At Home Personal Chef
Flavor That Tells a Story
Memorable, fun, upscale experiences in the comfort of your home. Drawing on the finest kitchens, global travel, and creative event planning, we take care of everything so you can savor the evening with your guests.
Plated Dinners for Up to 10 Guests
Choose from our menu themes featuring five courses. Each menu can be tailored to your tastes and preferences. We take care of everything!
ITALIAN INSPIRED
Sample Menu:
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Limoncello Spritz
APPETIZER
Pizza Sampling
SALAD
Bistro Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
MAIN COURSE
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
DESSERT
Dessert Pizza or Lemon Tarte
FRENCH INSPIRED
Sample Menu:
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
French Martini
APPETIZER
Cheese Board of French Cheeses
SALAD
Bistro Salad with Peaches
MAIN COURSE
Chicken Florentine
DESSERT
Molten Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream & Raspberries
ALASKA INSPIRED
Sample Menu:
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Klondike Punch
APPETIZER
Roasted Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella & Pesto
SALAD
Roquefort Pear Salad
MAIN COURSE
Heather’s Grilled Salmon
DESSERT
Denali Ice Cream Bars
Catering for Up to 20 Guests
Having a party and don’t want the hassle? Let us take care of everything from start to finish.
Rich creates the menus, does the shopping, cooking and plating. Heather serves the cocktails, wine and each course. We both do cleanup while having a glass of wine.
Heather Wayt & Rich Nickel
What Our Clients Say
“We look forward to every meal you serve. It’s always fantastic.”
– M.B., Glen Ellyn
“All the food was fabulous, but the best part was my wife was able to enjoy her guests. We’re definitely booking you again for next year’s holiday party!”
– J.L., Glen Ellyn
“The food was phenomenal. Everything so delicious. And the, the dessert…through the roof!
– R.S., Glen Ellyn
“The salad was a nice use of fresh ingredients with excellent dressing. Pizzas were nicely done. Cocktails a good choice. Our guests were thrilled and felt like they were pampered. We can’t wait for you to do another party at our house!”
– M.L., Wheaton
“The whole evening was just so perfect! Thank you for making it so. It was a joy having you and Heather join us and spoil us!”
– M.B.B., Glen Ellyn
“I loved that I didn’t have to cook! I like doing the tablescape, but the cooking for a dinner party just causes me stress.”
– A.S., Glen Ellyn
“You put all the fun in and took the effort out! Thank you! Everyone raved about the food :-) Would absolutely do it again.”
– J.L., Glen Ellyn
“I liked the theme menu. So cohesive. And I loved the pace. We didn’t feel rushed like in a restaurant.”
– A.S., Glen Ellyn
The Experience
Every dining event includes everything from planning to cleanup.
Pre-Planning Consultaion
We design a custom culinary experience based on your chosen menu theme, home setting, and guest preferences. We will meet with you in your home to discuss scheduling, guest list, serving dishes, glasses, etc.
Full Meal Preparation
In your kitchen, we do all the cooking, plating, and serving. All you have to do is relax and enjoy time with your guests.
Shopping
We shop for fresh, high quality ingredients at local markets and grocery stores. Wherever possible we use farm-to-table balancing seasonal ingredients with inventive presentation.
Menu Selections
Signature Cocktails
Appetizers & Cheese Boards
Salads
Sandwiches
Main Courses
Desserts
Invitations, Place Cards and Menus
If requested, we can create custom invitations, name cards and menus. You can send the invitations via email to your guests, or we can provide printed ones for an additional fee.
Cleanup
While you’re enjoying your desserts and another glass of wine, we clean up the kitchen so you don’t have to face that chore in the morning.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Absolutely. During the consultation we collect necessary dietary information and craft alternative dishes that keep every guest safe and satisfied.
What is the minimum/maximum guest count you serve?
We provide intimate dinners for 4 to 10 guests. Share your headcount and we’ll scale the menu accordingly.
How does your billing process work?
Once we finalize the scope of service, you receive an itemized proposal outlining menu selections and any add-ons. Following your approval, we request one half upfront paid via Zelle or Venmo. The balance is due the day of the event.
Do you do other events besides dinners?
Absolutely!
Brunches, cocktail receptions, baby showers, retirement parties, etc.
Grazing Tables
Surprise Picnics - we set it up in the location you want, then you bring your guest to “discover it.” Perfect for engagements and intimate gatherings.
Contact us to tell us your wishes and we will make it happen!
Do you have any Premium Add-ons?
Yes. For additional fees, we can provide wine pairing suggestions, custom decor & floral, and private ballroom dancing lessons.
Let’s Plan Your Event
Email: richnickel@me.com
Fill out the form to share your ideas, guest count, and preferred dates. We’ll get back to you to schedule a complimentary consultation.

