Chef Sean Morrell

Private Chef in Front Royal

I am a self taught professional chef with sixteen years of progressive culinary experience. Getting my start on the ground level and methodically worked my way to the top through hard work and perseverance. With over ten years of culinary management Chef Sean was able to learn, lead and develop his craft; while working at top waterfront restaurants and private clubs. Chef Sean has experience in a vast array of cuisines and techniques but is deeply rooted in Italian and mediterranean cuisines. The possibilities to make your event memorable are endless!

For me, cooking is...

My passion and way of life.

I learned to cook at...

I was fortunate to work alongside truly talented individuals while developing and perfecting every aspect of my craft.

A cooking secret...

Working with raw fresh and seasonal ingredients and letting the natural flavors come alive and speak for themselves.

My menus

Emilion de Bordeaux

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Sparkling Oyster Mignonette hand shucked rappahannock oysters, sparkling rose, shallots, microgreens

Chicken Liver Pate shallots, garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme, cognac, toasted baguette rounds

Mussels & Saffron Fresh black mussels, chardonnay, shallots, fresh herbs, egg yolk, creme, rustic grain bread

Confit Tomato & Goat Cheese Tartlets shortcrust pastry, dijon mustard, fresh thyme, chives

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Radicchio Orange Pecan spinach, oranges, roasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, honey dijon vinaigrette

Leaf Bistro boston lettuce, romaine hearts, tarragon, chives, walnuts, pickled shallots & simple lemon oil drizzle

Creme de Potato & Leek european butter, leeks, cipollini onion, yukon potatoes, stock, creme, fresh nutmeg, watercress

Split Pea & Lardon green split peas, cured pork belly, garlic, mirepoix, stock, creme fraiche, fresh thyme, bay leaves

MAIN COURSE

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Pan Seared Duck orange zested crispy skin, pea mint puree, bordeaux red wine reduction, potato fondant, glazed heirloom carrots

Pear & Brie Roulade sustainably sourced chicken breast, spiced pear chutney, brie cheese, parsnip puree, sauteed summer squash, citrus dijon cream

Citrus Herb Sea Bass sustainably sourced sea bass, citrus herb oil, roasted fingerlings, roasted broccolini

Peppercorn & Cognac NY Strip grass fed beef, coriander peppercorn crust, cognac cream, whipped potatoes, roasted asparagus

Bordelaise & Mushroom Filet Mignon grass fed beef, sauteed shiitake mushrooms, red wine demi glace reduction sauce, whipped potatoes, roasted asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Creme Brulee; fresh berries

Toasted Pistachio & Orange Chocolate Mousse dark chocolate mousse, orange tinted meringue, toasted pistachio crumble, powder sugar dusted

Cognac & Apple Tarte Tatin caramelized apples, cognac, butter, flakey pastry, citrus vanilla tinted creme fraiche

Tinsel & Taste

STARTER

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Gilded Pearl wild hokkaido scallop, citrus ginger-lemongrass buerre noisette, fried caper, chive oil & microgreens

Golden & Ruby Carpaccio roasted beets, whipped goat cheese pistachio crumble, orange champagne vinaigrette emulsion & fennel fronds

Casino fresh carolina oysters, crispy pancetta, red bell pepper, shallots-herb compound butter, toasted breadcrumb & chives

Smoked Cherry focaccia, creme fraiche, port cherry reduction, crispy pancetta & microgreens

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Gilded Harvest Arugula, sliced apple, roasted beets,candied pecans, crumbled goat, tarragon-mint, crumbled goat cheese & blood orange champagne vinaigrette

Roasted Pear & Endive bosc pears, belgian endive, toasted walnuts, blue cheese crumble & honey thyme vinaigrette

Tinsel Ceasar romaine hearts, pickled shallots, shaved reggiano, scratch croutons & caesar emulsion

Roasted Fennel & Pear carmelized fennel, anjou pear, star anise-vanilla-cardamom tinted mascarpone, shallots, chives & truffle oil drizzle

Butternut Veloute Sage-thyme brown butter, toasted pepitas, bread crumble, pomegranate ariles & microgreens

MAIN COURSE

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Herb Roasted Chicken Supreme free range boneless skin on chicken breast, roasted maitake mushroom risotto, charred asparagus, herb jus

Pan Seared Duck duck breast, sweet potato puree, chili miso broccolini, orange madeira reduction, pickled fennel tossed micro greens, herb oil

Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast grass feed beef, rosemary jus, horseradish aioli, potato au gratin & roasted asparagus & microgreen garnish

Double Boned Lamb Chops australian lamb, pine nut-apricot-cumin bread stuffing, prosciutto wrapped, fresh herb chimichurri, whipped potatoes & roasted artichokes

