Chef Amira Gharib

Chef At Home In New York

Well hello there!

I’m Chef Mimi, and I’ve been cooking for you and yours for nearly 12 years. To me, dinner parties are all about bringing good food, good friends, and good conversation together. It’s a beautiful blend of two key elements: the delicious cuisine we choose and the unforgettable experience of the evening.

For the menu, how about exploring Egyptian dishes rich in flavor, or we could take a culinary trip to Spain with some tapas? Thai food could add a delightful kick, or we could indulge in the vibrant spices of Trinidadian cuisine. As for drinks, we could complement the meal with a classic Manhattan or Negroni, or perhaps find a nice bottle of bubbly to add some sparkle to the night.

Let’s also think about the festive touches! We could include party poppers for that extra “oomph,” or make it kid-friendly with some fun mocktails and bite-sized treats for the little ones.

I’d love to plan every detail, from personalized place cards for our guests to the perfect color palette for the table accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This way, we ensure the night is not only delicious but also beautifully memorable.

I'll be there to take the rest of your shoulders, and let you do the most important job, enjoy!

For me, cooking is...

all about experimenting with flavors, techniques, and ingredients to create dishes that resonate with our own preferences. Discovering what you like!

I learned to cook at...

I first learned to cook at Cleo in Miami, where my initial chef was incredibly patient, supportive, and knowledgeable. They encouraged me to ask quest

A cooking secret...

My secret is to always have spice blends and preserved goods readily available. Having prepared blends has me ready to enhance any dish!

My menus

Avant Garden: Vegetarian

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

GRILLED ARTICHOKES celery, meyer lemon and olive caramel

POACHED ASPARAGUS hollandaise, cured egg yolk, breadcrumbs

LIMA BEANS sorrel, pecorino, garlic confit and cured yolk

FRENCH ONION SOUP Caramelized onion stock, pain de mie, raclette cheese

SMOKED SPLIT PEA Carrot, creme fraiche, chickweed

PECORINO CUSTARD pea puree, pea tendrils, romano cheese

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

CREAM OF SUNCHOKES Persimmon red-eye gravy, sunchoke chips

BEET SALAD beet green marmalade, figs, blue cheese, walnuts

CAULIFLOWER (gf) toasted garlic. fried capers. cauliflower puree

BRUSSELS (gf) candied walnut. cranberry. fig gastrique. green apple

AVOCADO carrot ginger dressing. crispy rice. miso glaze. blistered shishito

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

SUNCHOKE pickled pear. pistachio. mint. olive purée

FENNEL CONFIT Kumquats, feta, black olive caramel

TANDOORI CARROTS Labneh, vadouvan butter, cilantro flowers

ZUCCHINI CONFIT burrata, sourdough, zucchini with basil, chili and lemon

CHICKPEAS IN BROTH pan con tomato, olive oil and black pepper

KING TRUMPET MUSHROOMS Potato puree, puntarelle and bordelaise sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

VANILLA AND NASTURTIUM Ice cream, panade and candied nasturtium

PANNA COTTA grape granita, caramel, milk crumbles

CHOCOLATE TART Hazelnut cremeux, flaky salt, praline feuilletine

COCONUT ICE CREAM grilled pineapple, toasted cinnamon dark rum

Sha-hee-naz: Morocco

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Hummus SPICED LAMB, PINE NUTS, SUMAC

Stuffed cabbage leaves LAMB, ONION, RICE,

Mana'eesh ZA'ATAR, LABNEH

Shakshouka RED PEPPER, EGGS, ZHOUG

Baby carrots LENTIL, SMOKED LABNEH, CRISP PITA

Cigars MINCED LAMB, BERBERE, PARSLEY SALAD

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Falafel ROASTED TOMATO TAHINI, PICKLED SHALLOTS, CILANTRO

Burrata MINT, POMEGRANATE SYRUP, PINE NUTS, PRESERVED LEMON

Orange salad TOMATOES, ALMONDS, RAISINS, OLIVES, HONEY POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Baby gem FENNEL, PARMIGIANO, MINT AND HONEY VINAIGRETTE

