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

Savory & Bloom; A Fusion Experience

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Miso-Plum Duck & Sesame Focaccia miso-plum duck with sesame focaccia, yuzu-mirin pear scallion slaw, and crispy duck skin crumble

Korokke mini sweet potato croquettes, fried to golden perfection, drizzled with katsu sauce

Spring Roll & Fried Rice Nest crispy spring rolls filled with pork, oyster mushrooms, carrots, and glass noodles, served atop roasted garlic-lemongrass fried rice, kimchi purée, local microgreens, and finished with a sweet chili-lime drizzle

Seared Sea Scallops miso-squash purée, yuzu-thyme emulsion, tomato confit, capers, pickled shallots, and microgreens

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chilled Spring Vegetable Soba Nest buckwheat soba with blanched asparagus, snow peas, and radish, dressed in sesame vinaigrette and topped with local microgreens

Roasted Pear & Endive Salad Roasted Bosc pear, Belgian endive, toasted walnuts, goat cheese crumble, drizzled with honey-thyme vinaigrette

Spring Vegetable & Miso miso broth, asparagus tips, sugar snap peas, bok choy, scallions, yuzu herb oil

Chilled Pea & Yuzu Soup Shooter

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Sake-Miso Sea Bass roasted sea bass with wasabi purple sweet potato purée, shaved fennel citrus salad, and shredded nori

Braised Pork Belly slow-braised pork belly with tamarind, star anise, and ginger-soy reduction, over stir-fried greens of kale, spinach, and bok choy with garlic and ginger

Charred Soy–Balsamic Petite Filet Shiso chimichurri, soy-balsamic roasted shiitakes, daikon purée, scallion oil, microherbs

Five-Spice Grilled Chicken Thighs Crispy-skinned, bone-in thighs marinated in five-spice, served with ginger-scallion oil, daikon purée, and cucumber-sesame salad

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mango & Coconut Panna Cotta finished with kaffir lime syrup for a tropical, aromatic finish

White Chocolate & Black Sesame Mousse Candied kumquats, ginger crisp, and black sesame dust

Twisted Butcher

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Burrata Bruschetta buffalo milk burrata, vine tomatoes, shallots, basil, roasted garlic, balsamic glaze drizzle, crispy baguette

Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops maine scallops, hardwood smoked bacon, maple dijon herb cream

Sesame EnCrusted Tuna wild yellowfin, sesame seed crust, breech mushrooms, chili-miso drizzle

Bordeaux Lamb Chop herb-roasted garlic crust, red wine reduction, citrus peppercorn salad

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

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

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

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 slow braised beef short rib, pan sauce, parmesan-garlic cream potato gnocchi, smoked gouda, microgreens

DESSERT

All inclusive

Creme Brulee vanilla custard, torched sugar glass, fresh wild berries

Blood Orange Chocolate Mousse & Wild Berries

Basque Cheesecake w/ Strawberry-Brandi Couli

An Italian Affair

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

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 reduction, thyme flowers

Velvet & Gold

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

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

Seared Scallops; pea puree, apple pomegranate relish, tarragon buerre blanc

Duck & Apple Croquettes; nutmeg-thyme duck confit, roasted apple, parmesan reggiano, port cherry aioli

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

Gem & Herb; little gem, romaine hearts, tarragon, chives, walnuts, pickled shallot, lemon vinaigrette

Cucumber Fennel & Apple; spinach-arugula, cucumber, shaved fennel, green apple, tarragon, goat cheese, lemon honey vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

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

Pear & Brie Roulade; free range 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

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

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

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta lemon vanilla panna cotta, basil oil, almond tuile, fresh wild berries

Creme Brulee vanilla custard, torched sugar glass, fresh wild berries

Passionfruit & White Chocolate airy mousse, tropical passionfruit gelee, shortcrust crumble

The Greenworld Table

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Forager’s Tartlet (V) butter pastry, wild mushrooms, shallot confit, thyme cream, parmesan

Sunlit Orchard Plate (V) heirloom tomatoes, burrata, basil oil, citrus, sea salt

Cider Kissed; pork belly, polenta, cider reduction, pickled shallot

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Lórien Garden Salad (V) baby greens, shaved fennel, watermelon radish, citrus vinaigrette, fresh herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Emberwood Duck Breast pan-seared, crisp skin, dark berry reduction, parsnip purée, roasted carrots

4th: Chilled Spring Vegetable Soba Nest; buckwheat soba, blanched asparagus, snow peas, radish, sesame vinaigrette & local microgreens

Citrus Grove Salmon citrus herb oil, green vegetables, ancient grains

Wild Truffle Risotto (V) arborio rice, forest mushrooms, parmesan, herb oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Whipped Goat Cheese Cheesecake whipped goat cheese, rosemary graham crust, poached figs, orange blossom honey

Spiced Poached Pear & Mascarpone bosc pears, spiced red wine, citrus-vanilla tinted mascarpone, shortbread crumble optional pistachios

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Chef Sean's reviews

4.75

•

152 services

We recently hired Chef Sean for a 12-person dinner party, and the experience was flawless from start to finish. He prepared a spectacular 4-course meal where every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the food! If you're looking for a professional, talented chef to elevate your next event, I can't recommend him highly enough.

Chef Sean and his sous chef were great from start to finish. He came prepared with everything he needed and asked nothing of myself our our guests. He left things cleaner than he found them. We most enjoyed hearing the description of our dishes upon presentation. Everything was fresh and tasty with super great quality ingredients. He even accommodated a vegetarian dish with a meat substitute. 10/10, would do again!

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!