Private dining, perfected.

Welcome to Truckee Chef, the premier choice for private dining experiences, cooking classes and other culinary services in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. We specialize in seasonally curated menus, crafted exclusively for clients seeking exceptional cuisine in the privacy of their homes. Whether hosting intimate celebrations, executive retreats, or private gatherings, every detail is tailored to deliver an unforgettable luxury culinary experience.

Culinary Artistry, Brought Home

Romantic sunset dinner setting with a table for two, candles, flowers, and a view of a lake surrounded by trees.

Private In-Home Dining
An intimate restaurant experience, tailored entirely to you. Every dish imagined, crafted, and served in the quiet elegance of your own home.

Personalized Cooking Lessons
Refine your skills through private and hands-on instruction. Seasonal menus and timeless techniques taught at your pace in your kitchen.

Curated Meal Plans
Elevate everyday meals into moments of quiet luxury. Thoughtfully prepared menus delivered weekly or monthly in rhythm with your life.

Artisan Drop-Off Meals
Fine dining without formality. Chef-prepared dishes delivered with care, ready to be enjoyed when the moment calls for something extraordinary.

Rooted in Local Excellence

Every plate begins at home, with the farmers, growers, and artisans who bring our region to life. We proudly partner with the Tahoe Food Hub and nearby farms to source ingredients that are seasonal, responsibly grown, and selected with care.

Chef Carolyn

Chef Carolyn's culinary journey is rooted in a passion for sustainability, artistry, and exploration.

She began her career at 21, working as a private chef in Los Angeles before blending her love of food with her love of the outdoors in Mammoth Lakes. There, she studied under renowned French Master Chef Frederic Pierrel, honing her craft in refined alpine cuisine.

Carolyn continued her training under British Celebrity Chef Maria Elia in South Lake Tahoe, deepening her appreciation for vibrant, seasonal cooking. In 2015, she expanded her education abroad, studying with Italian-born chef Paolo Mancassola in London, traveling throughout Italy, and learning from small family farms.

As the former Chef in Residence for the Tahoe Food Hub, Carolyn built lasting relationships with local growers, helping bridge the connection between farmers and chefs through shared values of sustainability and craft.

Since 2016, Chef Carolyn has been exclusively dedicated to Truckee Chef, offering personalized dining experiences that celebrate seasonality, simplicity, and place.