Personal Chef — Japanese Specialty
Menlo Park, CA
Part-Time · W-2 Employment · Bay Area Candidates Only
POSITION OVERVIEW
Our client in Menlo Park, California has just launched their search for a talented, detail-oriented Personal Chef with a specialty in Asian cuisine. This is a part-time role, three days per week (Wednesday, Friday, and either Saturday or Sunday), well-suited for a culinary professional who takes genuine pride in preparing wholesome, fresh, family-style meals in a private home setting.
The primary preference is a Japanese specialty Chef; Chinese familiarity is also a plus. They appreciate clean, fresh, and unfussy cooking. One principal is dairy-free; no other significant dietary restrictions are in place. The family values consistency, warmth, and a Chef who treats their home with the same care and respect they would their own.
SCHEDULE
- Wednesday and Friday, weekly
- One weekend day, Saturday or Sunday, flexible based on candidate availability
- Consistent compensation will be provided even during periods when the principals are traveling or away
CULINARY FOCUS & STYLE
- Primary cuisine: Japanese (must be a true specialty, authentic, confident, and varied)
- Supporting cuisines: Chinese familiarity is a plus; Italian is also a plus
- Cooking style: family-style, fresh, organic, and approachable, not formal or overly elaborate
- All organic ingredients required; no dairy in any cooking for one of the principals
- Dishes should be flavorful but not heavily spiced
- Lunch and dinner service for five people daily on scheduled workdays
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and prepare lunch and dinner on each scheduled workday
- Submit weekly menu proposals to the principals in advance for review and approval
- Set the table and serve each meal with care and attentiveness
- Thoroughly clean the kitchen and cooking areas after each meal service
- Maintain a well-organized, sanitary kitchen environment at all times
- Manage grocery shopping and sourcing of organic, high-quality ingredients
- Monitor pantry, refrigerator, and freezer inventory; maintain a running shopping list
- Support occasional private events and dinner gatherings as requested, light event service may include plated presentation and timing coordination
- Communicate proactively about menu ideas, ingredient sourcing, and any scheduling needs
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- $80-$100 per hour, commensurate with experience
- Consistent weekly compensation, including during principal travel or absence
- W-2 employment
- Paid sick leave and accrued paid vacation
- Access to a company retirement plan
- Annual performance-based discretionary bonus
- Annual wage review
- Paid trial period for qualified finalists
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a local Bay Area resident, no relocation candidates
- Demonstrated expertise in Japanese cuisine is essential; please be prepared to speak in depth about your experience
- Strong working knowledge of Chinese and broader Asian cuisines; Italian experience a plus
- Thorough understanding of organic cooking and dairy-free preparation
- Prior experience in private household or estate settings strongly preferred
- Exceptional personal presentation, discretion, and professionalism at all times
- Willingness to undergo an in-depth background investigation
- Strong, verifiable references from previous employers, private household references are a significant plus
- Non-smoker / no vaping
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- The family has a cat, no cat allergies please
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and remain on your feet for extended periods during meal preparation and service
- Comfortable lifting grocery bags, cookware, and kitchen equipment, up to approximately 30 lbs
- Manual dexterity required for precise knife work, portioning, and plating
- Ability to work in a warm kitchen environment for sustained periods
- Ability to bend, reach, and organize kitchen storage areas, including lower cabinets and high shelving
DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.
Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.
We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.
