Private Chef in Crystal Lake
Rent one of our 111 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Crystal Lake
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Crystal Lake in March 2017, more than 111 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Crystal Lake and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in McHenry County.
Starting in 2017, 41,125 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Crystal Lake. To book your chef in Crystal Lake, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 16,918 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 25,206 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.74 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 41,125 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Crystal Lake usually book menus around 175.2 USD per person, including 3.27 courses, sharing an average of 5.23 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Crystal Lake.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
111 Private Chefs in Crystal Lake
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Crystal Lake












More than 41,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.6 Chef
The guests in Crystal Lake have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.6.
4.77 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Crystal Lake received an average score of 4.77.
4.72 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.72 average score.
4.77 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Crystal Lake has been scored with a 4.77 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
16,918 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Crystal Lake
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Charred edamame with smoked maldon salt
Miso soup with mushrooms, seaweed and scallions
Shishito peppers with spicy aioli and lemon
Grilled miso carrots with edamame hummus
Vegetable gyoza with chili crisp and ponzu
Spicy fried tofu, avocado relish, fresno chili
Cauliflower tempura, smoked chili aioli, crispy onions
Fried vegetable egg rolls with oyster sauce aioli
Cauliflower ceviche served with tostadas and salsa macha
Salt massaged raw eggplant salad with miso dressing topped with pomegranate
Seaweed and ginger salad
Wood ear mushrooms salad and shaved carrots
Japanese cucumber salad with cilantro and mint
Curried udon noodles with grilled chicken
Stone bowl beef rice with assorted vegetables
Chicken ramen bowl with chili oil
Miso skirt steak with grilled asparagus and sweet potatoes topped with asian chimichurri
Tuna sushi maki roll with oyster sauce, citrus aioli, cucumber, jalapenos
Pan fried fish of the day with sticky rice and grilled zucchini topped with ponzu sauce
Green tea creme brulee with strawberries
Gelato with sesame brittle
Cheesecake with grilled peaches
Sorbet of the day with togarashi and honey
Soy milk ice cream with poached pears and black sesame
Mochi of chefs choice with a soy glaze reduction and berries
Grilled italian bread with ricotta and tomato jam
Spinach and mushroom flatbread
Fried eggplant with basil pesto aioli
Tuscan garlic white bean dip with crostini
Tomato bruschetta on italian bread topped with aged balsamic glaze
Broccolini with parmesan and crispy garlic chips topped with extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cheese bread topped with sundried tomato
Meatless meatballs with roasted garlic sauce
Antipasto skewers- olives, artichokes, tomatoes, cheese
Caprese salad- fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes
Classic caesar salad- romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons
Summer farro salad- farro, mint, cucumber, strawberry , citrus vinaigrette
Mixed greens, pickled beets, red onions, ricotta, sunflower seeds
Chicken marsala
Chef's special of the day
Pan seared cod with salsa verde served with grilled peppers and asparagus
Fresh pasta of the day with vodka creamy sauce
Grilled skirt steak with polenta and green beans topped with italian chimichurri
Green pea and mushroom risotto
Vanilla gelato with chocolate syrup and chocolate chips
Chocolate mousse with pistachios
Zabaglione with berries
Italian lemon cheesecake
Fruit sorbet of the day
Zeppole with powdered sugar
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Arancini - smoked ham, mascarpone cheese, spiced tomato sauce
Prosciutto - melon, aged balsamic
Antipasto - salami, prosciutto, olives, cheese, roasted red peppers, artichokes
Med spread pasta salad - cucumber, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garbanzo beans, basil vinaigrette,
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Broccoli - walnuts, bacon, cashews, honey vinaigrette
Arugula pizza – truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese, herb vinaigrette
Caponata pizza - zucchini, peppers, red onion, capers, fennel, celery, raisins, green olives, tomatoes, mozzarella
Bbq chicken pizza- pulled chicken, bacon, sweet bbq sauce, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro pesto
Pepperoni pizza - pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini
Italian sausage pizza - garlic, tomato sauce, provolone, pecorino, oregano
Margharita pizza - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt
Mushroom pizza - thyme roasted mushrooms, creamy cheese, balsamic glaze
1.fried potato and cheese empanadas with spicy aioli
2.beet salad ceviche with tostadas and salsa macha
3.creamy garlic hummus with carrots and cucumber
4. charred eggplant crostini with pomegranate syrup
5.pan con tomate
6. potato croquette with smoked aioli
7.charred shishito peppers with ponzu aioli
8. chefs surprised item
9.chef's special of the day
1.mixed greens with cucumber, red onion, mint and greek dressing
2.romaine lettuce with radishes, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro-lime dressing
3.mixed greens with red onion, corn, queso fresco and spicy honey dressing
4.chefs surprise item
5.chefs surprised item
1.miso cauliflower steak with polenta and roasted pepper sauce
2.grilled steak with romesco sauce and roasted vegetables
3. herbed chicken with green beans and roasted potatoes
4. fish of the day with chimichurri and grilled vegetables
6.chef's special of the day
