HELM

Andrew AyalaPrivate Chef in new york city, NY

New to HELMFrench Fine Dining, Michelin Star
Andrew Ayala

The Chef

The Story

I've spent my career in New York's top French kitchens, from DANIEL and Per Se to Le Jardinier, where I helped earn and then maintained a Michelin star for five years as Chef de Cuisine and later Executive Chef. I led the team that reopened the restaurant after a 2.5-year closure, and opened Le Jardinier's Houston location before stepping into corporate oversight across three cities. Now I bring that same discipline to private dining, currently cooking for ultra-high-net-worth families in New York. My style centers on French technique and seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients, with menus that shift to reflect what's best right now. Expect precise execution, thoughtful courses, and the same standards I held to Michelin-level service, tailored entirely to you.

The Table

Gallery

Coverage

Where Andrew Ayala Serves

New York, NY · 75 mi

The Menu

Services & Pricing

$80 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $2 / guestBreakfast made from scratch in your kitchen — simple or indulgent, tailored to your table. · 2–12 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$100 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestA bright, seasonal lunch cooked in your kitchen — plated or family style, paced to your afternoon. · 2–16 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$100 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestA leisurely brunch spread — fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, and made-to-order mains for slow weekend mornings. · 4–16 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$145 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestGenerous shared platters served to the table — relaxed, abundant, and tailored to your group. · 4–20 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$180 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestA multi-course plated dinner cooked in your home — menu, shopping, service, and a spotless kitchen all handled. · 2–12 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$200 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestA seasonal multi-course tasting, plated and presented at your table — an intimate, restaurant-caliber progression at home. · 2–10 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

$320 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $4 / guestYour chef for the full day, cooking two meals in your home. Which meals and when are planned with you as the menu is set. · 2–14 guestsReserve Andrew Ayala →

20 guests maximum · Books up to 6 months in advance

Work History

March 2026 - Present

Private Chef · Private Chef (UHNW Families) · New York

Provided private chef services for ultra-high-net-worth families, delivering bespoke menus and elevated dining experiences.

October 2024 - January 2026

Executive Corporate Chef · Le Jardinier · New York, NY

Oversaw BOH operations for three locations, managing food and labor costs across multiple outlets and offsite catering while traveling to support events and menu changes.

October 2021 - March 2022

Executive Chef · Le Jardinier · New York, NY

Led the reopening team after a 2.5-year closure, managing a team of 25 and all BOH operations while maintaining the restaurant's Michelin star.

March 2021 - November 2021

Chef de Cuisine · Le Jardinier · Houston, TX

Led the opening team creating seasonal menus showcasing local farm produce and ranch meats, and was promoted to VP of Culinary for the Bastion Collection.

February 2019 - March 2021

Chef de Cuisine · Le Jardinier · New York, NY

Developed bi-weekly seasonal menus and managed a staff of 15, earning 1 Michelin star within five months of opening.

September 2017 - September 2018

Executive Sous Chef · L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon · New York, NY

Part of the opening team that gained a Michelin star, collaborating on seasonal menus and training a staff of 15.

Education

2008Associate Degree, California Culinary Academy

Skills

FrenchSeasonalFarm-to-TableFine DiningTasting Menusitaliancalifornianseafood

Accolades

  • Maintained 1 Michelin star at Le Jardinier for 5 years
  • Featured in Forbes, atheisure mag, bella media
  • Council Member for City Harvest

Every HELM Vendor Meets High Standards

We carefully evaluate chefs based on their culinary expertise, menu creativity, and proven track record for excellence.

Private dining with

Reserve Andrew Ayala

from $80 / guest

+ 20% platform fee and groceries

2–20 guests · Books up to 6 months ahead

No charge today. Your card is charged the 30% deposit only if Andrew Ayala accepts.

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