Chef Chong Kim Ooi

Private Chef In Palm Springs

For over 20 years, I have captivated diners with spectacular and scrumptious dishes infused with vibrant creativity and a joyful spirit of adventure.

I have been around the kitchen since I was just a child. I graduated Le Cordon Bleu in 2002, and since then, I have played with all sorts of cuisines: from classic comfort American to far-east Asian cuisines. I have worked in a couple of incredible restaurants in Southern California such as Upstairs 2, JiRaff, Joe’s Restaurant ( Michilin one star), L’Orangerie, Mamash, and Ortolan (Michilin one star). I have become one of the elite chef features in Airbnb located in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Palm Spring, La Quinta, Indio & Palm Dessert. One of the most requested chef for Luxury Retreats and Amex Centurion club.

I take pride in surpassing client expectations with unmatched culinary artistry that enhances banquets, weddings, themed parties, and other events with exquisitely prepared high-end cuisine and inspired creativity.

My team and I have an extensive career, a casual open-minded personality, and a couple of great secrets of LA to share! The perfect recipe for a memorable experience around the table!

For me, cooking is...

Bringing your dreams to life through imaginative planning, impeccable attention to detail, gracious service and beautiful presentation

I learned to cook at...

Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena Upstairs 2, JiRaffe, Joe’s Restaurant, L’Orangerie, Mamash and Ortolan

A cooking secret...

Consistency, discipline, and pushing the limits of creativity.

My menus

Mediterranean Indulge

STARTER

All inclusive

Turkey Hummus Sliders

Hummus & Pita Chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shaved Cauliflower Cous Cous with Mint, Cucumber, Tomato & Olive

Chicken Mix Green Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Radish, Corn, Onion, & Lemon Vinaigrette

Shrimp Lettuce Salad, Tomatoes, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Corn & Aged White wine Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Chicken, Beef & Salmon Kabob: Saffron Rice, Roasted Tomatoes with Vegetables, Tzatziki Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Orange Olive Oil Cake with Orange Semifreddo

Assorted Baklava

Mexico

STARTER

All inclusive

Chips, Salsa & Guacamole

Fish Ceviche

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp Baby Romain Lettuce Salad ; Jicama, Scallions, Cilantro, Corn, Black Beans, Cheese, Tortilla Chips & Jalapeno Dressing

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Mix Green Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Radish, Corn, Onion, & Lemon Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

12 Hours Mole Braised Short Ribs With Garlic Mashed Potatoes Baby Squash & Tomatoes Confit

Cajun Spice Chicken: Tomato Rice, Caramelized Onion, Squash, Cheese & Roasted Salsa

Pan Roasted White Fish , Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn & Cajun Butter Sauce

Taco Sampler: Authentic Mexican Style Taco served with Beef, Chicken & Pork ( Family Style)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres LeChes Cake

Churros, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Mediterranean Basic

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Hummus & Pita Chips

Turkey Hummus Sliders

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mix Green Couscous Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Peppers, Onion, Olive & Red Wine Vinaigrette

Shrimp Lettuce Salad, Tomatoes, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Corn & Aged White wine Vinaigrette

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken & Salmon Kabob: Saffron Rice, Roasted Tomatoes with vegetables, Tzatziki Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Baklava

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Italian Indulge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Truffle Pizza

Shrimp Lettuce Salad: Baby Romain Letuce, Corn, Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Artichoke & Age White Wine Vinegar

Blue Cheese, Pine Nuts & Pears Pizza

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Celery Root Veloute, Dehydrated Root Chips & Baby Scallops

Tomato Basil Soup, Baby Scallops & Parmesan Crumble

Shrimp Scampi: Linguini Pasta, Baby Heirloom Tomato, Parmesan Cream

Crab Meat Orrechiette

Spicy Sausage Pasta, Caramelized onion & Herbs

Beef Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Black Angus New York Steak with Cauliflower, Green Beans, Parmesan Cheese Potato Gratin, Mushrooms Ragout

