Hey Chef Heath
Hey Chef Heath
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(224) 433-4343

a personal chef experience

a personal chef experiencea personal chef experiencea personal chef experience

exciting you and your guests with exquisite meals in the comfort of your own home

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Chef Heath

I'm a passionate chef, who has worked in the restaurant industry, across various roles, for over 30 years. 

I am a published author of recipes for a sous vide company and the cookbook "I'm a chef & my kids want buttered noodles". 

I have cooked on TV, with celebrity chefs, and at the James Beard House in New York.


want more...

get my cookbook

my cookbook is available for purchase on Amazon.com click here: https://amzn.to/2HkIe70


25% of the proceeds are donated to Project Semicolon

See me on TV

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

http://bit.ly/2TRSRDi 

watch me New Year's Day on WGN TV Chicago, when I show you how to make the Hangover Helper from my cookbook


Thanksgiving 2019 on ABC 7 Chicago

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

  https://abc7chicago.com/5722001/  


I'm giving thanksgiving day cooking tips!

Valentine's Day 2020 WGN TV Chicago

New Year's Day 2019 WGN TV Chicago

Valentine's Day 2020 WGN TV Chicago

 https://wgntv.com/2020/02/14/lunchbreak-sauteed-chilean-sea-bass-with-parsnip-puree-and-roasted-red-pepper-tomato-garlic-sauce/  

More Press

Patch

Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press

Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press

https://patch.com/illinois/buffalogrove/buffalo-groves-chef-heath-schecter

Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press

Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press

Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/buffalo-grove/ct-bgc-shout-out-schecter-20191007-trhre22ldvgmvmmcfpg3sgbaf4-story.html

Live on "The Experience Maker" via LinkedIn

Candid Conversations podcast for Catersource 2020

Candid Conversations podcast for Catersource 2020

 https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:6635638894375297025/ 

Candid Conversations podcast for Catersource 2020

Candid Conversations podcast for Catersource 2020

Candid Conversations podcast for Catersource 2020

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/candid-conversations-by-catersource-33-dan-gingiss/id1468661873?i=1000465073524

How it works...

It all starts with information from you.  Let me know what foods you like, what styles (Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.), and your favorite desserts. I also want to know what foods you do not like, any no-no ingredients, and any allergies.  


Once I have all this info, I create a menu specifically for YOU! Once I share the menu with you, you can just run with it, or make some edits. 


This menu is for the whole dinner, and all diners, if there are 2 people (or 4 or 12), everyone gets the same meal.


If I'm doing a private chef experience in your home, I understand that you may have 1 diner that will not eat what menu we agree to (such as one diner is vegetarian or pescatarian). For these type of experiences, I can accommodate the diner.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach me at heathschecter1@gmail.com or heychefheath@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question. I will respond promptly.

I have a minimum charge to do a dinner party. That amount will typically cover 4 guests. It may only be 2 of you, but after many years, this is how I work. It has to cover my time that I put into preparing for your party.

I'm not a restaurant. I'm giving you a dining experience in YOUR home. I create every menu specifically for each dinner party. I do not buy ingredients in bulk, and I do not have a staff to do all the preparation for each dinner party. I am ideating the menu, shopping, and prepping, which is atleast 20 hours of time, all prior to the 4-5 hours that I'll be in your home. I also have a sous chef that works the dinner party with me. I shop for the finest ingredients...organic produce and Organic/Prime proteins.

Again, I do not have any help doing all the preparations for your dinner party...it's all me until your party, then I have my sous chef with me. I do not buy ingredients in bulk, I purchase specifically for your party. The dinner parties are in your home (or venue of your choice), you aren't rushed, you go at your own pace.  Also, you have me, interacting with you and your guests, explaining every course served. Lastly, when I'm finished, you can continue your party with your guests for hours. this item.

I don't have any hidden costs. The only extra costs, would be for super high end ingredients like Japanese A5 Wagyu, Osetra Caviar, things like that. Also, if you'd like a server (which I recommend for any dinner parties over 6) it's an extra $100. I recommend a server for any party that wants someone to have complete attention to filling drinks and water glasses. Lastly, tipping. It's not required, but always appreciated. 

The short answer is no. I've been doing this a long time, I know what my time is worth; I also know what you'll pay for a 5 course meal at a high end restaurant, which is what you'll be receiving in your home, with a completely different experience. You're not just paying for dinner, you're paying to have a professional chef, in your home, cooking a 5 course dinner for you and your guests.  I have the right to discount a dinner party to meet a client's budgetary needs. This may also result in less than 5 courses. I also have the right to increase my pricing based on holiday weekends.  


However, having a private chef dinner party, is never the same as going to, or ordering from, a restaurant.  If you realize you can not afford a private chef dinner, I implore you to order from, and support, local restaurants.

