Fabulous Feasting is a monthly blog feature focusing on one woman’s quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes.
As we move through this holiday season with all of the shopping, decorating, entertaining, baking, and indulgence, many already have thoughts turning to the new year and what it will bring. Some may be planning ahead, thinking of the changes they will make in their lives with that stroke of midnight on December 31st.
Quite a few resolutions, large and small, center around food and eating. Maybe you are thinking about how you would like to eat better, making food at home instead of eating out a lot of the time. Maybe you are planning to eat more sustainably, making a commitment to switch to fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients in your cooking. Perhaps you are considering a bit more major decision like becoming a vegetarian, or even a vegan. Or maybe you have just vowed to finally learn to cook.
In addition to promising to live our lives better, the new year brings a fresh assortment of things to celebrate. There are plans to be made on the social front; award show parties, big football or basketball game gatherings, and (gulp!) Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it! Are you looking ahead to your social calendar with an Oscar bash to plan, or romantic Valentine’s Day with the significant other, or even a singles get-together for the girls (an un–Valentine’s Day)? Or maybe after the hubbub of the holidays you just need a nice, quite, relaxing dinner for two at home without having to cook. And without having to resort to take out.
If you’ve never thought about hiring a personal chef, it might be time to consider it. It could be the key to accomplishing your entertaining plans or eating resolutions for 2011. I recently had such a enjoyable time during an in-home cooking lesson on how to make caramel, that I just had to share this gem of a company with you.
Herban Creations, a personal chef business, is owned and operated by Chef Scott Smith who spends his time with clients teaching kitchen skills, throwing dinner parties, and cooking for larger parties of up to about 100 guests.
After spending over 15 years in sales (all the way to the executive level) Chef Smith decided to return to his true passion and, while working full time, he attended the Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, where he graduated top of his class with highest honors and was classically trained in the culinary arts, baking, and pastry. He has worked at the Canlis, Osteria LaSpiga and is currently the chef at Bastyr University.
In addition to cooking lessons, and larger in home events, Chef Smith also specializes in preparing dinners for couples at their home for anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine’s Day. He plans the menu with the help of his clients, shops for the groceries, prepares the meal, and then cleans it all up. He will also come to your home, take ingredients that you already have in your fridge or pantry, and creates a meal right on the spot.
Chef Smith decided to become a personal chef while spending time in restaurants, and missing the personal connection with the clients.
“I much prefer to spend time in clients kitchens with the interaction and “give and take”, and seeing the clients eyes light up when you either teach them a new technique, or present them with their favorite dish. Being a personal chef is really something that I should have been doing my whole life, and I have really found my passion in life once again.”
He believes that what he does as a personal chef can both educate and allow people to become more educated about how to eat, and how to prepare a meal with little time and ingredients. It’s important to him to use locally sourced, organic ingredients that nourish the body, and not many of the nutrient deficient foods that are so ingrained into our lives. Chef Smith enjoys showing clients with dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, how they can make and enjoy pasta and bread again. And while he specializes in vegan and vegetarian diets, he is equally adept at preparing the most luscious roast or fish dish.
Herban Creations does have gift certificates available that are good for either an in-home lesson, or a dinner. Certificates typically cover two people, but can go up to (dinners or lessons) 6 or more individuals. The typical cost for a dinner/lesson for two is about $200-not including the price of groceries. Included in this experience is the personal touch with an attention to dietary restrictions, and personal preference.
Wouldn’t a cooking lesson or dinner for two make for a lovely holiday gift for that someone special on your list, or (especially!) for yourself? 
For more information on Chef Smith or Herban Creations call 206-310-4996 or check out their website here.
Kristin Price
Kristin writes the monthly blog feature Fabulous Feasting, one woman's quest for the most fabulous food in Seattle to feast on, from restaurants to recipes. Kristin is a marketing and event professional whose favorite pastimes involve food, writing and connecting with her community. She connects with people daily on Twitter as @Seattle_Events, where as a Seattle native she is well equipped to dish up all the must-see and do around the city. You can also find Seattle Events on Facebook. Kristin also writes the blog KristinPotPie - Filled with tasty bites of food and fun, where she shares her passion for food and events. Connect with Kristin on Twitter @Kristinpotpie.
* This post is from a Girl Power Hour featured blogger. It is not written, edited or endorsed by Girl Power Hour. The authors are solely responsible for content.
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