Pan Seared Halibut anise-fennel veloute, citrus champagne vinaigrette, charred leek potato puree, braised heirloom baby carrots

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Amber Spiced Custard Warm spiced pumpkin custard, vanilla mascarpone cream, ginger cookie crumble

Cranberry Orange Panna Cotta vanilla panna cotta, cranberry-orange reduction, thyme flowers

Poached Pear Pavlova vanilla meringue shell, spiced red wine poached pear, mascarpone cream, spiced reduction syrup

Alta Cucina

STARTER

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Carpaccio di Pomodoro heirloom tomato, buffalo milk burrata, fresh basil, port cherry-fig, muddled sea salt-dried chilis, grilled baguette

Portobello Balsamico roasted, balsamic-marinated, creamed spinach, burrata, lemon-herb crumble, smoked trout roe

Polpetta all Campari signature pork-beef meatball, fresh marinara, parmesan reggiano, basil pesto

Arancini alla Vodka vodka rosato emulsion, crispy risotto-mozzarella balls, basil oil, parmesan reggiano, shaved black truffle

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Limonata Fresca spring mix, snap peas, radish, shaved pecorino romano, chive–lemon emulsion

Arugula & Citrus arugula, cucumber, fennel, sundried tomatoes, shallots, citrus champagne vinaigrette

Romana romaine heart, parmesan reggiano, lemon-caper herb vinaigrette, bread crumble

Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper fresh herbs, mascarpone, herb oil, parmesan tuile, microgreens

Lobster de Creme poached lobster, mirepoix, brandy, fresh herbs, stock, cream, bread crumble

MAIN COURSE

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Risotto Rosato aborio, roasted red beets, goat cheese, gremolata, balsamico, parmesan tuile

Filet au Barolo grass fed filet mignon, barolo wine reduction, torched trumpet mushroom, charred leek-potato puree, asparagus tips

Parmigiana free range chicken breast, lightly crusted, tomato-basil sauce, smoked mozzarella, parmesan-reggiano, fresh roasted garlic herb reggiente pasta

Sea Bass al Burro Bruno pan seared chilean sea bass, tomato confit-caper-olive relish, star anise-brown butter sweet potato puree, sauteed broccolini

Limone e Basil fresh tagliolini pasta, pan seared scallops, basil lemon pesto, confit balsamic tomato, pecorino romano

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Flourless Chocolate Torte dark chocolate torte, orange tinted creme fraiche, raspberry coulis

Spiced Poached Pear & Mascarpone spiced red wine poached pears, citrus-vanilla-tinted mascarpone, pistachio-shortbread crumble

Cranberry Orange Panna Cotta vanilla panna cotta, cranberry-orange syrup, thyme flowers

Twisted Butcher

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Burrata Burrata; buffalo milk burrata, balsamic basil confit, crostini

Bacon Wrapped Maine Scallops w/ maple-dijon herb cream

Sesame EnCrusted Tuna w/ beech mushrooms, chili-miso drizzle

Bordeaux Lamb Chop herb-roasted garlic crust, reduced pan jus, citrus peppercorn salad

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Artisanal Caesar;romaine hearts, shallots, artisanal dressing, garlic-herb crisps, fresh grated parmesan-reggiano

Citrus Champagne Gem; crisp little Gem lettuce, shallots, walnuts, shaved pecorino romano, champagne citrus vinaigrette

Gorgonzola Wedge;hydroponic boston lettuce, crispy pancetta, vine tomato quarters, cipollini onions, gorgonzola crumble, balsamic vinaigrette

Sherry-Bay Crab Bisque mirepoix, leeks, tomato paste, stock, crema, lump crab, chives

Loaded Baked Potato yukon golds, crispy bacon, smoked gouda-cheddar, stock, crema, green onions

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Chicken Roulade grass fed chicken, figs, wild mushrooms, smoked gorgonzola, herbed wine pan sauce, pearled couscous, roasted broccolini

New York Strip & Sea Scallops grass fed beef, maine scallops, roasted red pepper-bacon puree, roasted medley potatoes, charred asparagus

Filet Mignon & Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail grass fed beef, wild mushroom cognac-herb cream, whipped potatoes, sauteed balsamic brussels

Lemon-Dill Sea Bass sustainably sourced sea bass, lemon-dill moscato reduction, roasted medley potatoes, glazed carrots

Braised Short Rib Gnocchi hand rolled gnocchi, fresh herb garlic cream, smoked gouda cheese, tomato confit, microgreens

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Creme Brulee; fresh berries

Blood Orange Chocolate Mousse & Wild Berries

Basque Cheesecake w/ Strawberry-Brandi Couli

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Chef Sean's reviews

4.75

•

140 services

Chef Sean did an incredible job in putting together a holiday dinner for us. He was also great with communication beforehand and with accommodating a dietary restriction. Would definitely hire him again!

