Chef Molly Bidinost

Chef At Home in Paso Robles

My passions are show-stopping presentation, local ingredients, and customer service. In the age of social media, food presentation is critical. I love to incorporate vibrant colors and create height on the plate. On the Central Coast, and especially Paso Robles, we are so blessed to be surrounded by quality produce.

Also, wine has been a new passion of mine being in Paso Robles and I incorporate wine pairings with every menu. I love to interact with guests, show them what I do, and even get them involved in the process. I currently have my own culinary business, Garnet Culinary. Garnet is my husband and I’s birthstone.

We use this name to tell our story: We met in culinary school and constantly use each other’s strengths to make our signature dishes. We often work together, push each other to try new things, and combine our skills to create the best dishes we can. All of these things define my purpose.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is the marriage of flavors, textures, and cultures. It gives every person a reason to enjoy a craft in communion with each other.

I learned to cook at...

I got my classical culinary training from the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena.

A cooking secret...

One of my favorite cooking methods is live-fire cooking. It adds a new dimension of flavor and creates a level of entertainment for the guests.

My menus

Fall 2026

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Ahi Tuna Crudo, Carrot Ginger Brodo, Radish, Avocado Cream, Chili Oil

Crispy Pork Belly, Apple Gel, Pickled Mustard Seed, Chive

Potato Pave, Beef Tartare, Confit Egg Yolk

Pani Puri, Shrimp Salad, Pomegranate Caviar, Preserved Lemon

Tempura Mushroom, Citrus Aioli, Pickled Shallot

Duck Arancini, Currants, Pine Nuts, Berry Mostarda

Fontina Polenta Bites, Spiced Pumpkin Purée, Pumpkin Seeds

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Miso Glazed Carrots, Parsnip Puree, Carrot Top Pesto, Pickled Fresno

Butternut Squash Apple Soup, Spiced Pumpkin Seeds, Crème Fraiche

Confit Leeks, Hazelnut Gremolata, Citrus Vinaigrette, Fried Leeks

Burrata, Grilled Pear, Fried Sunchoke, Arugula, Balsamic, Carrot Ribbons

Honeynut Squash Agnolotti, Brown Butter, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Seeds, Amaretti Crumble

Squash Risotto, Fried Sage, Pancetta, Walnuts

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Fall Cassoulet, Duck Confit, Italian Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Herb Gremolata

Roasted Steelhead Trout, Cranberry Chutney, Beurre Blanc, Fried Kale

Seared Seasonal Whitefish, Potato Puree, Olive, Currant, Thyme, Grilled Lemon

Roasted Half Chicken, Turmeric, Shallot Date Relish, Fried Brussel Sprout

Pork Chop, Squash Puree, Charred Broccolini, Walnut Gremolata

Seasonal Steak Cut, Apple Balsamic Brown Butter, Fondant Potato, Caramelized Endive, Garlic Chip

Braised Short Rib, Pumpkin Polenta, Broccolini, Pomegranate Jus

Whole Roasted Eggplant, Harissa, Lemon Tahini, Pistachio Gremolata

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Pumpkin Tiramisu, Nutmeg, Dark Chocolate

Cardamom Brandy Apple Cake, Salted Caramel Gelato

Maple Budino, Whipped Crème Fraiche, Maldon Salt

Warm Pear Tart, Vanilla Gelato

Chocolate Cremeux, Candied Hazelnut, Espresso Whipped Cream

Fall Pavlova

Summer 2026

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tomato Arancini, Fontina, Fried Basil

Hamachi Crudo, Summer Melon, Cucumber Brodo, Sungold Tomatoes, Fried Garlic, Basil Oil

Fried Squash Blossoms, Ricotta, Calabrian Chili Crunch

Roasted Fig and N’duja Crostini, Whipped Ricotta

Cantalope Cucumber Gazpacho, Chili Oil, Pine Nut

Oysters, Tomato Mignonette, Herb Oil

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Focaccia Panzanella, Summer Tomatoes, Stone Fruit, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Basil

Burrata, Blistered Tomatoes, Crispy Prosciutto, Arugula, Vinaigrette

Roasted Summer Squash, Ricotta, Arugula, Pistachio Pesto

Corn Agnolotti, Roasted Corn, Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan

Prawn Chitarra Pasta, Calabrian Chili, Summer Squash

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pork Chop, Apricot Mostarda, Grilled Apricots, Fondant Potatoes

New York Strip, Fire Roasted Pepper Romesco, Grilled Zucchini

Whole Branzino, Sungold Relish, Anchovy, Coal Roasted Onion

Chicken Leg, Corn, Pancetta, Haricot Vert

Whole Smoked Eggplant, Salsa Verde, Parmesan Gremolata

Summer Seafood Bouillabaisse, Clams, Summer White Fish, Tomato Brodo, Grilled Prawn, Grilled Bread

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Roasted Strawberries, Balsamic Glaze

