Private Chef

Big Boards Catering offers personalized private chef service across Clermont, FL, with multi course meals cooked fresh in your home by Chef Andy Raphael.

The Top Private Chef in clermont, FL

Big Boards Catering brings a personalized private chef experience to homes across Clermont, FL. Chef Andy Raphael owns and operates the company, and he cooks each private dinner himself with hands on attention. We build every menu around your tastes, your occasion, and your guests. Refined plates like Tomahawk Steak, Lobster Tails, and Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary Garlic & Shallots anchor our private dinners. We pair those mains with sides such as Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Almonds Bacon & Black Pepper, and fresh salads. We handle shopping, prep, cooking, plating, and cleanup, so you stay free to enjoy the evening. Our service suits date nights, anniversaries, small dinner parties, and intimate celebrations. We plan around dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten conscious, and allergy aware requests. Cooking happens fresh in your kitchen, so every course arrives at its peak. Pricing stays transparent and itemized, so you know what each course costs. Clear communication starts at your first call and runs through the final plate. When you book Big Boards Catering, you get a private chef who treats your evening with real care.

JENNA FARNUM
April 25, 2026

Andy and his crew absolutely knocked it out of the park catering my cousin’s bridal shower at our home. From start to finish, everything was seamless. The food was exceptional—beautifully presented and even better tasting (guests are still talking about it). Every detail felt thoughtful and elevated the entire event. The service was just as impressive. Andy and his team were professional, attentive, and made everything feel effortless on our end. They truly went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly so we could actually enjoy the day. I would recommend Andy to anyone without hesitation and will definitely be using him again for future events. Five stars all the way!

Skye Colon
April 25, 2026

I just have to say—Andy absolutely knocked it out of the park. The food was incredible from start to finish, but the shrimp and grits were on another level. Hands down the best shrimp I’ve ever had—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and just melt-in-your-mouth good. You can tell a lot of care and skill went into every bite. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this to everyone I know!

Tiffiney Yen
April 25, 2026

Such a great catering company! If you want class paired with absolutely delicious food, this is the one. Everything was beautifully done and tasted even better than it looked!!

Jayda Clinger
April 25, 2026

Food was delicious, the set up was beautiful, and the staff was incredible!! 🙂

Courtney Alexander
April 25, 2026

The presentation was incredible, the food was absolutely amazing. But the staff was by far the best part! I highly recommend!

Stormy Lake
April 25, 2026

Shrimp and grits were incredible!! The service is amazing. I’ve never been unsatisfied.!! We have hired Andy three times now and every time it’s absolutely perfect!! High quality and definitely recommend them!

Lisa Stanley
April 24, 2026

We used Big Boards for our wedding shower in Winter Garden this past August, and they were fantastic! The food was delicious, especially the charcuterie board and cannolis 😉, which were a huge hit with our guests. The display was beautifully set up, and everything was handled so professionally. They truly made the day special. Highly recommend!

Yumeko Motley
April 23, 2026

Big Boards Catering made celebrating my special event an enchanting evening, and my guest are still raving about the food and excellent service.

Alina Coello
April 22, 2026

We highly recommend Andy and his team for any event. We were fortunate enough to have him cater our wedding last October in Howie in The Hills. The food we chose was amazing: Entrees *Pulled pork and Mac and cheese *Chili Glazed Meatballs with Yukon gold mash potatoes Sides *green beans with almonds *Chili Rice and Beans We plan on using him for our other events and can’t recommend Big Boards Catering enough.

Jaclyn Whiddon
April 22, 2026

Have attended several events where Big Boards Catering provided the food. It's always been excellent food and excellent service! I've been impressed with their attention to detail in how they set up and display the food as well as break down and clean up!

Pat Miller
April 21, 2026

Andy and his team are awesome! I will use Big Boards again in a heartbeat. My guests were so impressed with not only the presentation but the food itself was outstanding! Big Boards Catering is an absolute must use ... again and again!

RACHEL SIEGEL
April 21, 2026

We have used big boards several times as well as been at events they have catered. Everything is always wonderful. We highly recommend them!

Krishma Patel
April 21, 2026

We’ve used Andy and staff for about 3 events and they have been amazing. Food has been delicious and when accompanied with their amazing service, they are perfect for any event!

