Host offerings
Although Chef Stephen went to school for audio engineering, food and cooking were a deep passion. He was inspired to become a chef almost three decades ago when his girlfriend Jennifer (and now wife) told him, "You are doing a great disservice to the world if you don't become a chef." He proceeded to get a degree in the culinary arts and has worked in fine dining restaurants for most of his career. Stephen and Jennifer moved to La Quinta to be closer to family where he now works as a personal chef. Chef Stephen enjoys imparting his culinary knowledge with people and is looking forward to sharing pro chef tricks and stories from being in the industry for several years.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal (1 - 15 guests) COOKING CLASS + BRUNCH: Meet Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for a hands-on Palm Springs brunch cooking class. Start with fresh-squeezed seasonal juice and a snack as he shares stories about his culinary journey. In his modern kitchen, learn chef tips and tricks while preparing a brunch menu through a mix of hands-on cooking and demonstration. A sample menu includes coffee cake, yogurt parfait, roasted vegetable and goat cheese strata, artisan bacon or sausage, and Yukon Gold potatoes O’Brien. Once the cooking is done, sit down to enjoy your creations with freshly brewed coffee and mimosas, followed by a sweet lemon-lime bar. Jennifer, Chef Stephen’s wife, may also join you for the experience when available.
Cooking experience (1 - 15 guests) COOKING CLASS + LUNCH/DINNER: Meet your host Chef Stephen at his home in La Quinta for your Palm Springs cooking class. Sip on a refreshing drink and snacks as your host shares stories about being a chef. Then join him in his kitchen, a newly renovated, contemporary space. Learn to cook a Southwestern-inspired seasonal meal during your cooking class that is a combination of some hands-on cooking and a cooking demonstration. A very encouraging chef, Chef Stephen is great at sharing chef tips and tricks including how to plate your meal. You will learn to cook three courses during your cooking lesson and demonstration that lasts about 1.5 hours. After the cooking is done, you will sit down at the table to share the Southwestern meal you helped prepare with Chef Stephen (and his wife Jennifer when she is available). Beer or wine is included in the cost of your experience.
Please note that for groups of 9 or more, Chef Stephen offers a cooking demonstration rather than a hands-on class. This will be primarily an instructional experience, with some opportunities for guests who feel comfortable to assist in assembling dishes.
Notes: Chef Stephen can accommodate dietary restrictions so if you have any dietary requests, please make sure to include it when you create your booking. <br><br> Please note that the Meal Only experience includes a cooking class and brunch.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffaf3166ea8>
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | Not offered | $95 | $95 |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $125 | $125 |
| Alcohol | $0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | 10:00am - 01:00pm | |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 11:00am - 02:00pm | 5:00pm - 08:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
