Private Chef in McDonough County
Rent one of our 14 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in McDonough County
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in McDonough County in December 2023, more than 14 Private Chefs have joined our platform in McDonough County and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in McDonough County.
Starting in 2023, 3,141 guests have already enjoyed a chef in McDonough County. To book your chef in McDonough County, 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 273 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 409 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.3 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3,141 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in McDonough County usually book menus around 180 USD per person, including 4.8 courses, sharing an average of 6.05 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 McDonough County.












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!
14 Private Chefs in McDonough County
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in McDonough County












More than 3,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.23 Chef
The guests in McDonough County have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.23.
4.35 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in McDonough County received an average score of 4.35.
4.79 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.79 average score.
4.04 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in McDonough County has been scored with a 4.04 on average.
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273 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in McDonough County
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








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
Seafood tower - shrimp, lobster, crab legs, oysters, cocktail sauce, mignonette (up-charge for this item)
Lobster - lobster, herb butter, spiced puff pastry
Chorizo bacon stuffed dates - piquillo pepper sauce
Bacon skewers - bourbon maple glaze
Ahi crudo mini tacos - ahi tuna, cucumber, chili bean vinaigrette
"linguini and clams on the half shell" - clams, white wine, garlic, mini linguini, herbs
Beef carpaccio - truffle mousse, mushrooms, shallots, croutes
Duck a l'orange - duck dumplings, citrus chutney
Dumplings - truffled mushrooms, arugula chimichurri
Classic caesar - romaine, parmesan cheese, creamy garlicky dressing, croutons, white anchovies
Uncaesar - endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, croutons
Lobster bisque - rich lobster soup, lobster dumplings
Scallops - peas, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Beef sirloin - potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Filet oscar - filet mignon, crabmeat, asparagus, hollandaise sauce (up-charge for this item)
Salmon - potato mushroom pave, asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Halibut - capers, preserved lemons, butter, pomme fondant
Surf & turf - beef sirloin, garlic & chili shrimp, potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Smoked & charred carrots - goat cheese, pine nuts, white balsamic vinaigrette, herbs
Creamed greens - spinach, swiss chard, parmesan cream
Potato casserole - bacon, caramelized onions, tellagio cheese, cream
Tempura beans - sweet teriyaki dipping sauce
Mushrooms & onions - roasted with garlic & herbs
Cauliflower gratin - cheesy creamy gratin with bread crumbs and parmesan
Cheesecake - berries, chocolate sauce
Chocolate pave - chocolate mousse, almond crispy crunch, cherries
Lemon love - lemon lavender cake, lemon mousse, berries, whippy
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
Arancini- arborio rice, roasted tomato sauce, 24 month aged parmesan, garlic chips
Grilled italian bread- bread, borgonzola, prosciutto, truffle balsamic glaze
Marinated shrimp- shrimp, calabrian chili crisp, supreme orange, orange zest, cyprus salt
Italian meatballs-beef, pecorino, basil pesto aioli, garlic, breadcrumbs
Stuffed mushrooms- portobello, artichokes, parsley, garlic, mozzarella
Pepperoni flatbread with hot honey and ricotta topped with basil
Fried calamari with preserved lemons and chili oil
Heirloom tomato bruschetta with truffle oil and maldon salt
Crispy brussel sprouts with pecorino, lemon zest and crispy bacon bits
1. caesar salad- romaine lettuce, charred lemon, anchovies, sourdough croutons, pickled red onions
2. caprese salad- heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, aged balsamic vinaigrette
3. roasted beet salad- arugula, beets, citrus vinaigrette, whipped ricotta, candied pistachios
4. classic chopped- tomatoes, lettuce, green goddess, crispy prosciutto
5. mixed greens, hazelnuts, lemon olive oil, goat cheese, aged balsamic, orange supreme
1. pasta bolognese- fresh pasta, cream, vodka, italian sausage, onions, herbs
2. grilled herbed chicken- chicken, herbs, polenta, zucchini, capers, butter
3. shrimp ravioli- shrimp, cream, lemon, peas, ,crispy breadcrumbs
4. grilled ny strip steak risotto- steak, butter, garlic, parmesan, pecorino, arborio rice, truffle oil
5. gnocchi with roasted garlic tomato sauce topped with aged parmesan
6. linguine with clams, fermented garlic, lemon butter, white wine
1. strawberry tiramisu- fresh cookies, dehydrated strawberries, mascarpone, whipped cream
2. chocolate cake served with homemade gelato- chocolate, ice cream, sugar, vanilla
3. coconut panna cotta- berries, prosecco, charred grapes, agar agar, vanilla, toasted coconut
4. affogato- ice cream, espresso, chocolate syrup or berry syrup
5. sorbet of the day with honey and
6. chocolate cannoli with organic cacao and cinnamon sugar