Mariana
April 19, 2026

Shrimp and grits to die for! Highlight recommend! Great service and delicious foods for parties and family gatherings

liv yandell
April 19, 2026

Amazing! Perfect beautiful amazing services I love them so much! The food is so good!!

Teresa Raphael
April 17, 2026

Thank you to the Big Boards Catering Team for the community support by sponsoring Windermere Wine & Dine (multiple years and in very cold temperatures outdoors with smiles on their faces), Matthew's Hope catered fundraising evening, and so many local charities. Beyond your Team's generous hearts and great attitudes, the food that you gifted was delicious, creative, and "Pinteresting." Your company has created jobs and opportunities for so many people, including former students of mine that I taught during their high school years. I am honored to recommend Big Boards Catering to my clients and friends without hesitation because I know that consistently they show up and bring the wow-factor as well as caring for their employees. You are ambassadors of the very best in event/wedding catering industry for professional standards - both in food and business practices. Bless you for all that you do here in Central Florida for our community ❤️🧑‍🍳☕️✅️

Andrea
April 14, 2026

The BEST catering company in the Orlando area. Food is amazing and full of flavor. The staff is kind and will take amazing care of you for your event. If you want great service and amazing food you don’t need to look any further. Go ahead and book Big Boards Catering.

Barbara Muzeni
April 14, 2026

Goodbye party for ED. Wonderful variety and amount of food for staff party (Feb 2026). Everyone was raving about the food.

Stacey Inklebarger
April 14, 2026

Andy and his team put together an amazing menu for my son's Wedding Rehersal dinner at our home. What made it even better was we did it all in under 2 weeks! Andy reassured me it would all be perfect and it absolutely was! The food was delicious and his team did all the work...including the clean up!!

J. Simmes
April 13, 2026

Wow!! Thats really the best way to describe Big Boards!! They have catered many events for one of the non profits I am a part of as well as multiple events around central Florida that we have attended....They knock it out of the park everytime!! They are extremely prompt, professional, and the owners go above and beyond for each client!! Small dinner party at home call them!! Office party for 50 people call them! Big corporate event for 300 people and food allergies CALL them!! I cannot reccomend Andy and his crew enough!!!

Cate Boston
April 13, 2026

Delicious food and amazing elevated experience. Owners are extremely personable and always engaging at events. Definitely next level for catering.

Jill Lange
April 13, 2026

Big Boards has been a go-to for my husband and me from Day 1, and we will continue to have them cater our yearly New Years Day event (wouldn't consider any other caterer....ever!). Andy and his team always go the extra mile and bring our events to another level. We have never been disappointed in the quality of the food and service we receive, and we so appreciate the way Big Boards brings that WOW factor! Highly recommend!!!

Jackie Fontana
April 13, 2026

Every year my husband and I host a Christmas party for our staff of about 75-100 people. Big Boards has been catering this event for the last 4 years. They are always a joy to work with and food is always consistent and DELICIOUS. You must try their deviled eggs! We plan to continue to use their services for our Christmas party and any other events that come up.

Claudia Moore
April 13, 2026

I’ve used Big Boards Catering for several events, and they’ve been exceptional every time. They always arrive with a positive attitude, serve delicious food, and truly go above and beyond to ensure everything aligns perfectly with your event’s theme. Last December, our downtown Orlando office building turned 100 years old. They planned a “100-Year Old Christmas” party for me, and it was outstanding. They exceeded all expectations. If you’re looking for someone to handle your event, Andy and his team are a fantastic choice. They absolutely will not disappoint.

Colby Priest
April 13, 2026

Andy and his team were phenomenal for our wedding this past January at Villa Festa in Deland FL. The food was amazing and the presentation was stunning. Andy’s attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend for any event!

R P Johnson
April 9, 2026

Big Boards Catering is incredible! Great Service, Incredible Food, Highest Communication Ever! Total knowledge, diverse menu and flexible with all options, All around 5x5 stars! Thank you Andy and Teresa!

Damian Cisco
April 9, 2026

Big Boards has the best food catered to your preference and service is excellent. Will be using them at our next event

Ben Piper
April 9, 2026

We have had Andy cater three events and he is a genuinely good person with great food and service! Highly recommend!

