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About Me

What began in my mother’s kitchen has evolved into a lifelong love affair with creating exceptional food. You’ll find me in constant motion – stirring a sauce while prepping vegetables, adjusting seasonings while planning the next course, all with an enthusiastic smile on my face. The controlled chaos of a busy kitchen isn’t just my comfort zone – it’s where I thrive. My culinary journey has taken me from the bustling markets of Mexico to the sushi counters of Japan and the refined bistros of France, each place deepening my appreciation for the transformative power of food. But my favorite moment, whether I’m crafting a dish inspired by my travels or putting my own spin on a classic, is that first bite. There’s nothing quite like watching someone experience my food for the first time. That look of delight, that contented “mmm” – it’s what drives me to continuously push my culinary boundaries. Now, as your private chef, I bring this passion and expertise to your table. My cooking philosophy combines technical excellence with genuine joy, creating dishes that don’t just feed the body, but nurture the soul.

Specialties

I’m at my best when making big batches of hearty, single-dish foods (fantastic for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days) such as soups/stews, pastas, curries, and casseroles. When I cook for myself I usually include meat, but I’m totally comfortable with vegetarian cooking. I also make some pretty tasty desserts! My focus is making delicious food, with less emphasis on health. I enjoy opportunities to expand my repertoire, so if you’re looking for a different style or have dietary restrictions, let’s chat about what I can do for you!

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Testimonials

Ari was the primary cook for our home for the whole 1.5 years we lived together. He made such a spread of mouthwatering savory dinners the likes of which I’d never had before. Because I am a vegetarian, the cooking for us was too, and despite being relatively new to that restriction, everything tasted as if he’d practiced it 100 times. The dishes I still dream about tend to be homey / comfort food with plenty of butter, salt, and cheese. Think gourmet mac and cheese, Shepherd’s (or Gardener’s) pie, pesto pasta bakes, and just SO many soups. If you need some food to warm up your body and soul, look no further than Ari.

–Cynthia D

Ari has made several dinners for myself and my partner, each better than the last. Having him cook for you is certainly worth it… I can confidently say his is some of the best home cooking you’ll get.

–Kay H

Motherf–ing delicious

–Caroline H