Fattoush MINT, PITA CRISPS TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS

Charred eggplant SMOKED LABNEH, CUMIN, SOURDOUGH

Watermelon FETA SALAD, MARINATED OLIVES, PRESERVED LEMON

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mackeral fillet BEETROOT EZME, CUMIN EMULSION HERB OIL

Couscous SEVEN VEGETABLES, LAMB, MINT

Red snapper LENTIL CITRUS SALAD, PRESERVED LEMON, GREEN OLIVES

Roasted chicken SAFFRON SAGE BUTTER, SPINACH,

Chicken tagine SPICY HARISSA, FIGS AND ALMONDS, FENUGREEK

Kofta meatballs LAMB AND BEEF, FLATBREAD, YOGURT

Shawarma chicken FENNEL RAITA, PICKLED VEGETABLES

Bisteeya CHICKEN CINNAMON, CATALAN SPINACH, PHYLLO

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Date cake SAFFRON CREAM, BURNT CARAMEL

Baklava PISTACHIO ICE CREAM, NUT MEDLEY

Pineapple ARABIC FIVE SPICE, SAFFRON ICE CREAM

Honey mousse with SPICED PEARS, PINE NUT PRALINE

Knafeh AKKAWI, PISTACHIO CRUMBLE

Milk pudding SLICED ALMONDS, M'HALBI

Around the Fire: Argentina

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Empanadas BEEF, OLIVES, RAISINS OR/CORN, GRUYÈRE, POBLANO

Artichokes ESPELETTE MAYO, LEMON

Little gem MOZZARELLA MILANESA, FRIED ANCHOVY VINAIGRETTE

Radicchio and corn MT TAM TRIPLE CREAM, ROASTED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Heirloom hominy FAVA BEANS, PORK BELLY, FRIED DUCK EGG

Gratin white beans GRILLED ESCAROLE, SUNCHOKES, BAGNA CAUDA CREAM

Baby bok shoy GRILLED, ECUADORIAN PEANUT SAUCE, EGG

Padrón pepper CORN, TOMATOES, FRIED EGG AND MANCHEGO

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Octopus CHORIZO ESPUMA, PAPRIKA, DILL

Squid and octopus ceviche FENNEL, ORANGE, CELERIAC

Tuna ceviche YUZU, WHITE SOY, TOMATO

Mackerel CHARRED POBLANO ROMESCO, PICKLED RED ONION

Cast iron trout FINGERLING POTATO, CAPERS

Albacore tuna MOREL MUSHROOM, GREEN GARLIC SALSA VERDE

Chorizo CARROT, FENNEL, CREAMY POLENTA

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Rib eye PLUM BUTTER, RED ONION, PEPPERS

Lamb loin CELERY, CUMIN-CHILE, ORANGE

Grilled chicken GRILLED FIGS, MANOURI CHEESE, LENTIL CHIMICHURRI

Squab "al Diablo" SESAME CHILE OIL

Beef chops CHANTERELLE MUSHROOM STROGANOFF

Pork chops MAPLE BRINED, GREEN BEANS A LA PLANCHA

Beef tongue ENSALADA RUSA, SWEETBREAD CROUTONS

Smashed chicken POTATO CRUST, ARUGULA SALAD

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Torte WARM HAZELNUT, BROWN BUTTER, HONEYCOMB, HONEY ICE CREAM

Tres leches cake MARIONBERRY ICE CREAM, VANILLA BEAN

Pound cake WHIPPED MASCARPONE, RASPBERRIES, BASIL SUGAR

Grilled peaches MAPLE SWEET CORN, PANNA COTTA

Alfajor cookies DULCE DE LECHE, POWDERED SUGAR

Night Market: Thai

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tuna YELLOWFIN, GREEN PAPAYA SALAD, SEAWEED