T
April 9, 2026

I’ve had Big Boards Catering multiple times through our BNI group, and it’s something I genuinely look forward to. You can tell he really cares because everything is always fresh, creative, and put together with intention. It’s never your typical boring spread. Highly recommend.

Chris Spencer
April 9, 2026

The absolute best food and service I have ever experienced. I will use Andy’s catering company for all my personal and business events in the future.

Gabriel Curtis
April 9, 2026

I’ve have several great experiences working with Big Boards Catering. The professionalism, creativity, and fun they bring to every function is unmatched! Looking forward to next time!

Jessica Allen
April 9, 2026

Andy and the Big Boards team have hosted several events in our home. Each time the attention to details, their flexibility with the menu, and treatment of our guests have been top notch! Andy is easy to work with and really wants to make each event special in its own way. We highly recommend this catering team!!! Pro tip: get the shrimp and grits, and the pesto tortellini!

Thomas J Cook
April 8, 2026

Big Boards fed my wife’s Birthday Event. The food was themed and on point. Andy and his Crew were Exceptional. I have watched him grow since the beginning. I Highly Highly recommend Big Boards for any event. Thank you Andy for your expertise and quality Much future Success Tom & Marianne Cook

Rebecca McKee
April 6, 2026

Excellent food and even better customer service!

George & Sandy
April 5, 2026

In the spring of 2021 we decided to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with an open house. We contacted Andy at Big Boards Catering. WOW! What a pleasure that turned out to be. He handled everything. We could relax and enjoy our friends. It was a spectacular party and so worry free. They made sure everything was fresh and beautifully presented. Would recommend Andy and his crew for any catering need.

George
April 5, 2026

I had been to a few events that Andy had catered, so we used him for our large, Anniversary open house in 2021. It was huge success, and we are still getting positive comments from friends who say it was the best they have seen. I have since been to several events that Andy catered, and every one was first rate. Totally recommend him for his work and his integrity.

Lauren Sutton
April 5, 2026

Over the past couple of years we have had the honor of working with Andy and his incredible team at Big Boards many times! Whether it's a Wine and Charcuterie night, catering for an event or team meeting, the level of professionalism cant be beat! Andy has such a passion for this and truly cares about each and every client and staff member he interacts with. We will be using Big Boards Catering again!

Chuck Hunter
April 3, 2026

We have used Andy and his company a few times. Last was Nov 2026 for a 60th Bday party. They did an exemplary job in providing a beautiful menu and even accommodated special diets for a few relatives. They took care of everything. We enjoyed our own party. Highly recommend. Winter Garden, Florida.

Patrick Anderson
April 3, 2026

We have used Big Boards Catering for my 60th Birthday in August of 2023 and they blew the event out of the park. Everyone raved about the appetizers, the main courses, and the incredible desserts. The set up and attention to detail are top notch. Andy and his team We have used for at least 3 other events and they never disappoint. Cannot wait to use them for our next event.

Terry Sweeting
April 3, 2026

We have used Big Boards Catering for our annual holiday party in our home in Winter Garden and will continue to do so. Andy and his team create an incredible visual presentation onsite rounded out with food that is equally great. Andy is always responsive and worked with us on any modifications to our menu and always accommodated last minute requests and changes prior to our event. Highly recommend Big Board for any event - personal or business, large or small. You won’t be disappointed!

Paul Dombrowski
April 3, 2026

We used Big Boards Catering for our son‘s wedding on November 1 at Tanner Hall in Winter Garden. From beginning to end, Andy and his team did a magnificent job. The food was absolutely amazing!

Susan Hembree
April 3, 2026

I can’t say enough about the service that you will receive with BBC. Andy and his team are so professional and personable all at the same time. They feel like family. They have done Christmas parties and our 50th birthday celebration . Andy is the best!

Marla Gideos
April 2, 2026

Outstanding!! Big Boards did our housewarming and everything was perfect. Everyone raved about the food and the presentation! I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Staff was lovely and my kitchen was spotless when they left. Big Boards is the way to go for catering casual or formal affairs.

dawn dombrowski
April 2, 2026

Big Boards catered my son’s wedding on 11/1/2025. Andy and his team did an amazing job! The quality and attention to detail are second to none. I would absolutely recommend them for any special event.

