Chef Stephen Byrne
Personal Chef In MchenryGet to know me better
Personal Chef for Home Cooking as well as Caterer for Small Dinner Parties around McHenry Illinois
Personal Chef based in McHenry Illinois servicing McHenry County and around Chicagoland.
Specializing in Small Private Dinner Parties and Events, Weekly Meal prep, Pantry Reorganizing, Home Cooking Classes, and Air BnB cooking.
I have been a professional chef over 30 years. I started when I was 14 part-time in hotel kitchens. I was lucky to begin training in the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant in North Dublin, Ireland under the brilliant Paul Lewis. During this time, I was also sent to work/train in the Redbank Restaurant in Skerries, Ireland, under Terry McCoy.
By 19 I was a Sous Chef in a private club on Stephen’s Green Dublin City. I moved to Australia for a few years in my early 20s and worked with tv chef Ray Kerch in the then-famous Edna’s Table working with indigenous ingredients. I moved to Canada to work there in 2008 for a few years and now live north of Chicago. I have also worked in Galway west of Ireland and lived in San Francisco.
As a Chef with an enjoyable successful career, I have been lucky enough to have worked under some talented chefs like Shay McFadden, Neil McFadden, Ciaran Cunningham, Ray Kersh of Edna's Table in Sydney, Paul Lewis of The Old Schoolhouse and Michelin-star chef Ultan Cooke at Ballynahinch Castle, Galway, Ireland.
I have worked in international kitchens and cooked in Asian, French, Irish, Italian, and fusion restaurants
I have worked in Small restaurants, cafes, large restaurants, corporate catering, castles, festivals, private firms, and in 2015 I went freelance and worked for many people and places, strengthening my skills and food knowledge.
During this time I was also building my Personal Chef brand and experience. I moved to the US in 2017 to begin a personal chef business.
I am a food writer and am also in the process of developing small niche recipes and food science books.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
a path to a healthier way of living, a passion sculpturing a lifestyle
I learned to cook at...
the Old School House under the brilliant Paul Lewis on the North Side of Dublin. This place was a 90’s powerhouse.
A cooking secret...
is staying clear and focused, making sure every dish served is spectacular and like the last dish you will ever serve.
My menus
All these menu ideas can be changed and made to fit your tastes. A selection of what I can bring and can be changed when we talk
Red Pepper Baba Ghannouj, and a slice of homemade bread
Wisconsin Goats cheese, caramelized pears, Crostini, Balsamic
Vietnamese Mango Rolls in Rice Paper, Pickled Veg and Spiced Peanut Sauce
Pan-seared marinated beef salad with roast Beets, balsamic strawberries, and Grilled Peach
Mushroom Risotto with Roast Squash, Pea and Grilled Hub-Market sausage/Or Shrimp
Homemade Sausage, Spicy apple jam, baked squash
Juicy Garden Tomatoes, Plump Mozzarella, Basil, Aged Balsamic, Pickled Red Onion
Dairy-Free Yoghurt Marinated Apricot Chicken Skewers
Beet Carpaccio, Goats Cheese Mousse, Caramelized Papaya
Scallops with Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Asparagus, Creamy Roast Carrot
Marinated boneless pork chop, smoked paprika, and cheese Orzo
Spiced Stuffed Pork Fillet with Apricots, Kale, and Dates with Honey and Roast Garlic
Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with Apple, Cranberries, and Spiced Cornmeal Pie
Seared Salmon with Kiwi Aji Verde Sauce
Classic Burgundy Coq au Vin with Roast Chicken Breast and Polenta Cake
Poached Chicken, wrapped in Cured Ham with Spinach, Olive, and Herbs
Pollo al Jerez - Chicken with sherry and paprika (Puerto Rican)
Lemon and Garlic Chicken Piccata
Old School Swedish Meatballs Smothered in Rich Creamy Gravy
6oz Fillet Steak, Chimichurri, Creamy Garlic Potatoes, Roast Asparagus
Afghan Kidney Bean Curry (Lubya)
Algerian Harira (Soup) with Chickpeas and Garden Veggies
Baked Peanut Tofu Tom Yum with Mushrooms, Coconut, and Zucchini Noodles
Barley Risotto with Roast Squash, Pea, Garlic, lemon
Burmese Noodle Salad (Khauk Swe Thoke) with Grilled Mango
Eton mess – Crushed Meringue, Seasonal Berries, Sweetened Cream (my favourite and most popular)
