Chef Val Hesse
Private Chef In New Orleans
Get to know me better
I love sharing the flavors and foodways of New Orleans. French preparations, Spanish styles, African influences, and Indigenous ingredients meet here!
I am a professional Culinarian with over 25 years of experience in the metro New Orleans area. I apprenticed in New Orleans through the American Culinary Federation's Education program at Delgado Community College - the training ground for many local chefs.
I fell in love with catering in the Banquet Kitchen of the Hotel Intercontinental in my 2nd year at Delgado. There was something new to make every day. Unlike the restaurant I had been at the year before, I could actually see guests and got to watch their responses to the food that I helped prepare.
While catering, I quickly realized that special requests didn't always get the careful attention that they deserved. No one wants to sit in front of a sad plate of green beans while everyone else tucks into a delicious bronzed redfish filet. I offered to take charge of special meals, and quickly made a niche for myself.
These days I'm delighted to see an increase in awareness about dietary restrictions. I always ask clients if there are any food allergies or restrictions that I need to accommodate. If I know in advance, I can ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy the same experience without looking at a sad plate.
I've also developed my Chefs Seasoning Blends - all without any added salt, sugar, or cayenne pepper. The bold flavors in my NOLA, Italian, and Southwestern blends welcome everyone to the table!
More about me
For me, cooking is...
Connection. New Orleans is a Live to Eat town. We talk about what we're going to have for dinner while we're eating lunch!
I learned to cook at...
Home. Delgado. Chef Randy! He taught me something new when I got all my prep done early. Cut steaks, clean a fryer, make butter. It was so fun!
A cooking secret...
I love to create an inclusive experience. If anyone has a dietary restriction, it's not an inconvenience, it's a challenge I rise to meet!
Book your experience with Chef Val
Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.
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