Julie Vaccarella
April 2, 2026

Big Boards Catering made my daughter’s wedding reception at The Sterling Event Center in Minneola, FL absolutely unforgettable. From the very first consultation through the months leading up to the event, Andy and his staff were professional, organized, and truly attentive. On the wedding day they went above and beyond—seamlessly handling every detail and keeping everything running smoothly. The food was outstanding and delivered the “wow” factor we wanted. Thank you, Andy and team, for making the day spectacular!

Marc Jablon
April 2, 2026

We love Big Boards. Andy and his team are amazing!

Michelle Meachem
April 2, 2026

Not only is the food absolutely delicious, but the presentation is also gorgeous🤩 Big Boards can make something as simple as a tray of deviled eggs look like a masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for something casual, fun, unique, or elevated, Big Boards Catering Company is the way to go. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charles P
April 1, 2026

The high level of thought and consideration put into the planning and execution of their events is truly incredible. Everything, from the quality of the food, to the harmony of the items on the menu, to the presentation and its appeal, reflect the care and work ethic these folks pour into their work. My family has been attending functions and parties put on by the purveyors of this business since they were located in Coral Springs, and if anything they have only gotten better. The high reviews speak for themselves, and they only want customer satisfaction as their main goal. They will go out of their way to make your party/event the way you want it: a memorable one that you and your guests will talk about for a long time after it's done.

Donna Key
April 1, 2026

Exceptional catering experience for a baby shower! From my very first email inquiry until the end of the event Andy and his team were on top of everything! I was planning the event out of state & Andy coordinated and made the menu planning easy for me! We hosted a brunch menu and the food was amazingly presented and very delicious!

Preya Shivdat
April 1, 2026

I hosted a bridal brunch in May 2025 and hired Big Boards Catering, and it was an unforgettable experience! The service was exceptional, making everyone feel welcomed and attended to. The food was simply outstanding, with the shrimp and grits being the highlight of the meal—rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, creating a delightful atmosphere for celebrating the bride. Highly recommend Big Boards Catering for any special occasion!

Michele Barbato
April 1, 2026

I feel like I can write a book about how AMAZING Andrew & the entire Big Boards team! My husband and I hosted Christmas parties in 2021, 2022, & 2023 and Andrew & team were our go to for catering. Everything was WAY beyond our expectations. The food was amazing, the presentation was over the top, and the service was impeccable. Needless to say our neighbors now ask, mid-summer, for our Christmas party date to have it saved in their calendars. We love the team over at Big Boards Catering..

Lexi Gray
March 31, 2026

Such a great event we had March 2026 in Ocoee thanks to the amazing food and presentation Big Boards Catering provided! Never fails to amaze! Andy and his team also catered my wedding back in April of 2024 and because of how amazing him and the entire team did that is why i had them for my event this past March and will use them for every event in the future!

shauna ragbir
March 31, 2026

I cannot say enough about Big Boards Catering, Andy, and his entire team. We celebrated my parents 35th Anniversary, my grandma’s 90th Birthday, and doggy’s 13th Birthday, this March 2026 in Ocoee. The food was delicious and the presentation was exceptional. All of the guests were blown away and loved it all. Andy went the extra mile to make sure everything was perfect. I will make sure that Big Boards Catering’s name will spread and I will definitely use them again in the near future!

Angela Bednarek
March 30, 2026

Andy and his team catered my daughter’s baby shower They followed the theme, provided decorations for food serving tables. The staff took care of set up to clean up. Highly recommend!!

Bill Harper
March 28, 2026

I don’t even know where to begin Andy, Teresa, and the entire team at Big Boards Catering absolutely blew us away for our very first Empowered Electrical Christmas party. From the moment everything was set up, you could tell this was next-level. The presentation alone was stunning, but then you take a bite and it just gets better. Every single item was hot, fresh, and packed with flavor. You could taste the care, the quality, and the intention behind every detail. Nothing sat, nothing felt prepped hours before. It was all dialed in perfectly. Our team could not stop talking about the spread. People were going back for seconds and thirds, just trying to experience everything. It honestly turned into one of the highlights of the entire night and made our first Christmas party as a company that much more special. What made it even more powerful was the moment itself. After everything we accomplished in our first year at Empowered, the night carried a lot of emotion for our team. To have Andy, Teresa, and their team there catering that experience and serving at such a high level made it something we will never forget. It is honestly hard to even put into words what that meant to all of us. What stood out even more was the professionalism and heart behind it all. Andy and Teresa didn’t just cater an event, they elevated the entire experience and made it feel special for every single person there. If you are even thinking about hiring a catering company, stop looking. This is the one. Big Boards Catering set a standard that is going to be hard for anyone else to touch. Thank you guys for making our first Empowered Electrical Christmas party unforgettable. We will 100 percent be back.

