When it comes to vacation, odds are you’re looking for it to be as carefree as possible. One of the things you might be looking forward to the most is kicking back and letting someone else do the cooking, which typically means dining out. And while Vail has an impressive restaurant scene that’s even caught the eye of the MICHELIN Guide, you can also enjoy fine dining in Vail from the comfort of your vacation rental with in-home chefs.
Hiring a private chef in Vail is the ultimate way to indulge in gourmet, restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of leaving your own space. Whether you’re a family on a ski holiday, a group celebrating a special occasion, a couple looking for a luxurious romantic getaway or you simply prioritize convenience, booking a personal chef can elevate your vacation and let you focus on the company of your companions.
After a day of cruising down Vail’s world-renowned ski slopes, hiking through beautiful mountain landscapes or exploring the unique shops and public art displays around town, relax as a skilled culinary professional creates a memorable dining experience for you and your group.
Why Hire a Private Chef in Vail?
Private chefs provide a unique alternative to traditional dining or catering services. Unlike a catered event, where meals are prepared off-site and brought in bulk, a private chef crafts personalized menus in your Vail vacation rental or home, tailored to your preferences. They often focus on small groups and create elegant dishes, allowing you to delight in an intimate, relaxed setting. Many personal chefs offer everything from single meals — think a cozy après-ski dinner or a lively brunch — to full-week services, so you can make a plan that fits your vacation.
Hiring a private chef can be especially appealing for several types of travelers:
- Families: If you’re traveling with children, having meals prepared on-site allows for flexibility around their schedules and dietary needs. It’s also a great way to avoid the logistics of making reservations at restaurants with kids or lots of people in tow.
- Special occasions: From milestone birthdays to bachelorette parties, a private chef can help celebrate in style with gourmet food customized for you.
- Couples: Lovebirds seeking a secluded escape will appreciate the luxury and convenience of having top-notch meals prepared exclusively for them, offering a touch of indulgence without the formal atmosphere of a restaurant.
Popular Options for Personal Chefs in Vail
Many private chefs in Vail have some serious culinary cred, having worked in acclaimed restaurants like Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard before creating their own business. You’ll also find companies that offer regular event catering as well as personal in-home services, or even specialty experiences like picnics. Here’s a look at the wide range of options:
- Rosa Provoste: This Vail Valley-based personal chef will be your go-to for crafting bespoke dining experiences influenced by flavors from around the world.
- Cody Cunningham: Here’s a chef who has spent time at top Vail restaurants like Larkspur and Sweet Basil, but also cooked in kitchens across the globe.
- Taylor Made: Check out a business led by Chef Taylor, who has worked in world-renowned restaurants and competed on season 2 of the Food Network show “Alex vs America”
- Source Chefs: Customize a plan over multiple days of service, from breakfast to dinner.
- Season to Taste: In addition to standard personal-chef offerings, Chef Ally can also arrange interactive dinners and kids’ cooking camps.
- Double Diamond Chefs: It features special menus over the holiday season, as well as theme nights ranging from local Colorado fare to Italian cuisine.
- Vail Chef: Opt for in-home, chef-delivered meals for all group sizes and types from a duo with 45 years of combined culinary experience.
- Red Maple Private Chefs & Catering: The versatile menu options from Red Maple Catering include a huge variety of hors d’oeuvres, first courses, entrees and desserts to choose from.
- Big Delicious Catering: Trained in European and Japanese cooking styles, Executive Chef Hunter Smith appeared on “Iron Chef” and offers private dining and prepared meals.
- Vail Catering Concepts: For your event or at-home meal, Vail Catering Concepts prioritizes organic ingredients and all-natural meats and poultry.
- Gourmet Cowboy: Take advantage of the wide assortment of ways to craft your in-home dining and entertaining plan.
- Rocky Mountain Raclette: Experience a taste of the Swiss Alps during a signature grill dinner, with copious amounts of gooey raclette cheese.
- The Grazing Fox: Don’t miss their massive charcuterie spreads, grazing boards, meal boards and other delicious treats. The Grazing Fox also provides the food for Picnic Vail’s curated outings, if you’re looking to get out in nature.
Tips & Considerations for Private Chef Bookings
When you’re booking a private chef, there are a few important things to consider and ask about before choosing someone:
- One meal vs. full-service: Decide whether you want a chef for a single meal or for the duration of your trip. Some travelers prefer a full-service chef who handles all meals, while others might want a chef for special occasions only.
- Dietary preferences: Be clear about any allergies, dislikes or dietary restrictions in your group. Many chefs will create personalized menus to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free or keto diets.
- Cuisine style or specialties: Ask about your potential chef’s background and what types of food they’re most comfortable making, as well as any dishes they’re known for.
- Children’s menus: If you’re traveling with kids, inquire if the chef can provide separate, kid-friendly options.
- Leave-behind meals: Some chefs offer leave-behind meals that can be reheated later, giving you flexibility to enjoy home-cooked food without needing a chef on-site every day.
- Grocery stocking: Find out whether the chef will shop for the meal or if you need to provide anything. Many concierge services can arrange for grocery stocking prior to your arrival.
How to Book a Vail Private Chef
There are several ways to book a private chef in Vail, and the process can be as hands-on or hands-off as you prefer. Many luxury vacation rentals in Vail, Colorado, include concierge services that can arrange for a private chef on your behalf. This option is great if you’re looking for a seamless experience with minimal coordination. Some Vail concierge services and vacation-home companies to consider include:
- Mountain Resort Concierge: This concierge service offers all-inclusive pricing, depending on the number of requests over a set amount of time.
- Vail Butler: Once you choose a place to stay from their portfolio of stunning properties, the concierge will match you with the right chef or company for the job.
- Vail Valley Lifestyle: This luxury real estate and concierge service works closely with top chefs in the area.
- Exclusive Vail Rentals: In addition to helping you book a luxury condo and find in-home catering, Exclusive Vail Rentals can also stock your accommodations with groceries.
- Private Residences at Four Seasons Resort: A dedicated residence concierge will take care of all the details for you to entertain in your spectacular space.
You can also use services like Take a Chef, an online platform that connects you with private chefs in the area, allowing you to browse chef profiles, reviews and sample menus before making your selection. Or, browse the list (above) and book directly with a chef or their company to get started on your arrangements.
Explore More for Your Vail Trip
- Find the best luxury hotels in Vail
- Where to enjoy farm-to-table dining
- Learn about Vail’s bounty of dining options
- Guide to family-friendly hotels in Lionshead Village