Poached Pear, grilled strawberries, and coconut cream
3-Ingredient dark chocolate raspberry mousse
Almond Crepes (very thin pancakes) stuffed with banana and berries, a Baileys Coconut cream and Ice Cream
Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta or Vanilla Coffee Panna Cotta
4-Ingredient Whisky and Chocolate Brownie with Coffee Mousse
Cheesecakes – Ginger Spice/ Key Lime/ Toffee Apple/ Caramel/ Lemon/ Orange/ Pumpkin/ Strawberry/ Raspberry/ Triple Chocolate/ Turtle
Mini Lemon and Lime Tarts with Raspberries and Mango Sorbet
Baharat Spiced Chocolate Mousse with Rum and Coffee and Biscuits
Crispy Bake Phyllo Pastry with Apple, Ginger and Lemon, Strawberry and Cinnamon
View full menu
All these menus can be changed and made to fit your tastes as well as dietry requirements and vegetarian. These are just examples and we can discuss making a perfcet menu
Choose from 1 appetizer, 1 Entree, 1 dessert
Citrus Marinated Chickpea Salad with Spiced Cauliflower, Roast Sweet Potato, Kamut, spinach
Thai Rice Salad Bowls
Asian Cabbage Salad
Raw Vegan Pad Thai with Zucchini + Spicy Peanut Sauce
Lentil Patties with Creamy Hummus and Lemon Tahini
Vegan Bún Chay (Vietnamese Noodle Salad)
Asian Rice Noodle Salad
Middle Eastern Sorghum Salad, Marinated Chickpeas, with Apple and Orange Vinaigrette
Blue Berry, Ginger, and Veggie Vietnamese Rolls
Veggie Sushi Selection with Ginger, Raspberry and Lemon
Baked Peanut Tofu Tom Yum with Mushrooms, Coconut, and Zucchini Noodles
Chickpea Chana Masala with Fragrant Rice
Creamy Yellow Splitpea with Turmeric, Coconut, Ginger and Spinach. Herb Rice
Khada Masala Murg Curry with Baked Tofu, Green Peas, and Rice
Vietnamese Curry (or Cà ri)
Coconut, Apple & Ginger Dahl
Dal Adas دال عدس (Persian Red Lentil Stew with Spices)
Burmese Noodle Salad (Khauk Swe Thoke) with Grilled Mango
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Lime, Coconut, and Chili Chocolate Mouse with Biscuits
Bitter Sweet Lemon and Lime Tart with Local Berries
Five Spice Anise Poached Red Pears with Coconut Cream and Grilled Mango
Orange and Ginger Crème Caramel
Asian Flavoured Panna Cotta
View full menu
I'm not sure if you are looking for a sitdown meal or more of a buffet
So, I'll just give a selection of the last large party I done and if interested we can use the messge board to strike up a conversation and create a fantastic menu
We can create a stronger brunch menu around ideas you may have also
Small bowls of Hummus, Baba Ghanoush with Roast Peppers, toasted homemade tortillas
Trays of halved mixed wraps and pittas (I will create 2-3 varieties)
Buffalo Cauliflower Pita Pockets and wraps
Black Bean-Avocado Wraps with mango (black bean hummus)
Heated Pesto Mozzarella Roll Ups
Citrus Marinated Chickpea Salad with Spiced Cauliflower, Roast Sweet Potato, Kamut, spinach
Black Bean, Avocado, Corn, Quinoa Salad with Orange and Lime
Mediterranean Wheat Pasta Salad with Roast Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, Olives, Garlic, lemon, Basil
Khorasan Wheat Salad with Kamut Grain, Berbere Spice, Olives and Walnuts
Honey Mustard Farro and Chickpea Salad and Grilled Peaches
Millet Grain, Spinach, Strawberry, Coconut, Walnut
Greek Bowl – Chickpeas, Feta, Olives, Marinated Red Onions and Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Balsamic and Honey
Thai Rice Salad Bowls
Raw Vegan Pad Thai with Zucchini + Spicy Peanut Sauce
Lemony Garlicy Orzo Chickpea Salad
Vietnamese Noodle Salad (Vietnamese Noodle Salad)
Red Quinoa Tabbouleh
Deconstructed Burrito Salad with Avocado
View full menu
Choose from 1 appetizer, 1 Entree, 1 dessert
All these menus can be changed and made to fit your tastes. These are just examples. Message me to talk menu
Baked Peanut Tofu Tom Yum with Mushrooms, Coconut, and Zucchini Noodles
Scallops with Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Asparagus, Creamy Roast Wasabi Carrot
Vietnamese Shrimp Rolls in Rice Paper, Pickled Veg and Spiced Peanut Sauce
Thai Rice Salad Bowls
Asian Cabbage Salad
Pad Thai with Zucchini + Spicy Peanut Sauce
Mango Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing and Toasted Tofu
Blue Berry, Ginger, and Shrimp Vietnamese Rolls
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Yum Yum Shrimp in Wonton Cups
Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce (Indonesian/Bali)
