Private Chef Walter Buffalo - Take a Chef

Chef Walter Buffalo

Chef At Home In White Bear Lake
Chef Walter Buffalo

Get to know me better

Sharing the art and joy of food is my passion, brought to life through exceptional, flavor-driven, and unforgettable dining experiences.

I'm a proud graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the kitchen. Trained extensively in classical French, Italian, and modern American cuisines, I’ve dedicated my career to mastering diverse culinary traditions and creating exceptional, flavor-driven dishes.

At Buffalo's Table & Co., we redefine dining by bringing a tailored, gourmet chef's table experience directly to your table. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a celebratory feast with friends, every meal is crafted with the utmost care and sophistication. Our chef, Walter Buffalo, combines years of culinary expertise with a passion for creating memorable, one-of-a-kind dishes, customized to your tastes and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We believe in offering our clients a dining experience that balances quality, creativity, and value. Our pricing is customized based on several factors, including the menu selection, service style (buffet, plated, or family-style), and any special requests or add-ons. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

*Per-Person Pricing: Our standard pricing ranges from $150-300 per guest, which includes a full meal with appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

*Bartending Services: We offer a variety of beverage services, including wine and cocktail pairings, wine tasting class, cocktail demonstrations. However, we do not provide wine, beer or alcohol the host will provide, and we will make and serve.

Service Fees: Depending on your event setup, additional fees may apply for staffing (servers, bartenders), rentals (tables, linens, etc.), and décor.

Custom Requests: We are happy to accommodate any unique requests or dietary needs, and we will provide a detailed quote for any additional services or menu upgrades you may desire.

Once we have a better understanding of your menu preferences and event logistics, we’ll be able to provide a more tailored proposal that reflects the exact cost for your event. We strive to ensure our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees, so you can focus on enjoying your celebration.

We are more than happy to discuss these details further to ensure the package fits your vision and budget.

Thank you again, and we look forward to creating a memorable Thanksgiving experience for you and your guests!

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Thank you again for considering Buffalo's Table & Co. for your event! We pride ourselves on providing a seamless, stress-free experience for our clients. Here’s a brief overview of our typical process when working with a new customer:

1. Initial Consultation

We begin by scheduling a consultation—whether in person, over the phone, or via email—to get a clear understanding of your vision, preferences, and any specific requirements for the event. During this time, we’ll discuss:

Guest count and dietary restrictions

Menu preferences (classic, custom, or themed)

Service style (buffet, plated, or family-style)

Budget range

Any special requests

2. Customized Proposal

Based on our discussion, we’ll create a detailed, customized proposal outlining the menu, service options, and pricing. We aim to be as transparent as possible to avoid any surprises later. If you have any adjustments or questions, we’re happy to refine the proposal to better suit your needs.

3. Event Planning & Coordination

Once the proposal is approved, we begin detailed planning.

This includes:

Coordinating logistics such as venue setup, rentals, staffing, and timeline

Confirming final menu selections and any dietary accommodations

Ensuring clear communication between our team and yours to address any last-minute adjustments.

4. Event Day Execution

On the day of the event, our team will handle everything—from setup to cleanup—so you can focus on enjoying your time with your guests. We ensure that food is served hot and fresh, and our team of experienced staff will be on hand to provide professional, friendly service throughout the event.

6. Post-Event Follow-Up

After your event, we value your feedback. We’ll follow up to ensure that you were satisfied with every aspect of the experience and to address any comments or suggestions you may have for future events.

We look forward to working with you and ensuring your event is a success. Should you have any further questions or want to move forward with the planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Please look me up on LinkedIn.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Thank you for your interest in working with Buffalo’s Table & Co. We have had the pleasure of serving a diverse array of clients, tailoring our services to meet their specific needs. Our experience spans a variety of customer types, including:

1. Corporate Clients

We frequently collaborate with companies to provide catering for corporate events, including holiday parties, conferences, product launches, and team-building retreats. Our services range from elegant plated dinners to casual buffet-style meals, with an emphasis on timely service and quality presentation.

2. Private Events

From intimate family gatherings to grand celebrations, we have experience in planning and catering for private events such as:

*Weddings

*Anniversaries

*Milestone birthdays

*Holiday dinners (such as Thanksgiving and Christmas) We work closely with hosts to craft personalized menus that reflect the occasion and ensure their guests are well taken care of.

3. Non-Profits & Fundraising Events

We’ve partnered with non-profits and charitable organizations to provide catering services for fundraising galas, auctions, and community events. These clients often require a balance of elegance and cost-efficiency, and we take pride in delivering on both fronts.

