HELM

Peter McQuaidPrivate Chef in Phoenix, AZ

New to HELMThree-Time Chopped Champion, Phoenix's Private Chef
Peter McQuaid

The Chef

The Story

I'm Peter McQuaid, a Phoenix-based chef who's spent years in the highest-pressure kitchens around — from refining technique under Chef Daniel Boulud at Restaurant DANIEL in New York, to opening restaurants like CALA Scottsdale and Money, Baby! from the ground up. Along the way I've earned a James Beard Foundation Taste America Award and three Food Network Chopped titles, including the Spin It to Win It Tournament. As a private chef, I bring that same restaurant-level precision home, having cooked for high-profile clients and professional athletes who expect discretion and polish. Guests can expect seasonal, farm-to-table menus built around sustainable sourcing, bold flavors, and the same competitive edge that's carried me through national television and award-winning kitchens.

The Table

Gallery

Coverage

Where Peter McQuaid Serves

Phoenix, AZ 85018 · 100 mi

The Menu

Services & Pricing

$95 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $25 / guestPassed bites and stationed appetizers — polished, plentiful, and timed so the food never lags the party. · 10–100 guestsReserve Peter McQuaid →

$150 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $30 / guestGenerous shared platters served to the table — relaxed, abundant, and tailored to your group. · 4–30 guestsReserve Peter McQuaid →

$225 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $50 / 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. · 2–20 guestsReserve Peter McQuaid →

$250 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $50 / guestA seasonal multi-course tasting, plated and presented at your table — an intimate, restaurant-caliber progression at home. · 2–20 guestsReserve Peter McQuaid →

$275 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $60 / guestYour chef for the full day, cooking three meals in your home. Times and menus are planned with you as the menu is set. · 2–10 guestsReserve Peter McQuaid →

20 guests maximum · Books up to 6 months in advance

Work History

2024 - Present

Executive Chef · The Americano · Phoenix, AZ

Leading culinary operations for The Americano and the Tell Your Friends speakeasy.

November 2021 - 2023

Executive Chef · CALA Scottsdale · Scottsdale, AZ

Opened CALA from the ground up, assisting with kitchen design, hiring the opening team, outfitting the kitchen, and developing recipes.

April 2021 - November 2021

Executive Chef · Money, Baby! · Las Vegas, NV

Opened Money, Baby! from the ground up, contributing to kitchen design, hiring, recipe creation, and establishing operations.

March 2020 - February 2021

Executive Sous Chef · Forest Highlands Country Club · Flagstaff, AZ

Designed menus to align with seasonal and customer preferences.

June 2018 - March 2020

Sous Chef · Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa · Phoenix, AZ

Represented the restaurant at industry events and elevated brand presence under the direction of Chef Beau MacMillan.

July 2016 - May 2017

Chef de Partie · Restaurant DANIEL · New York, NY

Refined culinary skills under Chefs Jean Francois Bruel and Eddy Leroux.

2026-NOW

· Private Chef · Phoenix, AZ

Private chef experienced in creating highly personalized, restaurant-quality dining experiences for notable athletes, prominent figures, and private families, with a focus on discretion, exceptional ingredients, and seamless service.

Education

February 2017Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Professional Culinary Arts, International Culinary Center

Skills

Farm-to-TableSeasonalFine DiningSustainable

Accolades

  • James Beard Foundation Taste America Award
  • Three-Time Food Network Chopped Grand Champion
  • Featured on Chopped Legends, hand selected by Chef Maneet Chauhan
  • Featured on Beat Bobby Flay
  • Finalist on Battle of the Decades
  • Phoenix Magazine's Best Up-and-Coming Chef
  • Brand Ambassador for Chef Works
  • Cover features in Icon Magazine and The Entertainer! Magazine

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 Peter McQuaid

from $95 / guest

+ 20% platform fee and groceries

2–100 guests · Books up to 6 months ahead

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

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