Red Snapper and Coconut Red Curry with Lime and Ginger
Indian Spiced Chicken, Creamy Masoor Dal with Turmeric, Coconut, Ginger and Spinach. Herb Rice
Vietnamese Curry (or Cà ri) with Shrimp and Scallops or Beef
Fish of the Day and Burmese Noodle Salad (Khauk Swe Thoke) with Grilled Mango
Pork or Steak Dengaku (with Miso Glaze)
Baked Monkfish with Seaweed, Roast Barley, Korean Redpepper Sauce
Dongpo Rou (Chinese Red-cooked Pork)
Japanese Pork Tokachi-style Butadon
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Lime, Coconut, and Chili Chocolate Mouse with Biscuits
Bitter Sweet Lemon and Lime Tart with Local Berries
Ube Halaya (Filipino Purple Yam Jam)
Five Spice Anise Poached Red Pears with Coconut Cream and Grilled Mango
Orange and Ginger Crème Caramel
Asian Flavoured Panna Cotta
View full menu
Choose from 1 appetizer, 1 Entree, 1 dessert
All these menus can be changed and made to fit your tastes. These are just examples. Message me to talk menu
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad With Baked Croutons
Salmon Picante Rice Paper Rolls with Spicy Mango Salsa (Uruguay)
Homemade Grilled Venison/ or Bison Sausage, Roast Squash, Caramelized Pear
Authentic Mexican Aguachile Recipe with Shrimp and Tostados (similar to ceviche, where shrimp is marinated in a lime juice, but with the addition of chiles and cilantro)
Chickpea Greek Salad
Scallops with Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Asparagus, Creamy Roast Carrot
Beet Carpaccio, Goats Mousse, Caramelized Walnuts
Mushroom Risotto with Roast Squash and Grilled Homade sausage
Barley Risotto with Roast Squash, Pea, Garlic, lemon
Cuban Chuletas de Puerco en Salsa (Pork Chops Braised in a Fresh Tomato Salsa) I’d use a smoked pork chop for this
Pollo al Jerez - Chicken with sherry with paprika (Puerto Rican)
Mexican Encacahuatado (Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spicy Peanut Sauce)
Skillet Roasted Bison Top Sirloin with Wild Mushrooms, Roasted Shallots, Garden Winter Thyme, and Chimichurri Salsa
Scallop and Shrimp Risotto, Grilled Fennel, Saffron, Lemon
Salmon Avocado Salad: Pan-seared salmon is layered on top of spinach, avocado, tomatoes, and red onions for a salad
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken with Olives and Roast Tomato
Classic Coq au Vin with Roast Chicken Breast and Polenta Cake
Spiced Stuffed Pork Fillet with Apricots, Kale and Dates with Honey and Roast Garlic (Favorite)
French Bouillabaisse with Garlic, Parsley, Lemon, Homemade Bread
Argentinian Chimichurri Steak
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Orange and vanilla Crème Caramel
Gooey Warm Chocolate Fondant with Icecream and Grilled Strawberry
4 Ingredient Sugar Free, Walnut and Chocolate Brownie
Cuban Anise Poached Red Pears with Coconut Cream and Grilled Mango
Almond Crepes (very thin pancakes) stuffed with banana and berries and a Baileys Coconut cream and Ice Cream
Bitter Sweet Lemon and Lime Tart with Local Berries
Cheesecakes – Ginger Spice/ Key Lime/ Toffee Apple/ Caramel/ Lemon/ Orange/ Peanut butter/ Pumpkin/ Strawberry/ Raspberry/ Triple Chocolate/ Turtle
Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta or Vanilla Coffee Panna Cotta
View full menu
Choose from 1 appetizer, 1 Entree, 1 dessert
All these menus can be changed and made to fit your parents tastes
Pesto Caprese Skewers
Grilled Peaches with Burrata, Arugula & Pesto
Carciofi alla Romana – Roman-style artichokes
Ciaudedda Lucania – stewed artichokes with pancetta and broad beans
Scallops with Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Asparagus, Creamy Roast Carrot
Beet Carpaccio, Goats Mousse, Caramelized Walnuts
Mushroom Risotto with Roast Squash and Grilled Homade sausage
Stuffed Chicken breast, mushroom, kale, ricotta, natural jus, baked sweet potato
Poached Chicken, wrapped in Cured Ham with Spinach, Olive, Nut and Herbs
Ciammotta – summer vegetable stew
Sorrento-style cannelloni
Pollo alla Romana
Scallop and Shrimp Risotto, Grilled Fennel, Saffron, Lemon
½ a baked Eggplant, topped with asparagus, garlic, grain, onion, peppers, Feta
Marinated boneless pork chop, smoked paprika and cheese Orzo
Spiced Stuffed Pork Fillet with Apricots, Kale and Dates with Honey and Roast Garlic (Favorite)
Red Snapper with capers, black olive and tomato