1. vanilla creme brulee with glazed berries and dehydrated berries
2.arroz con leche with candied nuts and berries
3. gelato of the day with almond dust
4. vanilla cheesecake with blueberry sauce
5. chef´s surprised item
6. chef's special of the day
Artichoke hearts - stuffed with creamy cognac laced mushrooms
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Dumplings - ginger pork dumplings, sweet soy sauce
Smoked chicken skewers - sweet bbq sauce
Artichoke & fennel - shaved raw, lemon, olive oil, arugula
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Charred carrots - goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Scallops - peas, corn, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Beef sirloin – potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Salmon - asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Lemon chicken - lemon butter sauce, herbs
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Crème brulee - burnt sugar, vanilla, mixed berries
Croastada - peach & apricot, vanilla gelato
Panna cotta - vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
1.chef's choice bread, truffle butter, tomato jam and cheese
2.bacon-wrapped dates with saffron aioli
3. truffled white bean and artichokes dip with vegetables
4. cantaloupe and prosciutto skewers
5. creamy elote with huitlacoche and chipotle lime aioli with homemade queso fresco
6. charred pineapple and shrimp ceviche tostada
7. grilled beets with crispy prosciutto topped with pistachios and whipped goat cheese
8.chefs surprised item
9.chefs special of the day
5.chefs surprised item
1. mixed greens, cucumbers, pickled red onions, honey champagne vinaigrette and sunflower seeds
2.kale, piquillo peppers, pickled mushrooms and lemon maple vinaigrette
3. greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, feta and greek dressing
4.arugula with roasted beets, blueberries and honey citrus dressing topped with goat cheese
5.kale with olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese with lemon olive oi
1.coq au vin- chicken, red wine, herbs, lardons and mushrooms
2. honey dill mustard salmon with green beans and puréed sweet potatoes
3.enchiladas de mole rojo with chicken, steak or vegetables
4.carne asada with charred salsa verde and black bean purèe and roasted carrots
5.grilled chicken with lemon herb couscous and roasted zucchini
6.chef's surprised item
6.chef's special of the day
1.tequila sorbet with tropical fruit and chamoy
2. apple tart with spiced streusel
3. lemon flan
4. pumpkin spice tres leches
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Pâté en croûte
Escargots de bourgogne
Bouillabaisse
Beef bourguignon
Duck confit
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
Tarte tatin
Madeleines
French onion soup
Salad lyonnaise
Ratatouille
Coq au vin
Chocolate mousse
Crème brûlée
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Crystal Lake.
What does a private chef service include in Crystal Lake?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Crystal Lake?
The price of renting a chef in Crystal Lake can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 100 USD to 134 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 100 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 111 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 113 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 134 USD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Crystal Lake?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 111 chefs available in Crystal Lake. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Crystal Lake who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Crystal Lake?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Crystal Lake
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Crystal Lake
Percentage of our women chefs in Crystal Lake.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Crystal Lake.
Percentage of services with kids in Crystal Lake.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Crystal Lake.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Crystal Lake.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Crystal Lake.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Crystal Lake.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Crystal Lake each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Crystal Lake, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Crystal Lake.
Cost of a private chef in Crystal Lake
The cost of hiring a private chef in Crystal Lake can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 100 USD to 134 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 100 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 111 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 113 USD
For 2 people: 134 USD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Crystal Lake!
1 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Crystal Lake?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Crystal Lake: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Crystal Lake!

Why not bring your experience in Crystal Lake up a notch?
Transform your home into the most exclusive fine dining restaurant in Crystal Lake. All you have to do is let us know when and what you would like to eat and the rest will be taken care of by us and the chef. Sit back, relax and enjoy the food!

Enjoy Crystal Lake's gastronomy in the comfort of your home
We work with the best and most talented chefs in town and in the world. Our chefs have many years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries, having worked in the some of the best restaurants worldwide. At Take a Chef we want to make sure you are completely satisfied, therefore, you will have the chance to customize your menu until perfection.

Try something different in Crystal Lake
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, having a romantic dinner or simply a friends gathering, we have the perfect chef for you! Don't wait any longer, click above to begin your journey!






Talk to our chefs in Crystal Lake
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Crystal Lake? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Crystal Lake, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