I’ve used TakeaChef service a number of times, have always been happy but this experience was by far our most favorite. The food was exceptional and the experience was even better. Completely stress free! Chef brought everything he needed. Was incredibly professional and punctual. Everything was beautifully plated and described. My kitchen was left spotless. 10/10 recommend!!!

Sean was great! He provided his own equipment and supplies, and was very efficient. He prepared and plated each course, from appetizers to dessert, explaining each one thoroughly as he served it. He accommodated a custom dessert choice outside of his typical menu … and it was excellent. The meal was expertly prepared and delicious. Having a private chef allowed us, the host and hostess, to truly enjoy our own party. We highly recommend Sean.

Sean is an excellent chef. He was calm, confident and creative in meeting the unforeseen last minute changes that needed to be made. We would recommend him without any hesitation and would ask him to come the next time we host a large celebration.

Chef Sean was awesome. He created a menu and meal fit for our celebratory dinner. Sean was professional and courteous. Our guests loved having Sean with us. The meal was delicious!

Sean was a fantastic addition to our family vacation! Sean was very responsive, charismatic and efficient. He's a professional who clearly knows and loves what he does for a living. He was on time, the food was incredible, and his service was perfect. He was flexible with my family as we have a baby included among us, adjusting timing to best suit the group. In addition to every dish being a smash hit, his plating was gorgeous and he got the course timing just right, every single time. The kitchen was spotless each night as well, which is a huge plus for a family vacation. I highly highly recommend Sean!

Chef Sean promised a wonderful South American-themed Mother's Day lunch, and he delivered. He was timely, brought all his own ingredients and utensils, did not rush us during the meal, and explained every single dish we had! It was a great first time experience for my family and I. And hopefully, with Take a Chef, we will be able to explore even more cuisines from around the world, from the comfort of our own dining table!

Chef Sean did an amazing job. We loved every course and would definitely hire him again. Our group was raving about the experience all evening. When he left it was like he was never even there, he cleaned up so well.

Sean Morell was on time to our Air B&B to celebrate our son's graduate degree from Georgetown University. Each of the dishes were fantastic in both presentation and taste. Portions were perfect and the timing for each course was done very well. Sean interacted with us while staying focused on his tasks. He brought all of the food, ingredients, condiments and kitchenware needed to prepare every dish. The plating was beautiful and best of all, he cleaned up everything, including loading the dishwasher and removing all trash and recycling. My wife, family and I (party of 8) were truly satisfied with Sean's performance and highly recommend using him for any upcoming special dining event you may have.

This was our first experience with hiring a private chef, and Sean did not disappoint. Sean was amazing. He kept in constant communication and answered all of my questions. Loved that Sean paid attention to specialty needs, and accommodated all request. Each course was described and absolutely delicious! I would definitely recommend Sean. Thanks Sean, you prepared a wonderful meal experience.

Sean was amazing! He did a meal for four of us and everything was great! He was on time and cleaned up everything. Highly recommend!

I hired him for our wedding anniversary. He did a great job—good communication, high-quality ingredients, and the food turned out excellent. I would definitely hire him again!

We loved Chef Sean! He cooked delicious food and was so awesome. On top of everything he was so genuine with his interactions on top of his description of his dishes.

Chef Sean did an excellent job. Timely, engaging, delicious food, left kitchen very clean. He was also flexible and handled an allergy very well. It was a wonderful experience! Highly recommend!

This was an awesome experience. Sean dominated. The burrata bruschetta and the chicken parm were INCREDIBLE

Chef Sean was amazing! Very attentive and responded to any inquiries leading up to the date of service. He was flexible on menu options and was a pleasure to have cook in our home. We thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the techniques he used, flavors, and his culinary history. This was the perfect way to celebrate my 35th birthday in a special way with an intimate setting. Definitely 10/10 on communication, service, and deliciousness of meal! We loved the experience and will treasure the memories for birthdays to come. :)

We hosted Chef Sean for a small 4-person meal at our home for a belated Christmas present. Sean was prompt, very professional, friendly, and his 4-course meal was amazing. My primary request was large portion sizes and he did not disappoint. The food was delicious, presented beautifully, and timed perfectly. He also left the kitchen as if he was never there. Highly recommend! 10/10

Chef Sean was amazing! I hired him to cater a milestone birthday party. He was flexible and worked with me to design a delicious menu. The food and presentation were all incredible. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Would definitely recommend him!

We hired Chef Sean almost last minute for a leadership retreat dinner. He was very responsive with all my questions and requests. He was engaged with the team and I heard nothing but excellent things from my leadership team. Though I said I received the menus on via Whatsapp, Chef Sean sent them via Take A Chef and that worked out beautifully. We couldn't be happier with the service we received.

Chef was amazing and kind. God was absolutely awesome.