Grilled Peach Cobbler, Vanilla Gelato, Basil

Roasted Fig Crostata, Caramel Gelato

Chocolate Pots de Crème, Roasted Cherries, Cherry Whipped Cream

Pavlova, Blueberry Compote, Peach Cream, Peaches

Spring 2026

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Duck Croquette, Cherry Sauce, Chives

Halibut Crudo, Radish, Citrus Brodo, Basil Oil, Fried Shallots

Salmon Tartare, Wonton Chip, Basil Aioli, Salmon Roe

Crispy Artichokes, Truffle Aioli, Chives

Grilled Oysters, N’duja, Basil Pesto, Charred Lemon

Spring Pesto Arancini, Lemon Aioli, Crispy Pancetta

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Endive, Whipped Goat Cheese, Pickled Strawberries, Candied Walnuts, Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Frisée, Crispy Pancetta, Cured Egg Yolk, Apple, Dijon Vinaigrette

Little Gem, Radish, Dill, Orange Vinaigrette, Creamy Garlic Anchovy Vinaigrette, Parmesan Tuile

Charred Cabbage, Whipped Tahini, Calabrian Chili Crisp

Gnudi, Spring Pea, Pancetta Hazelnut Gremolata

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Salsa Verde, Parmesan

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Duck Breast, Carrot Orange Purée, Charred Cabbage, Blackberry Gremolata

Pork Roulade, Spring Onion Pine Nut Pesto, Grilled Lemon

Porterhouse Steak, Au Jus, Pomme Purée, Grilled Asparagus

Halibut, Preserved Lemon Beurre Blanc, Chive Oil, Fondant Potatoes, Fennel Citrus Salad

Mussels and N’duja, Grilled Sourdough, Capers, Dill, Sherry Vinaigrette

Whole Grilled Oyster Mushroom, Romesco, Salsa Verde

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler, Vanilla Gelato

Orange Cardamom Crème Brûlée, Candied Orange Peel

Warm Chocolate Cake, Whipped Marscapone, Olive Oil, Maldon Salt

Blackberry Vanilla Panna Cotta, Blackberry Compote, Pistachio, Orange Zest

Butterscotch Budino, Espresso Caramel, Whipped Cream

Winter 2026

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Pumpkin Nutmeg Arancini, Fontina, Salsa Verde Aioli

Beetroot Croquettes, Goat Cheese Fundito, Fried Kale

Winter Crab Salad, Wonton Chip, Salmon Roe

Fried Pork Belly, Apple Pear Mostarda, Scallion

Oysters, Apple Cucumber Mignonette, Calabrian Chili Oil, Charred Lemon

Braised Lamb, Crispy Saffron Tadig, Chive Yogurt, Pomegranate

Winter Beef Tartare, Confit Egg Yolk, Fried Leeks

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Kale, Radicchio, Roasted Grape, Grilled Apple, Crispy Pancetta, Pistachio Vinaigrette,

Burrata, Persimmon, Fried Kale, Arugula, Pomegranate Molasses, Prosciutto

Orecchiette, Swiss Chard, Braised Pork, Wild Mushroom, Candied Walnuts

Pasta Bolognese, Crispy Brussel Sprout, Citrus Parmesan Gremolata

Duck Ragu Rigatoni, Wild Mushrooms, Balsamic, Ricotta

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Short Rib, Pomegranate Au Jus, Pumpkin Polenta, Broccolini

Pork Milanese, Citrus Salad, Grilled Lemon

Stewed Chicken Thigh, Cipollini Onions, Castelvetrano Olives, Lemon Caper Relish

Rack of Lamb, Parsnip Purée, Pistachio Chimichurri, Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Crab Tortellini, Beurre Fondue, Herbs, Preserved Lemon, Calabrian Chili Oil

Roasted Branzino, Cauliflower, Citrus Fennel Salad, Brown Butter

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cardamom Pavlova, Citrus Curd, Maple Cream, Pear

Chocolate Cremeux, Espresso Whipped Cream, Candied Hazelnut

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Roasted Almond Panna Cotta, Persimmon Compote, Fried Basil

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Chef Molly's reviews

4.82

•

62 services

Molly was wonderful. She made the experience so amazing for the group and was very accommodating. The menu was tasty and well-thought-out. I highly recommend! .