4. Event Planners & Venues

We regularly collaborate with event planners and venues to create a seamless dining experience for weddings, galas, and large-scale events. We understand the importance of working in sync with other vendors to deliver a cohesive and stress-free experience for the client.

5. Custom/Unique Events

In addition to more traditional settings, we’ve had the pleasure of catering for unique, themed events such as pop-up dinners, food and wine pairings, and cultural celebrations. These events allow us to showcase our culinary creativity and accommodate unique requests that make each event stand out.

6. Public and Private Institutions

We have worked with schools, universities, and government organizations to provide catering for conferences, ceremonies, and other institutional gatherings. These events often require attention to dietary needs and large-scale coordination, which our team is well-equipped to handle.

No matter the size or type of event, our priority is delivering a customized, memorable dining experience for every client. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your group to create an unforgettable celebration.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Project Overview:

For this event, the client requested an upscale multi-course dinner to celebrate a milestone occasion. We collaborated closely with them to design a custom menu that reflected their tastes and preferences, incorporating seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques.

The courses included:

Appetizer: Seared Scallops with Truffled Yukon Gold Potato Velouté and Gremolata

Salad: Warm brussels Sprout Leaves with Speck, Shaved Pecorino Romano, lemon and Tuscan olive oil

Main Course: Rosemary-garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs with Rutabaga Puree and Garlic Wilted Rainbow Chard

Dessert: Chambord & Orange Zest Macerated Berries with Vanilla Butter Cake and Chantilly Cream

Timeline:

The entire process, from the initial consultation to the event itself, took about three weeks.

This timeline included:

Consultation & Menu Design: We worked closely with the client to discuss their vision, preferences, and dietary needs, finalizing the menu after a few revisions.

Pre-Event Prep: Leading up to the dinner, our team sourced premium ingredients, ensuring every dish was fresh and of the highest quality.

Execution: On the day of the event, our team arrived early to set up, prepare the courses, and create a beautiful tablescape that reflected the intimate, elegant tone of the evening. The event ran smoothly, and the guests were delighted with the service and attention to detail.

The client was thrilled with the evening, particularly enjoying the personal touches we added, such as custom wine pairings and a surprise course of amuse-bouche to start the evening. It was a truly special event that allowed us to focus on the finer details, from plating to table service.

We take great pride in crafting personalized experiences like this, and I believe this approach would translate well to your upcoming dinner event. If this sounds like the level of care and service you are looking for, we would be thrilled to discuss how we can create something just as memorable for your group.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Understand Your Needs and Preferences

Before reaching out to providers, take the time to clarify what you need from the event. Consider factors such as:

*Guest count and dietary restrictions (Are there any vegans, gluten-free, or other needs?)

*Service style (Do you prefer a buffet, plated service, or family-style?)

*Ambiance and theme (What type of atmosphere do you want to create?)

*Having a clear idea of what you want allows providers to give you more accurate quotes and proposals that match your expectations.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Evaluate Their Flexibility:

One key to a successful event is having a provider who can adapt to your needs. Look for a caterer who is willing to customize the menu, accommodate dietary restrictions, or adjust the service style to match your preferences. Flexibility also means being able to handle last-minute changes, which are common with events.

Schedule a Tasting or Consultation:

For larger events, we always recommend scheduling a tasting session. This allows you to sample dishes and confirm that the flavors, presentation, and quality meet your expectations. It’s also a great opportunity to establish rapport with the provider and see how they handle special requests.

Understand the Pricing Structure:

It’s important to know what’s included in the provider’s pricing. Are staffing, rentals (e.g., tableware, linens), and service fees part of the package, or are they additional? Make sure the proposal is transparent so there are no surprises when it comes to the final bill. A clear, itemized quote will help you compare providers more effectively.

Prioritize Communication:

Open and clear communication is key to a smooth process. Choose a provider who responds promptly and provides detailed answers to your questions. This shows that they are invested in your event and committed to ensuring every detail is addressed.

Look for a Provider with Experience in Your Type of Event:

Whether it’s a large-scale corporate dinner, an intimate family gathering, or a special holiday dinner, it’s beneficial to work with a provider who has experience with events similar to yours. They will be familiar with the common challenges and know how to create an event that runs smoothly.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure you find a provider who not only meets your needs but enhances the overall experience for you and your guests.

Photo from Walter Buffalo

More about me

For me, cooking is...

Food is an art form and a source of joy. I’m passionate about sharing that joy by crafting unforgettable dining experiences that bring people together

I learned to cook at...

I'm a proud graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of hands-on experience in restaurant kitchens around the US

A cooking secret...

Have fun, make it full of flavor!

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