Locations We Offer Private Chef in Central Florida

Big Boards Catering cooks private chef dinners in homes, vacation rentals, and private venues across Central Florida, from Clermont and Minneola to Orlando, Winter Park, and Lake Mary. Browse our locations directory to confirm private chef coverage for your dinner in your specific city.

Our FUll List of Catering Services


A private chef dinner suits intimate gatherings, while larger events often call for buffet catering, a grazing table, or party catering instead. Visit our full services directory to see every catering option we offer across Central Florida.

working with us

our Delicious Food

YEars Experience
Client Satisfaction
Menu Options
Events Catered

Private Chef in Clermont

The menu is where a private chef dinner shines, and we build it around premium plates. Tomahawk Steak and Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary Garlic & Shallots anchor a hearty, refined dinner. Lobster Tails, King Crab Legs, and Salmon in Pesto Sauce bring an elegant seafood course. Lamb Chops and Romanian Skirt Steak with Rosemary Garlic & Shallots add bold, rich options. We can open with Colossal Shrimp Ceviche, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, or a refined crostini course. Sides like Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and a Strawberry Burrata Salad round out the plate. We finish with desserts such as Mini Cannolis, French Macarons, or Individual Cheesecake Bites. We tailor each course to your taste, so the menu feels made for you.

Clermont sits at the center of our work, and our private chef service travels well beyond the city. We cook dinners in Groveland, Minneola, and Mascotte for couples and small gatherings. Hosts in Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and Windermere book us for anniversaries and dinner parties. We bring service north to Lake Mary, Longwood, Maitland, and Winter Park for intimate celebrations. To the west, Winter Garden, Ocoee, and Apopka fall within our regular range. We also serve Celebration and Kissimmee near the theme park corridor, including vacation rentals. Each home receives the same prep discipline, the same on time arrival, and the same clean kitchen at the end. If your home sits in our service area, we plan the menu, the shopping, and the timing around it well ahead of the date.

A private chef menu is the most customizable service we offer. We build the meal around your preferences, your allergies, and your favorite flavors. Vegetarian, gluten conscious, and pescatarian menus are easy to design from the start. We track nut, dairy, and shellfish allergies with care to reduce cross contact in your kitchen. We can plan a lighter, health conscious menu or a rich, indulgent one. Guests who avoid pork can choose from beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood courses. We can discuss halal style preferences during planning. Flexibility never comes at the cost of food safety or quality, because both stay non negotiable in our kitchen.

A great private dinner runs on planning, and we start with a conversation. Chef Andy Raphael walks you through course ideas, flavors, and timing during a free planning session. We confirm your kitchen setup, your equipment, and your space before the date. We discuss the occasion, the mood, and any details that make the night special. We handle the grocery shopping so you do not lift a finger. We coordinate the timing so each course lands when you are ready for it. Pricing stays transparent and itemized, so you always know what each dollar covers. That honesty is core to how Big Boards Catering runs, and it builds the trust clients count on.

Service quality shows up in the details, and a private chef dinner is built on them. We shop for fresh, quality ingredients ahead of your dinner. We arrive on time, set up in your kitchen, and prepare each course from scratch. We plate every dish with care, so the presentation matches the flavor. We serve at your pace, course by course, throughout the evening. We clean the kitchen as we go, so you are not left with a mess. By the end of the night, the space looks the way we found it. You finish the evening relaxed, which is the entire point of hiring a private chef.

Commonly Asked Private Chef Questions

A private chef service brings a custom, multi course meal and full kitchen cleanup right to your home. The questions below cover what Clermont clients ask us most before they book a private chef.

Private chef cost depends on your guest count, the menu, and the number of courses. In Central Florida, private chef dinners often range from roughly seventy five to one hundred fifty dollars per guest. A simple two or three course menu sits at the lower end of that range. Premium ingredients like steak, lobster, and crab push the price higher. The cost usually includes shopping, cooking, plating, and cleanup. Travel and the size of the menu can add to the base price. Big Boards Catering gives you an itemized estimate so the math stays clear. You never face hidden fees when you book with us.

