Chef Mindy Baker

Chef At Home in Branford

My passion for food and hospitality started at a young age, working in my grandmother’s catering business, where I learned the importance of fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and exceptional service. That foundation led me to become a high school culinary teacher and earn a Master’s in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America.

With years of experience catering a variety of events—including multiple gatherings in the Hamptons—I specialize in crafting unforgettable dining experiences tailored to each client’s vision. I create custom, seasonal menus using the freshest ingredients from local markets, ensuring every dish is both delicious and beautifully executed.

Whether you're planning a corporate event, birthday celebration, bachelorette, bachelor party, or a delicious dinner at home, I bring expertise, creativity, and seamless service to every occasion. From elegant multi-course meals to fun, interactive dining experiences, I’ll curate the perfect menu to match your event’s style and energy.

Let me take care of the food so you can relax and enjoy your event. Book my chef services today, and let’s create something truly special!

For me, cooking is...

an art that unites people in the most meaningful way. I love using my culinary talents to create memorable experiences and bring joy to others.

I learned to cook at...

my family's catering business from my dad and grandmother, creating some of my best memories in the kitchen along the way.

A cooking secret...

mastering balance—knowing how to adjust flavors, textures, and seasoning to create the perfect dish.

My menus

Fresh from the Sea

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Moules Marinieres (Mussels in White Wine) - Charred Rustic Sourdough Bread

Shrimp Ceviche: Cooked Shrimp, Tomato, Red Onion, Cilantro, Avocado, Fresh Citrus

Nobu style Crispy rice cakes topped with creamy avocado, sashimi grade tuna, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds

Lobster Bisque

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Panzanella: toasted ciabatta, garden tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, capers

Caesar: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Fresh Lemon, Anchovy Paste, Homemade Croutons

Lobster Cobb Salad with Tarragon Dressing

Burrata salad with orange segments, roasted peppers, fresh basil

Caprese Salad

Greek Salad: Cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncini, onions, feta, olives, grape leaves over fresh romaine. Served with a feta vinaigrette dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos Fresh Corn Tortillas

Baja Fish Tacos: Beer Battered Cod, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Aji Amarillo Sauce or Chipotle Sauce

Spanish Paella

(Counts as Two Dishes) Mixed Grill (Skirt Steak, Shrimp & Chicken) Served with Mango Salsa & Chimichurri

Beef Tenderloin (Horseradish, Gorgonzola or Bearnaise)

Lobster Risotto

Grilled Lobster Tails

Brown Butter Scallops over Parmesan Wilted Spinach Risotto

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Assorted mini parfaits (Tiramisu, Banana Pudding, Chocolate Mousse)

Peach Raspberry Shortcake or Crisp, Berry Oatmeal Crisp or Strawberry Shortcake or Crisp

Fresh Berries & Whipped Cream

Coconut & Mango Sorbet

Chocolate Torte & Berries

Dark Chocolate Bark & Dubai Chocolates

Dessert of Choice

Bayside Brunch

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Pressed Orange Juice for Mimosas

Fresh Brewed Coffee, Iced Coffee & Tea

Fresh Fruit Display

Fresh Pressed Green Juice (Ginger, Green Apple, Pineapple & Kale)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Homemade English Muffins

Fresh Biscuits and Honey Butter

Avocado Toast

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Carne Asada Breakfast Burritos

Cacio e Pepe Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

Vegetable Frittata or Quiche

Omeletes to Order

Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sage, Sausage & Gruyere

Breakfast Sausage, Bacon & Potatoes

Eggs Benedict, Crispy Prosciutto de Parma & Golden Hollandaise

Butter Poached Lobster Benedict

DESSERT

Choose 3 dishes

Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake

Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Banana Crunch Muffins

Lemon Blueberry Scones

Maple Oat Scones

Homemade Chocolate Croissants

Homemade Almond Croissants

Grilled Pineapple & Peaches, Honey Vanilla Yogurt & Homemade Granola

Blueberry Muffins

Banana Sour Cream Pancakes

A Taste of Italy

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

(Included) Artisan Bread, Olives & Olive Oil

Arancini (Italian Fried Risotto)

Brushetta

Eggplant Rollatine

Cheese Course: Local cheeses, preserves, honey, fruit, olives, assorted bread and crackers

Fried Calamari

Fried Mozzerella

Italian Wedding Soup (Mini Meatballs, Homemade Chicken Stock, Spinach, Acini Di Pepe)

Shrimp Cocktail

Appetizer of your choice

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Burrata salad with orange segments, roasted peppers, fresh basil

Panzanella: toasted ciabatta, garden tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, capers

Caesar: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Fresh Lemon, Anchovy Paste, Homemade Croutons

Caprese Salad

Soup or Salad of Your Choice

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Chicken (Milanese, Francese, Parmagiana, Saltimboca, etc…)