Squid salad RAW, LEMONGRASS, SHALLOT, GINGER

Pad thai EGG, DRIED SHRIMP, TAMARIND

Mussels YEN TA FO BROTH, CRISPY SHALLOTS

Kar moo parlow FIVE-SPICE PORK HOCK

Mussels LEMONGRASS, THAI BASIL

Pad si ew SOY, EGG, CHINESE BROCCOLI

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Nam khao tod CRISPY RICE, CHILE JAM, FRIED PEANUTS

Som tum PAPAYA SALAD, GREEN BEAN

Yum hua plee BANANA BLOSSOM, SHREDDED COCONUT, SHRIMP

Summer rolls SHRIMP, THAI BASIL, SAMBAL OELEK

Spring rolls CRAB, AVOCADO, YUZU KOSHO, MAYO

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Short rib GAENG MASSAMAN NEUA, TAMARIND, RICE

Duck breast RED CURRY INFUSED JASMINE RICE

Fried chicken TAIWANESE STYLE, FRIED THAI BASIL

Grilled hen FISH SAUCE, PALM SUGAR, NAHM JIM JIAO

Hot and sour CHICKEN, LEMONGRASS, COCONUT

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Ice cream COCONUT, BURNT CARAMEL, TOASTED CASHEWS

Sorbet GRAPE, HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Panna cotta PANDAN, DOK JOK WAFER

Sorbet LYCHEE, CRUSHED ICE, MAKRUT LIME

Pesce in the Sea

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Pizza FRIED DOUGH, ANCHOVIES, LEMON

Fritto misto SQUID, SHRIMP, FENNEL, LEMON, SQUID INK AIOLI

Carpaccio OCTOPUS, ARUGULA, LEMON OIL

Puntarelle ANCHOVY, EGG, PICKLED PEPPER, CAULIFLOWER, NOCELLARA

Lorighitas MUSSELS, FENNEL,

Focaccia GREMOLATA, SARDINE

Tuna TOMATO, CROUTON, ANCHOVY SABAYON

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Squid tagliatelle SEAFOOD RAGU, TOASTED CRUMBS, HERBS

Mackeral fillet BEETROOT EZME, CUMIN EMULSION HERB OIL

Sea bass CREME PATIS, ZUCCHINI

Squid WALNUT PESTO, ASPARAGUS

Blue crab CELERY, WHITE ASPARAGUS

Peekytoe crab BLACK TRUMPET, VIN JAUNE

Tuna ONION, TOMATO, AMARANTH

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

VANILLA AND NASTURTIUM Ice cream, panade and candied nasturtium

CHOCOLATE TART Hazelnut cremeux, flaky salt, praline feuilletine

Bombolini SEASONAL JAM, CREAM, ZUCCHERO

Panna cotta GRAPE GRANITA, BURNT CARAMEL, BUCKWHEAT CRUMBLE

Ice cream MASCARPONE, GRAPPA CURRANTS

Thanksgiving Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cotija Cheese, Roasted Garlic Butter

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Italian Pancetta

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese topped with Crispy Panko

House Salad with Winter Citrus, Avocado and Orange Vinaigrette

Buttermilk Biscuits or/ House Buns with Whipped Amish Butter

Charred Shishito Pepper and Blue Corn Cornbread

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Roasted and Glazed Thanksgiving Turkey with Turkey Gravy & Herbaceous Stuffing

Roasted Spiced Chicken with Herb Butter

Spice Crusted Roasted Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

DESSERT

All inclusive

CHOCOLATE TART Hazelnut and peanut cremeux, flaky salt, praline feuilletine

Classic Apple Pie with Burnt Caramel, Sea Salt and Tonka Bean Ice Cream

Pumpkin Custard tart with Mascarpone Cream

Un Dia en Cuba

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

PLANTAIN SOUP crispy shallots, roasted garlic

BLACK BEAN SOUP lime crema, jalapeño

AVOCADO SALAD, almond salsa macha, serrano, Florida citrus

EMPANADA pork or chicken, chimichurri, cachucha pepper

PAN CON TOMATE Jamón, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

TAMALES poblano sauce, fresh corn, pork ribs

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

PULPO CHANCÓN butter bean puree, salsa criolla, roasted potatoes

TORTILLA ESPANOLA Pimento pepper, Parmesan cheese and castelverano

CUBANO pickled onions, dill pickle, fresh potato chips

CEVICHE AMIGOS DEL MAR shrimp and scallop, shredded plantains

FLATBREAD Jamón, Olives and Tomatoes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