I am not a caterer, I'm a private chef. Caterers typically provide buffet style meals, or they cater large events. I can do up to 24 guest, sometimes more; however, the dinner parties I do are typically more intimate. Lastly, I also do not do weekly meal prep. I strictly create a 5 course, plated dinner. 

You are getting a personal chef experience in your home for you and your guests. I bring along my sous chef, all the plates and flatware. I create a 5 course, plated dinner, especially for you. The menu courses out as such: amuse bouche, appetizer, salad (or soup if you prefer), entree, and dessert. I know a lot of parties are a celebration of sorts; however, because you are having 5 courses (including dessert), I do not suggest having a separate cake. It usually gets wasted.

services

private dinners and parties

I'm committed to providing a multi-coursed event that will fulfill your every culinary desire.


menu planning/consulting

Having troubles with menus?  Let me consult with you, and work thru the tough items.  Let's see what works and what doesn't. Your menu should be cohesive and follow a theme.


Social

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    testimonials

    from my cookbook

    Leave a review on my Google business page

    from my customers

    "heath demonstrates how to make delicious food inspired by his passion for the craft and the love of his family"  dominic zumpano, james beard nominated chef


    "chef heath pushes the culinary envelope with every dish he creates, his passion and dedication made him the chef and person he is today"   johnny carino, celebrity chef


    chef heath's dedication to the art of culinary is an inspiration. his ability to bring novel approaches to classical & modern dishes alike is enviable. his plates are like delicious works of edible modern art, a welcomed dichotomy of too pretty to eat", while the aromas, textures and flavors are begging to be devoured"  nathan schomers, product development chef


    "I have known heath for over 40 years, and when my wife & I were hosting a dinner party, we arranged to have him provide a private chef experience which was beyond incredible. heath's cooking &  presentation skills elevated the entire evening, turning our otherwise routine party into a culinary event. i must imagine everyone knows someone that's  great cook; however, not everyone knows someone that's a truly masterful chef. it was an honor to have heath cook in our home"  steven handmaker, cmo assurance


    "heath is an aming chef who makes food that would intimidate all but the most sophisticated and technically advanced cooks. yet, he finds a way to reduce complex techniques to easy-to-follow steps, enabling virtually anyone to produce dishes that are worthy of nearly any upscale restaurant, but which are approachable enough to be enjoyed by the whole family. at last, a fine-dining cookbook for the rest of us!!"  barry Sorkin, owner-pitmaster, smoque bbq chicago



    from my customers

    Leave a review on my Google business page

    from my customers

    "thank you so much for the wonderful and amazingly delicious brunch at my 70th birthday party on August 11th.  The food was beyond good. Everything was notches above normal.  The ingredients were thoughtfully chosen for maximum deliciousness.  Everyone was raving about your expertise as a chef. Your efforts really made this an occasion to remember.

    After the event, I was informed that you suffered a terrible loss the day before you came...it was beyond professional for you to keep your commitment to us"  Kathleen L.


    "When my husband, Jody, asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I said, "I want a fabulous dinner surrounded by my family. That dinner is going to be around my dining room table." I think he was surprised I didn't want to go out.  What you did here that Saturday night, was magic. From the cheeses, to the salad, to the cauliflower, to the Brussel sprouts, to the potatoes, to the fabulous prime rib, and the wonderful desserts, it was an amazing dinner. The whole family loved everything, especially me! It was indeed a fabulous dinner surrounded by my family...just what I wanted."  Carole M Gingiss


    "We had a blast working with Heath for my husband's 45th birthday. He was very professional, creating the menu was a collaborative effort and wine pairing options were available upon request. Heath provided a full-service experience from the dishes, explanations of each course and clean up at the end.  My kitchen might have been cleaner after he left! If you want killer food from a killer chef, Heath is your guy."  EJ Oelling


    " We hired Heath to be our private chef for a dinner party of 14 and it was unbelievable.  People who were at the dinner are still talking about it months later.  The food rivaled any top notch restaurant I've ever been to. Heath was a pleasure to work with.  His knowledge, professionalism and humor made the night so enjoyable. Thank you for providing such a wonderful and memorable night for all of us.  We look forward to hiring you for another event."  Eric Singer


    "We loved everyone's anniversary dinner recommendations and made a long list of places to try.  We went with Heath. To those that recommended him, thank you. It was truly some of the best food we have ever eaten."  Diane Patterson

    Leave a review on my Google business page

    Leave a review on my Google business page

    Leave a review on my Google business page

    https://g.page/r/CRb4l-JrSUgnEBM/review

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    I know you're busy, but let's take some time to talk about your event. Everyone's dietary needs and styles are unique. Fill out the form, or give me a call, and we can figure out what works for you!

    Chef Heath

    (224) 433-4343

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