Filet Mignon or another Steak of Choice

Filet Mignon/ Beef Tenderloin (Gorgonzola Cream, Horseradish or Bearnaise Sauce)

(Counts as 2) Grilled filet mignon, picked lobster meat, portobello, cognac gorgonzola cream sauce

Eggplant Parmagiana

Zuppa di Pesce

Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo

Linguine White Clam Sauce

Pasta Amatriciana

Brown Butter Scallops over Parmesan Wilted Spinach Risotto

Classic Lasagna

Entree of Your Choice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu

Cookie and Bar Platter (Including Italian Favorites Rainbow, Pignoli, Ricotta, Anginettes)

Cannoli (Shells or Dip)

Creme Brulee

Lava Cake & Vanilla Ice Cream

Dessert of your Choice

Latin American Fusion

STARTER

All inclusive

Fresh Salsa, Guacamole & Tortilla Chips (ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and fresh lime juice)

Watermelon Agua Fresca

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fried Plantains Chipotle Aioli

Empanadas (Chicken, Beef or Mushroom, Olives, Picadillo, Raisins)

Shrimp Ceviche: Cooked Shrimp, Tomato, Red Onion, Cilantro, Avocado, Fresh Citrus

Short Rib Nachos: Cilantro Avocado Crema, Pico de Gallo, Monterey Jack

Chili, Posole or Chicken Tortilla Soup & Cornbread

Appetizer of Choice

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Baja Fish Tacos: Beer Battered Cod, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Aji Amarillo Sauce or Chipotle Sauce

Tacos Al Pastor: Achiote Marinated Roasted Pork, Charred Pineapple, Onion, Cilantro, Salsa Verde Crudo

(Counts as Two Dishes) Mixed Grill (Skirt Steak, Shrimp & Chicken) Served with Mango Salsa & Chimichurri

Steak Tacos: Mushrooms, Onions, Queso Fresco, Salsa Verde

Shrimp Tempura Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

Birria Tacos: Oaxaca and Chihuahua Cheese, Salsa Verde, Beef Consommé

Sides Included: Arroz Rojo, Pinto Beans, Mexican Street Corn (Esquites) Chipotle Mayo, Cotija, Ancho Powder, Lime

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres Leches

Churros and Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Flan de Queso

Pastelillos de Guayaba

Dessert of Your Choice

Fall Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Italian Wedding Soup

Cheese Course: Local cheeses, preserves, honey, fruit, olives, assorted bread and crackers

Eggplant Rollatine

Butternut Squash Bisque

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Cranberry Baked Brie

Arancini (Italian Fried Risotto)

Sherry Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Wild Mushroom Soup

Appetizer of Choice

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Maple Roasted Carrot and Goat Cheese Salad

Fall Burrata Salad Roasted Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, Pepitas

Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad with Salami, Provolone, Radicchio, Pepperoncini

Autumn Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts, Warm Goat Cheese, Cranberries, Balsamic Vinaigrette Fall Apple Salad with Candied Pecans, Gorgonzola, Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Salad of Choice

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Milanese

Classic Meat Lasagna

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Brown Butter Scallops over Parmesan Wilted Spinach Risotto

Pappardelle Bolognese

Beef Bourguignon

Beef Wellington

Beef Tenderloin (Horseradish, Gorgonzola or Bearnaise)

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Cider Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Plum Chutney

Silver Palate Chicken Marbella

Chicken Pot Pie

Zuni Cafe Roast Chicken and Bread Salad

Chicken (Francese, Parmigiana, Saltimbocca, etc…)

Select 2 Sides (Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Bouchon Inspired Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower Gratin, Roasted Butternut Squash, Potato Fennel Gratin, Green Beans Almondine, Roasted Delicata Squash & Brussels Sprouts, Cacio e Pepe Asparagus, Rice Pilaf Cranbe

Entrée of Choice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cannoli (Shells or Dip)

German Chocolate Cake

Old Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Carrot Cake

Tiramisu

Creme Brulee

Caramelized Coconut Oatmeal Cake

Warm Apple Crisp & Vanilla Ice Cream

Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Pumpkin Cheesecake

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Toblerone Fondue with Strawberries, Bananas, Pound Cake, Rice Krispie Treats, Pretzels

Dessert of Choice

Taste of Summer

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Crab Cakes

Local cheeses, preserves, honey, fruit, olives, assorted bread and crackers

Shrimp Cocktail

(Included) Fresh Biscuits and Honey Butter or Artisan Bread Selection

Lobster Bisque, Potato Corn Chowder or Clam Chowder

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Greek Mezze Platter

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Appetizer of Choice

Mini Lobster Rolls, Meyer Lemon, Buttered Brioche

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Caesar: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Fresh Lemon, Anchovy Paste, Homemade Gluten FreeCroutons