FRIED PORK BELLY avocado salsa and warm grapefruit vinaigrette

PAELLA Spanish chorizo, Valencia rice, saffron and shrimp

PORK PORTERHOUSE guava BBQ sauce,

RED SNAPPER grilled banana leaf, tomatoes and salsa verde

LAMB BARBACOA chilie guajilo adbo, crispy twice-cooked

FRIED CHICKEN orange marinade, buttermilk and cumin

ARROZ CALDO crispy garlic, chicken skin, lemon

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

FLAN cuban coffee, vanilla, condensed milk

ALGARROBINA TRES LECHES torched meringue, coconut

RICE PUDDING fresh coconut, cashew milk, Valencia rice

COCONUT ICE CREAM grilled pineapple, toasted cinnamon dark rum

KEY LIME: spiced graham cracker, Florida limes

For Miss Edna Regina Lewis : Southern American

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Soup CORN AND GOAT CHEESE, SHRIMP, AND BROWN BUTTER CHANTERELLES

Hushpuppy WILD RAMP, GREEN GODDESS, JALAPENO

Bisque GREEN GARLIC, HERBED BUTTERMILK, FRIED GREEN TOMATO CROUTONS

Biscuits EINKORN, RED PEPPER JELLY, WHIPPED HONEY BUTTER

Beet salad FIG MARMALADE, BASIL CRUMBS, RICOTTA

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cornbread BLUE MASA, SPICED HONEY BUTTER

Cauliflower MEYER LEMON, PINK PEPPER, WATERCRESS

Clam chowder LARD SALTINE CRACKER, BACON, DILL

Mixed greens: ALMOND SALSA MACHA, SERRANO, AVOCADO

Shrimp and grits TOMATO, TARRAGON, CELERY OIL

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted pork belly CRUSHED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE AND WALNUT SALSA

Beef rib: olallieberry bourbon compote, green peppercorn

Spare ribs BURNT APPLE PUREE, SMOKED CORN SALAD

Fried chicken BLACK CHERRY HOT SAUCE, BLACK EYED PEA PANCAKE

Iberico pork FARRO, CELERY, PEACHES

Trout SALSA VERDE, MEYER LEMON, URFA

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Bread pudding GELATO, COCONUT MILK, BRIOCHE

Banana bread BANANAS, COCONUT SORBET

Classic Pecan Pie, toasted pecans, caramelized butter

Apple tarte Tartin, malt crumble, vanilla ice cream

Blueberry pie, BLUEBERRY COMPOTE, CORN ICE CREAM, HONEYCOMB

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Chef Amira's reviews

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4 services

I cannot express how grateful we are for the incredible experience we had with Chef Amira. She traveled all the way from Miami to Tampa to prepare a special birthday dinner for our 89-year-old father, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment she arrived, Chef Amira was not only professional but also warm and compassionate. She took the time to connect with my siblings and me, listening to our father's favorite foods and incorporating them into a beautiful menu that truly celebrated his tastes. The meal itself was a culinary delight. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor, showcasing her remarkable talent and passion for cooking. It was clear that she poured her heart into every plate, making the evening even more special for our family. Chef Amira’s kindness and dedication transformed the dinner into a cherished memory for all of us. We felt incredibly lucky to have her in our home, turning our father's birthday into a joyous celebration filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. Thank you, Chef Amira, for your exceptional service and for making our father's birthday unforgettable. We cannot recommend you highly enough!