Skillet Roasted Bison Top Sirloin with Mushrooms, Roasted Shallots, Garden Thyme, and Italian Salsa
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Poached Pear, roast pistachio, Coconut and Strawberry Cream
Lemon panna cotta with raspberry jelly
Crunchy cannoli with cardamom cream and poached pear
Almond Crepes (very thin pancakes) stuffed with banana and berries and a Baileys Coconut cream and Ice Cream
Bitter Sweet Lemon and Lime Tart with Local Berries
Cheesecakes – Ginger Spice/ Key Lime/ Toffee Apple/ Caramel/ Lemon/ Orange/ Peanut butter/ Pumpkin/ Strawberry/ Raspberry/ Triple Chocolate/ Turtle
Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta or Vanilla Coffee Panna Cotta
View full menu
Choose from 1 appetizer, 1 Entree, 1 dessert
Pan-seared marinated beef salad with roast Beets, balsamic strawberries and walnuts
Lemon and lime chickpea salad, pickled apple and pear, grain, spinach
Smoked Pork Hock, Applewood Cheddar, Sage and Thyme Gnocchi
Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad:
1. Scallops with Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Asparagus, Creamy Roast Carrot
Mushroom Risotto with Roast Squash, Pea and Grilled Hub-Market sausage/Or Shrimp
Wisconsin Goats cheese, caramelized apple, Walnut, Crostini, Balsamic
Beet Carpaccio, Feta Mousse, Caramelized Walnuts
Classic Spanish Chickpea Salad
Chickpea Greek Salad
Spiced Stuffed Pork Fillet with Apricots, Kale and Dates with Honey and Roast Garlic
Scallop and Shrimp Risotto, Grilled Fennel, Saffron, Lemon
½ a baked Eggplant, topped with asparagus, garlic, grain, onion, peppers, Feta
Marinated boneless pork chop, smoked paprika and cheese Orzo
White Fish of the day (Sourced on the Day) or Salmon Steak, your choice, Ginger, Fennel and Asparagus, spinach and caper
French Bouillabaisse with Garlic, Parsley, Lemon, Bread
Trout, Spinach, Lentils, and Slow Roast Garden Tomatoes
Classic Coq au Vin with Roast Chicken Breast and Polenta Cak
Salmon Avocado Salad: Pan-seared salmon is layered on top of spinach, avocado, tomatoes, and red onions for a salad
Pork And Fennel Meatballs with Garden Ratatouille
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken with Olives and Roast Tomato
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
4 Ingredient Sugar Free, Walnut and Chocolate Brownie
Almond Crepes (very thin pancakes) stuffed with banana and berries and a Baileys Coconut cream and Ice Cream
Poached Pear, roast pistachio, cream
Bitter Sweet Lemon and Lime Tart with Local Berries
Cheesecakes – Ginger Spice/ Key Lime/ Toffee Apple/ Caramel/ Lemon/ Orange/ Peanut butter/ Pumpkin/ Strawberry/ Raspberry/ Triple Chocolate/ Turtle
Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta or Vanilla Coffee Panna Cotta
View full menu
All these menus can be changed and made to fit your parents tastes. These are just examples
Seared Tuna Tiradito (Peru) thinly sliced tuna, serrano-cilantro, passion fruit
Toasted Spiced Mexican Mini Tamale with Gambas al Ajillo, Spain’s Garlic Shrimp Dish
Scallop Aguachile (Mexico) With cucumber (Thinly sliced scallops cooked with lime)
Salmon Picante Rice Paper Rolls with Spicy Mango Salsa (Uruguay)
Scallop Ceviche de Corvina (Costa Rican) with Avocado and Homemade Toasted Tortillas
Authentic Mexican Aguachile Recipe with Shrimp and Tostados (similar to ceviche, where shrimp is marinated in a lime juice, but with the addition of chiles and cilantro)
Pollo al Jerez - Chicken with sherry with paprika (Puerto Rican)
Mexican Encacahuatado (Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spicy Peanut Sauce)
Cuban Chuletas de Puerco en Salsa (Pork Chops Braised in a Fresh Tomato Salsa) I’d use a smoked pork chop for this
Mexican Herb-Crusted Beef with Avocado Chimichurri
Argentinian Chimichurri Flank Steak
Steak with a Cuban Mojo Marinade
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Poached Pear, roast pistachio, Coconut and Strawberry Cream
3-Ingredient dark chocolate raspberry mousse
Gooey Warm Chocolate Fondant with Icecream and Grilled Strawberry
Cuban Anise Poached Red Pears with Coconut Cream and Grilled Mango
Lime, Coconut, and Chili Chocolate Mouse with Biscuits
Almond Crepes (very thin pancakes) stuffed with banana and berries and a Baileys Coconut cream and Ice Cream
View full menu
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