The menu is the biggest cost driver for a private chef dinner. More courses and premium proteins raise the per guest total. A focused menu with a few standout dishes keeps the cost in check. Seasonal ingredients can lower the price without lowering the quality. We help you balance the experience you want against a real number. Trimming one luxury item often frees room for another favorite. The convenience of dining at home is built into the value. We stay transparent about where each dollar goes.

Guest count affects the total in a few ways. More guests mean more food, more prep, and more plating. A smaller dinner can feel more personal and refined. A larger group can sometimes lower the per guest price. The occasion and the level of service also shape the cost. We walk you through these factors during your free planning session. Every estimate reflects your exact menu and headcount. Call us and we will price your specific private dinner down to the line.

A private chef service covers the full meal from start to finish. It begins with a custom menu built around your tastes and occasion. Chef Andy Raphael handles the grocery shopping for fresh ingredients. He arrives at your home and prepares each course in your kitchen. He plates every dish with care and serves it at your pace. The service includes full cleanup of the kitchen and dining area. You enjoy a restaurant quality meal without leaving your home. The experience is designed to be effortless for the host.

The menu is the heart of the service, and it is fully customized. We plan courses around your favorite flavors and any dietary needs. We can build a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a dinner party spread. Appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts all come from your chosen menu. We pair dishes so the courses flow naturally through the evening. We adjust the pacing to match the mood you want. The result feels personal rather than packaged. Every detail is planned around your evening.

Beyond the food, the service is about the experience. The host stays seated and relaxed while the chef works. Guests enjoy fresh courses served right from the kitchen. There is no cooking, serving, or cleanup left for you. The kitchen is left clean and tidy at the end of the night. The whole evening centers on the table and the company. We bring the polish of fine dining into your own home. Tell us your vision and we will build the experience around it.

Hiring a private chef starts with a quick call or an online booking. We talk through your occasion, your guest count, and your preferred date. Chef Andy Raphael helps you design a custom menu during a free planning session. We confirm your kitchen setup, your equipment, and your space. You approve the menu and an itemized estimate. A deposit holds your date on our calendar. We confirm the final details a few days before the dinner. On the night, the chef arrives, cooks, serves, and cleans up.

The planning conversation shapes the entire experience. We ask about flavors you love and ingredients you avoid. We discuss the mood, from romantic and quiet to lively and social. We plan the number of courses around your guests and the occasion. We handle the shopping, so you have nothing to buy. We coordinate the timing so each course lands at the right moment. The more we know, the more personal the meal becomes. Every dinner is built from the ground up around you.

On the day of the dinner, the chef manages everything. He arrives early to set up and prep in your kitchen. He cooks each course fresh rather than reheating prepared food. He plates and serves at the pace you prefer. He cleans as he goes, so the kitchen stays tidy. You and your guests simply enjoy the meal. By the end of the night, the space is left clean. Tell us your date and we will walk you through the rest.

For private chef service, Chef Andy Raphael cooks fresh in your home. He arrives with the ingredients and prepares each course in your kitchen. Cooking on site means every dish arrives at its peak. Nothing sits in transit or gets reheated for service. The aromas and the freshness become part of the experience. He works around your kitchen setup and equipment. He plates each course right before it reaches the table. This is what sets a private chef apart from drop off catering.

Some prep happens before the chef arrives to save time. Certain components can be readied in advance for a smooth service. The main cooking and plating still happen in your kitchen. This balance keeps the meal fresh while respecting your schedule. We confirm what your kitchen can handle during planning. A standard home kitchen is usually all we need. We bring any specialty tools the menu requires. The goal is a seamless, fresh dining experience.

For larger gatherings, we may suggest a different service style. Buffet or station catering can suit a bigger crowd better. A private chef shines for intimate, multi course dinners. We help you choose the format that fits your event. Cooking on site is the core of the private chef experience. It is what makes the meal feel personal and special. We plan the menu around what cooks best fresh. Tell us your space and we will confirm the right approach.

A private chef dinner works best for intimate groups. We typically serve dinners for two to twelve guests. Smaller dinners allow for more courses and finer plating. A dinner for two suits a date night or anniversary. A group of eight to twelve fits a dinner party beautifully. The experience stays personal at this scale. We adjust the menu and pacing to the size of the group. We help you find the right headcount for the occasion.