12 Hours Red Wine Braised Short Ribs With Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Squash & Cherry Tomatoes

Herbs Crusted White Fish: Parmesan Risotto, Glazed Carrots, Heirloom Tomatoes Confit, Orange Brown Butter

Sous Vide Chicken & Pan Seared Scallops Parmesan Risotto, Corn, Baby Carrots & Herbs Chutney

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu & Shaved Chocolate

Lemon Tiramisu

Cheese Cake, Strawberries, Walnut Dust and Coulis

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Lemon Panna Cotta, Graham Crackers, Berries & Coulis

Bread Pudding & Cookies Crunch Ice Cream

French Exclusive

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Salami Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Escargot & Baguette

Truffle Pizza

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Blue Crab Bisque, Crab Meat & Herbs Crouton

Celery Root Veloute, Dehydrated Root Chips & Baby Scallops

French Onion Soup

Mediterenean Orzo Salad Mix Green, Olive, Tomatoes, Artichoke, Lemon vinaigrette

Shrimp Lettuce Salad, Tomatoes, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Corn & Aged White wine Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sous Vide Angus Beef New York Steak, Colored Cauliflower, Truffle Potato Gratin, Wild Mushroom Ragout

Sous Vide Chicken & Pan Seared Scallops Parmesan Risotto, Corn, Baby Carrots & Herbs Chutney

12 Hours Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with garlic Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini & Tomatoes confit

Pan Roasted New Zealand Snapper, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots & Orange Brown Butter

Crab Meat Orecchiette

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate mousse cake walnut dust, macerated berries, strawberry reduction

Earl Gray Creme Brûlée

Chocolate Molten cake with Vanilla Ice cream

Cheese Cake With Berries Compote

Vanilla Creme Brûlée

4 Courses Menu Indulge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Meat Ball Bolognese With Garlic Bread

Blue Cheese & Pears Pizza

Truffle Pizza

Seasonal Ravioli & Sage Brown Butter Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Mix Green Cous Cous Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Peppers, Onion, Olive & Red Wine Vinaigrette

Shrimp Scampi: Spaghetti Pasta, Parmesan Cream & Parmesan cheese

Mediteranean Shrimp Orzo Salad: Artichoke, Pepper, Olive & Herbs

Shrimp salad Romain lettuce, Parmesan cheese & pumpkin seeds, corn, Spanish vinegar, mustard

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sous vide angus beef new york steak colored cauliflower, truffle potato gratin, wild mushroom ragout, herb oil

12 hours mole braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes baby squash & tomatoes confit

Pan roasted white fish, garlic butter rice, baby bok choy, gemini mushrooms, ginger, scallion

Sous vide chicken & pan seared shrimp, english peas, parmesan risotto, baby carrots & pesto

Crab meat orrechiette

Lobster & Squid ink pasta with baby heirloom tomatoes & Fennel (additional)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate mousse cake walnut dust, macerated berries, strawberry reduction

Tiramisu & shaved chocolate

Chocolate Molten cake with Vanilla Ice cream

Earl gray creme brûlée

Coconut bread pudding & Cookies crunch ice cream

Churros, chocolate & vanilla ce cream

French

STARTER

All inclusive

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Celery Root Veloute, Dehydrated Root Chips

Tomato Basil Soup, Baby Scallops & Parmesan Crumble

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Black Angus New York Steak with Cauliflower, Green Beans, Parmesan Cheese Potato Gratin, Mushrooms Ragout

Herbs Crusted White Fish: Mashed Potato, Glazed Carrots, Heirloom Tomatoes Confit, Orange Brown Butter

12 Hours Red Wine Braised Short Ribs With Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Squash & Cherry Tomatoes

Pan Roasted Chicken, Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Mushrooms & Herbs Chutney

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Chocolate Molten Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla Creme Brûlée

Cheese Cake, Strawberries, Walnut Dust and Coulis

Italian

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Seasonal Ravioli & Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Blue Cheese & Pears Pizza

Mediteranean Orzo Salad: Artichoke, Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Olive & Herbs

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Chicken Caesar Salad

Tomato Basil Soup, Crouton & Herbs

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Jumbo Shrimp Scampi: Linguini Pasta, Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Parmesan Cream

