I'm a Chef of 15 years, having started my apprenticeship at 14 years old.

Ever since I've been buzzing around the kitchens of Melbourne, most recently being the Executive Chef of 5 venues in Port Melbourne, Yarraville and Cremorne.

I have a passion for food and people, and love to teach others about food

I've been a full-time Private Chef since November 2022, and have loved being able to connect with people in a way I wasn't able to in restaurants.

I'm personable, flexible and dedicated to making your experience your version of perfect.

For me, cooking is...

a way to share my passion and creativity with my those around me.

I learned to cook at...

Alinea in Chicago, working in a 3 Michelin star kitchen taught me that precision is important, but fun is the real secret ingredient

A cooking secret...

Preparation. I like to be well prepared so that I can continue to engage with my guests as I put the finishing touches on dishes.

My menus

The Red

STARTER

All inclusive

Whipped Brie Pintxo- Pickled Fig & Jamon

Chorizo Croquettes- Manchego Cheese & Burnt Pear

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Lamb Backstrap- Paella Spice & Salsa Verde

Smoked Corn Empanada- Buttered Chicken Breast & Cardamom Ketchup

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Beef Scotch- Grilled Leeks & Romesco

Potato Bravas- Spiced Tomato Relish, Garlic Mayo & Spring Onions

Tomato Migas- Toasted Bread, Pickled Onion, Parsley & Orange

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Fondant- Orange & Olive Oil Ice Cream

Nikkei

STARTER

All inclusive

Kingfish Ceviche- Passionfruit, Avocado, Lime & Coriander

Smoked Duck Breast- Golden Beetroot & Sour Cherry

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Caramelised Chicken Thigh- Pumpkin-Miso Glaze, Salsa Criolla, Jalapeno

Lamb Backstrap- Capsicum Molasses, Oregano & Toasted Quinoa

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Beef Scotch- Toasted Sesame, Burnt Spring Onion Chimichurri

Jasmine Rice- Sweet & Sour Sake, Yuzu & Jalapeno

Steamed Greens- Pickled Fennel & Grapefruit

DESSERT

All inclusive

Tres Leche Cheesecake- Grilled Pineapple & Black Sesame Crumb

Italian Fine Dining

STARTER

All inclusive

Antipasti- Cured Meats, Victorian Cheeses, Pickles & Olives

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Focaccia- Confit Garlic & Sea Salt

Hand-made Cavatelli- Brown Butter, Parmesan, Pumpkin, Sage & Pine Nuts

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Lamb Backstrap- Mustard, Pistachio, Cavelo Nero & Rosemary Jus

Seasonal Tomatoes- Cucumber, Basil, Raspberry Vinaigrette

Crispy Potatoes- Confit Garlic, Thyme & Paprika Salt

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baked Cheesecake- Raspberry, Lavender & Pistachio

Yes yes

STARTER

All inclusive

Smoked Duck Breast- Golden Beetroot & Sour Cherry

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Caramelised Onion Tart- Goats Curd, Roquette, Radish & Raspberry Vinegar

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Caramelised Brussel Sprouts- Lemon & Hazelnut

Seasonal Leaves- Pear & Walnut

Beef Scotch- Brown Butter Mash, Green Pepper Jus

DESSERT

All inclusive

Apple Tarte Tatin- Thyme, Brown Sugar Chantilly

Arigato

STARTER

All inclusive

Edamame- Steamed & Salted

Pickled Daikon & Ginger

Tempura Shimeji Mushrooms

Kingfish Sashimi- Wasabi, Yuzu Ponzu

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Chicken Yakatori- Sweet Miso, Soy & Ginger

Gyoza- Pork & Prawn, Spring Onion, Mirin

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Steamed Market Fish- Ginger, Spring Onion & Mandarin Kosho

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Steamed Greens- Sesame Oil & Rice Wine Vinegar

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baked Cheesecake- Yuzu, Green Tea & Black Sesame

Mama Mia

STARTER

All inclusive

Caprese Piadina- Heirloom Tomato, Basil & Fior Di Latte

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Beef Braciole- Polenta, Bittersweet & Radicchio

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Slow Roast Lamb- Rosemary, Mustard & Pistachio

Lemon Roasted Potatoes- Thyme & Paprika Salt

Foraged Leaves- Fennel, Pickled Chilli & Caramelised Orange Balsamic

DESSERT

All inclusive

Fennel Shortcake- Strawberry, Basil Ice Cream, Pickles Blueberries

Chef James's reviews

4.88

•

9 services

Chef James was amazing! This was our first time having a private chef so we really didn’t know what to expect, but from the first impression, to set up, to being served his incredible dishes, and the stories he shared with us on the night, my wife and I were blown away by the experience. It didn’t feel too formal, everything was very relaxed, and he accommodated to our needs. It really did feel like having your own private chef. We will definitely be reaching out again and I have already recommended many of my friends and colleagues to give Take A Chef a try for a special occasion. Thank you James!

Our evening with Chef James will be an experience my family and I will cherish for many years! His professionalism, sociability and quality of food all contributed to the fun event. I highly recommend Chef James to all and cannot wait to have another evening with him!

James was amazing, did a fantastic job, the food was five star !!

James was a great chef. The food was incredible "nikkei" mix of south american and japanese flavours. He nailed all the dishes, but most importantly was super relaxed, engaging with guests and paced the food really well. Would recommend James to anyone.