Larger groups are possible with the right planning. For a bigger crowd, we may add support staff. We can also suggest a buffet or station style instead. The private chef format favors a plated, course by course meal. Plating for very large groups changes the timing and pacing. We are honest about what keeps the experience at its best. We match the service style to your guest count. The goal is a meal that feels personal at any size.

The number of courses scales with the group and the occasion. A small dinner can stretch to many refined courses. A larger dinner often works best with a focused menu. We balance variety against smooth service. We plan the timing so courses arrive without long gaps. We confirm the headcount before we finalize the menu. A clear count keeps the meal flowing all evening. Tell us your guest list and we will design around it.

Yes, a private chef is the easiest way to handle dietary restrictions. The entire menu is built around your needs from the start. We track nut, dairy, and shellfish allergies with care. Vegetarian, gluten conscious, and pescatarian menus are simple to design. We prep allergy aware courses to reduce cross contact in your kitchen. Guests who avoid pork can choose beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood. We confirm every guest’s needs before the dinner. No guest is treated as an afterthought at the table.

Food safety guides every step of the cooking process. We follow safe handling practices in your kitchen. Allergen ingredients get separated and clearly managed. We can build a fully separate course for a guest with severe needs. The chef knows exactly which dishes carry common allergens. Communication with you keeps the plan accurate. We confirm the final dietary details before the dinner. Careful prep protects your guests and your peace of mind.

A private chef menu flexes to any preference. We can plan a light, health conscious dinner or a rich, indulgent one. We can discuss halal style preferences during planning. Plant based courses are available for vegetarian and vegan guests. We can spotlight a guest’s favorite flavors throughout the meal. We treat each request as part of the core menu, not an add on. Flexibility is one reason clients love the private chef experience. Tell us your guests’ needs and we will build around them.

A private chef suits any occasion that calls for something personal. Date nights feel special when a chef handles the meal. Anniversaries gain a refined, intimate setting at home. Birthdays and milestones become memorable with a custom dinner. Small dinner parties run smoothly when the host can relax. Holiday meals are easier with a chef managing the kitchen. A proposal or celebration dinner gains a polished backdrop. The occasion sets the tone, and we build the menu to match.

Intimate gatherings are where a private chef shines. A quiet dinner for two centers the evening on connection. A small group dinner feels effortless and elegant. The host enjoys the night instead of working in the kitchen. Guests experience fresh, plated courses at home. The setting feels personal in a way a restaurant cannot match. We plan the pacing to fit the mood of the occasion. Every detail bends toward making the night memorable.

Special celebrations deserve a special meal. We can theme a menu around a guest of honor. We can plan a course inspired by a favorite cuisine. We coordinate the timing with toasts or key moments. We can add a dessert course to mark the occasion. We bring the polish of fine dining into your home. The experience stays relaxed because we handle the work. Tell us the occasion and we will design the right evening.

Most clients book a private chef two to four weeks before the dinner. Special occasions and peak weekends benefit from a longer lead time. Booking ahead gives you first pick of dates and full menu attention. It also leaves time to design a custom menu without rushing. Big Boards Catering can sometimes accommodate shorter notice. Last minute dinners depend on our calendar for that date. The sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you keep. Holiday dates fill quickly, so book those early.

Early planning protects the personal nature of the service. It gives time for the menu conversation and any adjustments. We use the lead window to source quality ingredients. Rushing the plan can limit the menu choices. A longer runway keeps the whole process calm. We hold your date once a deposit confirms the booking. We confirm final details a few days before the dinner. Chef Andy Raphael prefers ample time to plan a memorable meal.

Short timelines are not a dealbreaker, but they narrow your options. We can still plan a strong dinner in a few days when our schedule allows. A focused menu comes together faster than an elaborate one. We are honest about what is realistic for your date. If we cannot serve you well, we will say so up front. Reaching out early is always the safer choice. Popular dates should be booked as far ahead as possible. Contact us today to check availability for your dinner.

Get The Best Private Chef In Central Florida

Book your free private chef planning session and estimate today by calling Big Boards Catering at (954) 778-0456 or by booking online using our 24/7 appointment system.