Short Ribs Pasta, Parmesan Cheese, Gremolata

12 Hours Red Wine Braised Short Ribs With Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Squash & Cherry Tomatoes

Black Angus New York Steak with Cauliflower, Green Beans, Parmesan Cheese Potato Gratin, Mushrooms Ragout

Pan Roasted New Zealand Snapper, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots & Pesto

DESSERT

All inclusive

Tiramisu & Shaved Chocolate

Cheese Cake, Strawberries, Walnut Dust and Coulis

Lemon Tiramisu

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Mediterranean Indulge

STARTER

All inclusive

Turkey Hummus Sliders

Hummus & Pita Chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shaved Cauliflower Cous Cous with Mint, Cucumber, Tomato & Olive

Chicken Mix Green Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Radish, Corn, Onion, & Lemon Vinaigrette

Shrimp Lettuce Salad, Tomatoes, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Corn & Aged White wine Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Chicken, Beef & Salmon Kabob: Saffron Rice, Roasted Tomatoes with Vegetables, Tzatziki Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Orange Olive Oil Cake with Orange Semifreddo

Assorted Baklava

Mexico

STARTER

All inclusive

Chips, Salsa & Guacamole

Fish Ceviche

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp Baby Romain Lettuce Salad ; Jicama, Scallions, Cilantro, Corn, Black Beans, Cheese, Tortilla Chips & Jalapeno Dressing

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Mix Green Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Radish, Corn, Onion, & Lemon Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

12 Hours Mole Braised Short Ribs With Garlic Mashed Potatoes Baby Squash & Tomatoes Confit

Cajun Spice Chicken: Tomato Rice, Caramelized Onion, Squash, Cheese & Roasted Salsa

Pan Roasted White Fish , Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn & Cajun Butter Sauce

Taco Sampler: Authentic Mexican Style Taco served with Beef, Chicken & Pork ( Family Style)

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tres LeChes Cake

Churros, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Mediterranean Basic

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Hummus & Pita Chips

Turkey Hummus Sliders

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mix Green Couscous Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Peppers, Onion, Olive & Red Wine Vinaigrette

Shrimp Lettuce Salad, Tomatoes, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Corn & Aged White wine Vinaigrette

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken & Salmon Kabob: Saffron Rice, Roasted Tomatoes with vegetables, Tzatziki Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Baklava

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Italian Indulge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie

Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Truffle Pizza

Shrimp Lettuce Salad: Baby Romain Letuce, Corn, Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Artichoke & Age White Wine Vinegar

Blue Cheese, Pine Nuts & Pears Pizza

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Celery Root Veloute, Dehydrated Root Chips & Baby Scallops

Tomato Basil Soup, Baby Scallops & Parmesan Crumble

Shrimp Scampi: Linguini Pasta, Baby Heirloom Tomato, Parmesan Cream

Crab Meat Orrechiette

Spicy Sausage Pasta, Caramelized onion & Herbs

Beef Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Black Angus New York Steak with Cauliflower, Green Beans, Parmesan Cheese Potato Gratin, Mushrooms Ragout

12 Hours Red Wine Braised Short Ribs With Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Squash & Cherry Tomatoes

Herbs Crusted White Fish: Parmesan Risotto, Glazed Carrots, Heirloom Tomatoes Confit, Orange Brown Butter

Sous Vide Chicken & Pan Seared Scallops Parmesan Risotto, Corn, Baby Carrots & Herbs Chutney

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu & Shaved Chocolate

Lemon Tiramisu

Cheese Cake, Strawberries, Walnut Dust and Coulis

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Lemon Panna Cotta, Graham Crackers, Berries & Coulis

Bread Pudding & Cookies Crunch Ice Cream

Chef Chong Kim's reviews

4.64

•

66 services

Chef Kim was fantastic. We hired him for a bachelorette party and had an amazing experience. We had a few allergies in our party and he was very thoughtful about providing delicious alternative options and he was flexible. Would highly recommend!