Grilled Peaches & Burrata

Burrata salad with orange segments, roasted peppers, fresh basil

Panzanella: toasted ciabatta, garden tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, capers

Lobster Cobb Salad with Tarragon Dressing

Greek Salad: Cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncini, onions, feta, olives, grape leaves over fresh romaine. Served with a feta vinaigrette dressing

Salad of Choice

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Skirt Steak Chimichurri

Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Mini Lobster rolls, brioche & Meyer lemon

2 favorite sides included: Baked Potato, Mashed Potato, Smashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables (Mushrooms, Zucchini, Squash, Red Onion), Green Beans Gremolata (Garlic, Lemon Zest & Olive Oil), Corn on the Cob, Sauteed Spinach, Asparagus, rice, mac & cheese, southern potato salad

Grilled filet mignon, picked lobster meat, portobello, cognac gorgonzola cream sauce

Stuffed or grilled Lobster Tails

Beef Tenderloin (Bearnaise, Horseradish or Gorgonzola Cream)

Kobe Beef Sliders

Pulled Pork Sliders with Cilantro Slaw

BBQ Ribs

Entrée of Choice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Gourmet Ice Cream Sundae Bar to Accompany a Birthday Cake

Fruit Salad

Lava Cake

Peach Raspberry Shortcake or Crisp, Berry Oatmeal Crisp or Strawberry Shortcake or Crisp

Creme Brulee

Warm Cookie Assortment

Cookie and Bar Platter

Assorted mini parfaits

Key Lime Pie

Classic Banana Pudding

Summer Fruit Crostata

Dessert of Choice

Show me more

Chef Mindy's reviews

4.88

•

27 services

Excellent news

Chef Mindy Baker made my 60th birthday dinner one to remember. She was such an amazing person to work with from the menu selection to desert! I will definitely select her again.

From start to finish, Mindy was a pleasure to work with! During the planning stages, she was communicative and accommodating. She worked with us on dietary restrictions and preferences and she created a beautiful menu for my dad's 70th birthday brunch. On the day of the event, she and her team arrived promptly, were very pleasant and kind, and put out a beautiful spread. They were attentive and thoughtful during meal service and did a wonderful job cleaning up. All in all, a great experience!

We had an incredible experience with Chef Mindy! She was the definition of professional — from the moment she arrived, everything was handled with a true white-glove service. She even printed personalized menus for the event, which made the evening feel so special and thoughtful. The food was absolutely phenomenal — every course was perfectly crafted, beautifully presented, and full of amazing flavors. You could tell how much care and expertise went into every detail. Everyone at the birthday celebration was raving about the meal and the overall experience. It truly made the birthday unforgettable, and I cannot recommend her enough for anyone looking to create a memorable, first-class dining experience at home. Thank you so much for an amazing night!

Chef Mindy was a delight! Punctual, pleasant, and professional! Would definitely recommend.

We had Chef Mindy prepare dinner for a bachelor party group of 11. She was communicative, accommodating, and worked with me to prepare a special menu for our group, along with recommendations for wine pairings. Dinner was a hit, and she was thorough in her clean-up. A great experience, highly recommend.

Mindy was the BEST! We planned a small dinner for the first night of a bachelorette trip and it was the perfect start to the weekend. Mindy worked with us to create a menu that fit all of our dietary restrictions and preferences. Everything was absolutely delicious and we couldn't stop thinking about our meal for the rest of the weekend. We loved chatting with Mindy after dinner wrapped up and we are already thinking about our next event so we can work with her again!

Mindy is a master of her craft- she was engaging, and very talented. Mindy prepared a five course meal for an intimate dinner of four. She had everything needed, served phenomenal food, and cleaned up. It was a wonderful experience enjoyed by all.

Mindy was very attentive to the needs of the group. We had lunch and a 4 course dinner for a group of 23. All the food was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. Everyone was raving about all the dishes. We had grilled chicken and beef skewers which were a fan favorite along with the wagyu burgers. During dinner, the coconut shrimp and crab cakes appetizers were to die for! Overall, it was such a delightful gastronomic experience!

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Chef Mindy's culinary expertise, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect. Mindy's food was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a dining experience that was both delightful and memorable. The flavors were well-balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. Beyond her culinary skills, Mindy was incredibly accommodating when it came to creating the menu. She took the time to understand our preferences, ensuring that every guest was satisfied. One of the most impressive aspects of Mindy's service was her meticulous attention to cleanliness. After the event, the kitchen was spotless – it was as if no one had even been there. In summary, Mindy exceeded all expectations. Her wonderful food, flawless execution, and outstanding service made for an unforgettable experience. I couldn't recommend Chef Mindy more highly to anyone looking for an exceptional culinary experience.

Mindy was the best we could have imagined! was so much fun and can’t wait to see her again!!! 12/10 experience!