar Pita (V)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lobster Raviolo, Tomato Broth, Tarragon, Chive Oil

Frisée aux Lardon Lyonnaise with Poached Egg & Dijon Vin

Handmade Spring Pea Agnolotti with Wild Ramp Butter & Pecorino (vegetarian)

Cacio e Pepe (vegetarian)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Tuscan Ribeye, Truffled Potato, Garlic Rapini

Handmade Wild Mushroom Agnolotti with Ramp Butter & Pecorino (vegetarian)

Pan Seared Halibut, Creamy Polenta, Sautéed Baby Kale, Herb Gremolata

Local Black Sea Bass, Mustard Greens, Roasted Lime Beurre Blanc

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Apple Tarte Tatin & Creme Anglaise

Campfire S’more Tart – Alder Wood Smoked Chocolate

Zabaglione & Berries

Chocolate Cassis Cake with Chantilly Cream & Berries (GF)

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Chef Melissa's reviews

4.6

•

57 services

Chef Melissa was so warm and accommodating! She listened to all our requests and came up with a custom tailored menu for our family which includes two vegetarians, five omnivores, one of whom does not eat certain meats. She made the most delicious home-made pasta for the whole family! We were licking up her sauce! And last but not least, our daughter requested a flourless chocolate cake to celebrate her 40th birthday, and Chef Melissa baked the most delicious one we ever had! It was literally the icing on the cake of a wonderful family dinner! Thank you, Chef Melissa!

Chef Melissa did a fantastic job with my birthday dinner for 7! With a delicious menu that even managed to impress 3 picky teenagers, we all enjoyed every bite! She was professional and communicative throughout the whole process. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We hope we can hire her again!

Chef Melissa was excellent. The food was incredible and she left the kitchen spotless. She worked closely with on the menu and was responsive to all my questions. Best of all the food was excellent.. I would book her again for sure.

Melissa was amazing! The food was delicious and she was very professional. Highly recommend booking Melissa!

Chef Melissa was wonderful, she was on time, ready to cook and was an absolute pleasure. We loved her food and enjoyed the whole experience. We'd highly recommend Chef Melissa to anyone looking to book an event.

Would use again and recommend!

Melissa was wonderful! We hired her for a three-day corporate retreat. It was incredible to have lunch and dinner take care of, on-site. I was able to give Melissa different lunch and dinner times each day, and she was incredibly accommodating, even when meetings ran over and we needed to push back dinner last-minute. Melissa was attentive to the dietary restrictions and allergies of the party, and she stayed well within our budget. Each meal was delicious, and everyone said the food at the offsite was a highlight. Highly recommend Melissa!

Not only was the food incredibly good, Chef Melissa was also just such a kind person and so flexible and relaxed during the planning and execution surrounded by our whirling dervish of a multigenerational family. We feel so lucky to have found someone who was talented and professional and impressive in the kitchen while also being a truly pleasant and funny person to just be with! She was a perfect match in food and in spirit. We can’t wait to find an excuse to work with her again.

Mel is fabulous! She personally sent me her menus ahead of time and asked if there was anything I wanted to switch up. She was so open to feedback, concerns, and comments. Extremely on time and accommodating...so much so that sometimes I didn't even notice she had left! Her food is delicious and she does a great job of engaging just enough. We will have her back for our retreat next year! Thank you, Melissa!!

Melissa was amazing to work with from start to finish, and the food was incredible!

Melissa was amazing! The food was great and more than lived up to expectations. Melissa was especially good at accommodating our requests and dietary restrictions.

Chef Melissa was AMAZING! We hired her for a bachelorette party dinner after a day of wine tours and it was the best!! She was right on time, came in and made us pizza within the first hour which was amazing after a day of drinking. We had a great time while she cooked and served us, and the food was outstanding! she cleaned up and headed out the door very discretely which was nice as we we're all chatting enjoying each others company. 10/10 recommend for any event!

Chef Mel was beyond incredible! She created an unforgettable meal and took into consideration all food restrictions and allergies. Chef Mel took the time to communication with me to discuss the best menu for my party based on my preferences. The food was delicious!

Chef Melissa made my dreams come true. She communicated with me for weeks creating the perfect menu that was still allergy friendly. She arrived and prepped like a professional. Courses were plated beautifully and came out in a thoughtful manner and were timely! The food was amazing!!!! She was so kind and cleaned the whole kitchen before leaving. I want to hire her for any event! Thank you Melissa!

Melissa was great! She listened to our preferences (family style, appetizers outside and mains inside) and the food quality was incredible. Would highly recommend her!

Melissa was an absolute sweetheart. So professional, kind, attentive and focused. She did a great job and the food was unbelievably tasty! I would definitely recommend her for private affairs.

Chef Melissa was fantastic! Prior to the event she answered all of my messages and arrived right on time. Her menu options were incredible. She quietly prepared our meals and left the kitchen spotless. The food was amazing! Would definitely hire her again. She made our covid in-house bachelorette an amazing time. Cannot recommend more!