Chef's choice bread: truffle butter, tomato jam, cheese
Sweet tomato savory tart: tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, savory crust
Beef tartare: quail egg, scallions, shallots, capers, maldon salt
Caramelized onion crostini: onions, herbs, gruyere, figs, honey
Smoked salmon brioche: dill, tobiko, salmon, bread, boursin cheese
Mixed greens salad: cucumbers, pickled red onions, blue cheese, honey champagne vinaigrette, sunflower seeds
Endive salad: endives, citrus fruit, cucumber, mint, walnuts, mustard dressing
French salad: romaine lettuce, blue cheese, tomatoes, crispy pancetta, red onion, red wine vinaigrette
Summer salad: mixed greens, strawberry, radishes, snow peas, champagne vinaigrette, candied almonds
Heirloom salad: tomatoes, brie cheese, olives, smoked maldon salt, sourdough croutons, pesto dressing
Coq au vin: chicken, red wine, herbs, lardons, mushrooms
Filet mignon: beef tenderloin, peppercorn assortment, cauliflower puree, herbed compound butter, haricot vert
Scallops: pan-seared scallops, beurre blanc, caramelized carrot puree, grilled asparagus
Catch of the day: fish, herbs, cream, blue cheese, roasted potatoes, zucchini
Chocolate mousse: mixed berries, chocolate syrup, topped with pistachios
Crème brûlée: lemon, vanilla, cream, burnt sugar, dehydrated strawberries
Flourless chocolate cake: whipped cream, apricot jam, chocolate
Summer tart: lemon curd, seasonal berries, mint, basil
Poached pears: prosecco, star anise, cinnamon, pear, gelato
Ahi crudo skewers - ahi tuna, cucumber, chili bean vinaigrette
Artichoke hearts - stuffed with creamy cognac laced mushrooms
Asparagus - lemon confit, goat cheese, croutes
Beef carpaccio - truffle aioli, mushrooms, shallots, croutes
Dumplings - truffled mushrooms, arugula chimichurri
Lobster - lobster, herb butter, spiced puff pastry
Seafood tower - shrimp, lobster, crab legs, oysters, cocktail sauce, mignonette (up-charge for this item)
Kaluga caviar - creme fraiche, red onion, egg, potato crisps (uncharge)
Chicken pate - candied red onions, brioche
Perciatelli - lobster, artichokes, tomatoes, chilies, basil
Arugula - truffle smoked tomatoes, goat cheese fondue, herb vinaigrette
Scallops - peas, corn, bacon, leeks, brown butter citrus sauce
Uncaesar - endive, radicchio, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan cheese
Foie gras - duck confit bread pudding, spiced berry compote (uncharge for this item)
Oysters rockefeller - spinach, bacon, gruyere cheese, breadcrumbs
Octopus - duck fat braised, potatoes, olive, arugula
Surf & turf - beef sirloin, garlic & chili shrimp, potato gratin, carrots, spiced red wine syrup
Salmon - potato mushroom pave, asparagus, black truffle vinaigrette
Crispy snapper - pickled cucumbers, rice, sticky chili sauce
Beef bisteca - rosemary & garlic potatoes, portobello jus
Bouillabaisse - scallops, shrimp, mixed seafood, mussels, fennel, rouille
Lobster thermidor - lobster, creamy cremini mushroom sauce, herbs
Lamb chops - olive and herb chimichurri, crispy smashed potatoes
Crème brûlée tasting – vanilla, butterscotch, dark chocolate, seasonal fruit
Tiramisu – mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa
Panna cotta – vanilla bean, fresh berry compote
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
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 McDonough County.
What does a private chef service include in McDonough County?
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 McDonough County?
The price of renting a chef in McDonough County 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 160 USD to 161 USD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 160 USD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 125 USD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 157 USD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 161 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 McDonough County?
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 14 chefs available in McDonough County. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in McDonough County 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 McDonough County?
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 McDonough County
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in McDonough County
Percentage of our women chefs in McDonough County.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in McDonough County.
Percentage of services with kids in McDonough County.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in McDonough County.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in McDonough County.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in McDonough County.
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 McDonough County.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in McDonough County each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In McDonough County, 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 McDonough County.
Cost of a private chef in McDonough County
The cost of hiring a private chef in McDonough County 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 160 USD to 161 USD per person.
For 13 people or more: 160 USD
For 7 to 12 people: 125 USD
For 3 to 6 people: 157 USD
For 2 people: 161 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in McDonough County?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in McDonough County: 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 McDonough County!






Talk to our chefs in McDonough County
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 McDonough County? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in McDonough County, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.









