In the heart of Weston, CT, near Cobbs Mill Inn, Chef Michele's test kitchen is a charming, light filled modern yet bucolic New England space. As a private chef, her services are designed to accommodate the busy, fast paced lifestyles of most families today. That's because personal chefs are no longer for the ultra-wealthy, but for everyone. The joys of having a personal chef give homeowners more time for their priorities while still providing the very best meals, value and personal attention for their families.

"I am passionate about food," says Chef Michele. I always loved food to be visually elegant and captivating and I enjoy testing the limits of cuisine with the precision of classic techniques. Food is like art in that you can allow your creative energy to flow freely".

In her family's kitchen, she learned the joy of combining textures, flavors, different cooking techniques and ultimately the art of presentation were the teachings in her family's kitchen. "My roots were firmly set in food. I suppose you could say I was born with a ladle in my mouth". Born in NYC, her father fostered an environment of quality cuisine, a knowledge he gathered during his 45+ years as captain of the grand ballroom at one of New York's famous 5 star hotels.

As a young girl she learned the classic recipes and visually-creative plating. Today, she has moved more towards elegant spa cuisine, organic vegetarian cuisine, and "peak energy" fare because of her clients' active lifestyles. She is also magical in her creations for children in transitioning the pickiest of eaters to more nutritional fare with great success.

She spent years in the corporate world entertaining clients at the best restaurants NYC offers from the classics like "21" and The Four Seasons to the newest and trendiest spots. Years ago, she left her corporate career to pursue her lifelong passion for food full time, including attending additional culinary classes and events. Soon after, VIP Chef was born in her home in Weston.

Michele regularly entertains both  large and intimate dinner parties and loves using a wide range of fresh ingredients including herbs from her 60 foot herb garden. Rows of seedlings adorn the small home nursery on her property, producing bags of mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes which cheerfully decorate her kitchen. She is constantly experimenting with recipes from appetizers to desserts or impromptu combinations using whatever is available.

As a private chef, Michele provides the highest caliber of culinary service to a select clientele in Fairfield County. She has worked for the CEO of one of Westport's high profile companies, delighting them with her culinary skills and impressing their guests. She enjoyed preparing innovative and elegant fare for their weekly dinners, occasional executive lunches, and cocktail and dinner parties with no reins on her creativity. This offered her freedom and time to nurture her growing desire to continue in this personal service in lieu of the rigors of owning a restaurant. Today, Chef Michele is more than just a personal chef paying attention to the minute details of her clients parties including atmosphere, lighting, music or entertainment and even gifts for the guests. She is a believer in a dining experience that appeals to all of the senses.

Her clients are typically dual career couples,  executives and celebrities who want both simple menus and connoisseur selections. They want choices and the ability to dine in style, not as an indulgence, but as an appreciation of a balanced lifestyle choice. With busy and challenging days, these are people who could afford to go out every night of the week if they chose. But they really have come to enjoy the aromas and "the good life" when they walk through the door eager to be at home and dine in style. 

Chef Michele takes pride in meeting her clients' expectations with culinary aplomb. Her personal chef services include full meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, service and clean up.

In addition to her personal chef services, Chef Michele caters small parties and events up to 150 people sharing her creative abilities. Michele is also busy teaching in-home cooking classes as well as classes (coming soon) at one of the premier cooking and culinary supply stores in Westport.

Take advantage of hiring a private chef and experience the enjoyment of completely turning the kitchen over to someone else. It's a wonderful, relaxing way to experience dining in style without going out..