Chef Kim was incredible! We were celebrating my sister and he was sure to make our event special. He was communicative, timely, and accommodating of all dietary restrictions. We wanted to be involved so he taught us about what he was making, his cooking techniques, and gave us the option to assemble our own lettuce cups. We also had the option to sit back and relax. The experience overall was very relaxing and the food was delicious. He had several menu options with a variety of cuisines. I would definitely recommend Chef Kim for your next event!

Very pleased with our experience and the communication from the chef. The dinner and the service were lovely.

Chef Kim was amazing. From the ongoing communication prior to my event , up to the full event. He was attentive, very engaging , and the quality of food was amazing. I would say the amount of food could have been more as my guest were left still a bit hungry. However, Chef did scrap up what we had in our fridge at our Airbnb and topped it off. Overall, from the communication, to professionalism to the engagement with our party, it was amazing. Would highly recommend using Chef Kim again during our next experience.

Chef Kim was great! Look forward to using g him again!

10/10 would recommend!

Wonderful food and very accommodating to our schedule. He was flexible in designing the menu and we enjoyed every meal.

Chef Kim was fantastic. He was punctual, friendly, and the food was delicious. It exceeded my expectations. This was my first time experiencing something like this and would definitely book again! Highly recommend Chef Kim for any event.

Chef Kim exceeded our expectations and created a beautiful birthday dinner. He was professional and kind, he even went out of his way to tailor a plate for our 5-year-old guest. The food was incredible, there wasn't a crumb left on anyone's plate!

Chef Kim and his staff member were incredible! They were very kind, sweet and helpful and the food was absolutely delicious.

This was my first time using Take A Chef and the experience exceeded my expectations. I chose Chef Kim based on his reviews and menu, you will not be disappointed! I had an intimate wedding (13 people) dinner at an Airbnb and selected the 7-dish family style menu which was excellent since food was placed at three spots on the table so every person could reach one of the plates. The amount of food was perfect for our party. Chef Kim was professional, fun, and made the night very memorable. Every single person was talking about how impressed they were with the quality and presentation of the meal. The experience from start to finish was impeccable. Everything was taken care of, from the preparation of the food, keeping glasses full with water and drinks, clearing dishes, washing everything, and cleaning the kitchen to be better shape than it was when he arrived. He also prints a menu but we ended up not using it because my husband and I prepared the table decor ourselves. Chef Kim went above and beyond. One example of this is when he helped prepare our Whole Foods cake and decorated it with some of the extra flowers we had. It was STUNNING! We ordered the cheesecake dessert which paired perfectly with the Chantilly cake we brought. After our first cut as husband and wife, he cut and served the cakes out to everyone with beautiful berry compote on the plate. Chef and Damien’s attention to detail was unmatched, remembering who got what drink and which guests wanted only cheesecake not both cakes. I was very impressed. For family style food recommendations, everything was delicious. Our guests particularly LOVED the lumpia, chicken, steak, butternut squash stuffed clam shell pasta, and cheesecake. You should without a doubt choose Chef Kim!!!!!

Chef Kim and Jesse were amazing from beginning to end. They are incredibly kind, talented, accommodating and attentive. We hired a private chef for a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs. Chef Kim put together a beautifully delicious menu that brought many moments of quiet appreciation, dish after dish. If you’re looking for a private chef experience, this is the way to go! We’re grateful for the delicious and memorable meal!

WE LOVE CHEF KIM! I planned a bachelorette party for 18 ladies and Chef Kim curated a menu for 3 breakfast and 2 dinners. The bride and guest were extremely surprised and happy. We are from the DC area and for us to be able feel comfortable with him and his staff for our time in Palm Springs, CA was out of this world. While planning months in advance he was patient with me, supportive of ideas and any last minute menu changes. I am telling you he will not disappoint.

Chef Kim did an absolutely amazing job at my sister’s bachelorette party! He served us professionally and the food was fantastic! His sous chef even took some time to take some group pictures of us. I can’t stop talking about this meal, and I’m recommending Chef Kim to everyone I talk to.

Chef Kim and Jesse were excellent. Highly recommend.

Chef Kim was wonderful! This experience was a highlight of our trip and the food was incredible!