ChandlerPrivate Chef in Santa Barbara, CA

New to HELMBallymaloe-Trained | Seasonal, Mediterranean-Inspired Dining

The Chef

The Story

I believe the best meals are about more than what's on the plate. They're an opportunity to slow down, connect, and create something memorable around the table. My relationship with food began at home, where family dinners were a daily ritual of gathering and gratitude. It deepened while living in Mallorca, Spain, where I fell in love with the Mediterranean approach to food: fresh ingredients, long meals, and the simple pleasure of sharing something delicious with the people around you. Before pursuing cooking professionally, I worked as a paralegal, but I always found myself drawn back to the kitchen. What began as a personal love of food and bringing people together eventually became something I knew I wanted to build a career around. I went on to train at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, studying classical cooking techniques and farm-to-table cuisine on a 100-acre organic farm. That experience shaped my approach to cooking today: seasonal, ingredient-driven, thoughtfully prepared, and rooted in a respect for where our food comes from. I'm now based in Santa Barbara, California, where I founded Agapo Kitchen, named for the Greek word meaning "I love." My cooking draws inspiration from the Mediterranean and California's incredible local produce, with an emphasis on vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and food that feels both elevated and comforting. Whether I'm preparing an intimate dinner for two or a gathering of family and friends, my goal is to create an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and genuinely special. I handle the details, from thoughtful menu planning and sourcing to cooking and cleanup, so you can enjoy the evening and be fully present with your guests.

The Table

Gallery

Coverage

Where Chandler Serves

Santa Barbara, CA · 50 mi

The Menu

Services & Pricing

$120 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $40 / guestPassed bites and stationed appetizers — polished, plentiful, and timed so the food never lags the party. · 10–50 guestsReserve Chandler →

$195 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $40 / guestEnjoy three scratch-made meals a day, with custom menus sourced from the farmers market and tailored to any dietary need. · 2–12 guestsReserve Chandler →

$195 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $60 / guestA seasonal multi-course tasting, plated and presented at your table — an intimate, restaurant-caliber progression at home. · 2–6 guestsReserve Chandler →

20 guests maximum · Books up to 6 months in advance

Work History

2025-Present

Personal Chef · Agapo Kitchen · Chicago, IL + Santa Barbara, CA

Founder & Private Chef of Agapo Kitchen, managing all aspects of a personal chef business, including customized menu development, private dining experiences, weekly in-home meal preparation, ingredient sourcing, and client relations, with a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine.

Education

2025Ballymaloe Cookery School

2025ServSafe

Skills

Farm to TableSeasonal CaliforniaMediterraneanPrivate DiningFamily-Style DiningPlant-ForwardPostpartum4th Trimester

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 Chandler

from $120 / guest

+ 20% platform fee and groceries

2–50 guests · Books up to 6 months ahead

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

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