Chef Molly Bidinost was the perfect chef to prepare our private dinner for 20 girls as part of our friend's Bachelorette Weekend. Chef Molly was very prompt with her responses and very flexible in crafting a curated menu to to fit our dinner theme and the bride's favorite foods. She made sure to accommodate everyone's dietary restrictions and was especially communicative throughout each step of the process. Chef Molly arrived about 2.5 hours prior to the meal start time, served each course in a timely fashion, and left the kitchen impeccably clean. She provided all of the dishes and we just need to provide our own utensils and glassware. Chef Molly was personable and provided details for each menu item. The food was unique, flavorful, delicious, and filling - solid portions! Additionally, she included a red wine from a local vineyard and a surprise complimentary champagne jello shot to celebrate our bride! The entire dinner and experience for 20 girls was worth the value of what we paid! **** The only thing I want to flag for future clients with Take A Chef is that the headquarters for Take A Chef is not based in the United States so my credit card charged me a foreign transaction fee (Spain). Since foreign transaction fees vary by credit card provider, this information is not listed anywhere on the Take A Chef website or in the payment details when I was checking out. It was only brought to my attention when I was reviewing my credit card bill. ****

Chef Molly and her team were extremely professional and provided a service beyond what we expected. The food and presentation were wonderful! Everyone was talking about the meal for days after. The experience could not have been any better! 100% would recommend!

Chef Molly was amazing! Would recommend her over and over!

We loved Chef Molly and her team! She was super accommodating with our large group's dietary restrictions and made the whole thing super seamless. Everything was delicious. We loved the printed menus and table settings she brought with her as well. Would highly recommend her!

Molly was amazing!! She catered 16 of us for my bachelorette party and the meal was incredible. Everyone was raving about the experience afterwards. Highly highly recommend!

We recently hired Molly to cook for my husbands birthday and the experience exceeded our expectations. From the initial consultation to the final meal, everything was professional, organized, and tailored to our preferences. The chef created a delicious menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients and accommodated our dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Every dish was beautifully presented and restaurant-quality, yet we were able to enjoy it in the comfort of our own home. Molly went out of her way to make sure our young grandchildren had a dish they could enjoy as well What impressed us most was the attention to detail and the seamless service. The kitchen was left spotless, and we were able to relax and enjoy time with our family without worrying about cooking or cleanup. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, meal preparation assistance, or simply want to enjoy exceptional food at home, I highly recommend Molly and her husband Luke,

We loved having Molly for my sister’s bachelorette party in Paso! All the food was amazing and the kitchen was spotless when she left.

Chef Molly was great. She prepared the meal for our group of friends for a bachelorette and was amazing in accommodating dietary restrictions for multiple individuals. She communicated very well and my friends loved the experience/food and highly recommend Chef Molly to anyone.

Chef Molly designed a well thought out Spanish and Basque menu that was incredible. She was very professional and the food was fabulous. My wife and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary in style! We recommend Chef Molly for any special private chef occasions!

Chef Molly was an absolute DREAM. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, elevated, and beyond what we could’ve imagined. She curated a beautiful, thoughtful menu and executed every dish flawlessly — each course was delicious, beautifully plated, and felt truly restaurant-quality (if not better). Not only is Molly incredibly talented, but she’s also warm, professional, and such a calming presence in the kitchen. She handled everything effortlessly — prep, timing, presentation, and clean-up — allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the evening without lifting a finger. This wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience. Every guest was blown away and kept asking how soon we could book her again. If you’re considering a private chef and want someone who delivers luxury, flavor, and care in every detail, Chef Molly is it. 10/10 would recommend and absolutely will be booking again.

Molly was very professional. Everything was presented and served beautifully. We would definitely have her back!

Molly was wonderful and provided an amazing meal to our party of 10. Her communication and ability to create a menu for gluten, pork and other dietary issues made it clear at the start she was outstanding at providing excellent service. The meal was tasty, beautifully presented and all enjoyed the flavors and items presented. The Ahi on crispy rice was the best single bite, but the short rib and panna cotta dessert were both yummy. I also would share that the focaccia was a great bite too. Molly cleaned up the kitchen and worked around our mess and left the area better than it was when she arrived. We loved Molly and the meal, and would highly recommend her for others. Cheers

Chef Molly was absolutely incredible and I cannot overstate how amazing she is!!! I recommend her completely and hope to be able to work with her again in future. Our large party had multiple different dietary restrictions and allergies and she was so patient and attentive helping to craft a menu that suited everyone while being delicious and exciting. She was friendly, professional, and easy to talk to. She provided little presentation flourishes that made us feel fancy and well cared for. The food was absolutely spectacular, she left the kitchen cleaner than when she found it, and she just rocked!!!! Hire Chef Molly!!!!

Chef Molly was amazing! I booked her for my parents 60th wedding anniversary. My Dad is home bound and I wanted to treat them to an incredible meal in their home. Chef Molly did not disappoint. She had very great communication with both myself and my parents. They were able to plan their ideal menu with her, she accommodated all of their requests. She came and set up a very beautiful and romantic table setting with a beautiful printed menu. My parents loved their experience and said the plating, the food and all interactions with Chef Molly were great. I would highly recommend her. Thanks Chef Molly!

Molly was attentive and collaborative the second we started talking! She was wonderful to imagine the dinner with and she executed perfectly! I was so pleased when I finally got to see meet her and she was a treat! She thought through picky kid eaters and had backup plans! I can’t wait to use her again!