I create bespoke, restaurant-quality dining experiences rooted in local, sustainable, and wild foods—brought directly to your table.

James Richmond

I bring refined, seasonal cooking and personalized service to your home table.

With over 15 years of culinary experience, I built my foundation at the California Culinary Academy and refined my craft through seven formative years as a sous chef under Mathew Bosquet. Along the way, I held executive chef roles in Napa Valley, Seattle, and Montana—experiences that strengthened my French technique and deepened my respect for fresh, seasonal ingredients and thoughtful innovation.

Today, I focus on private chef dining—from intimate in-home gatherings to elegant winemaker dinners. I design bespoke menus around your preferences and dietary needs, and I work with a trusted network of hospitality professionals so every detail feels seamless, warm, and memorable.

Let’s plan your dinner

I cook with quality, seasonal ingredients and give them the time and attention they deserve so I can deliver the best experience possible.

My approach is rooted in craft, seasonality, and the outdoors.

I cook from the land and the water

What I’ve always been passionate about is how everything comes back to our food—my life revolves around the kitchen, foraging, fishing, and gardening, and that connection shapes every menu I create.

I’m classically trained and chef-mentored

I was traditionally trained at the California Culinary Academy, and I learned under chefs Mathew Bosquet, Philippe Jeanty, and Tamara Murphy among others—training that continues to guide my technique and standards.

I let ingredients lead the experience

I believe in cooking with quality, seasonal ingredients and giving them proper time and attention, because hospitality and flavor both improve when nothing is rushed.

James’s Menus

I offer seasonal, bespoke menus for intimate gatherings and special occasions. I’ll tailor dishes to your tastes and dietary needs while keeping the focus on peak ingredients, refined technique, and a restaurant-level experience at home.

Request a menu

Stories and testimonials

He was amazing! So thoughtful and attentive to our needs. Amazing food and service. Would use him 100 times again!!

KATHRYN MCKINLEY

We really enjoyed the experience with Chef James. My guests and I were really impressed and the whole evening was memorable! They raved up the menu, presentation, details he shared about each dish, and the attention to detail that went into all of it. Hope to work with him again.

Sam Bright

We hired Chef James for a 50th birthday dinner for 8 guests, and he delivered exactly what we were hoping for - an indulgent evening with incredible food. I asked for elevated grazing-style with small bites that included some specific dishes - Chef James executed it perfectly. The highlights were the caesar salad bites and the beef wellingtons, both of which were genuinely exceptional. The caesar bites were perfectly balanced, even people who swore they hate anchovies were coming back for thirds. The wellingtons were cooked flawlessly, with perfectly tender beef, crispy pastry, and a rich mushroom duxelles that made you want to lick the plate. His assistant was delightful and kept the food and champagne flowing throughout the evening.

Christy

Chef James was fantastic. He was incredibly helpful in designing a seasonal menu that also accommodated a few dietary restrictions, and the quality of the ingredients and presentation really stood out. Every dish was delicious and thoughtfully executed, and despite being a six-course meal, it never felt heavy or rushed. This dinner was for my wife’s birthday, and he made it a truly memorable experience. Highly recommend.

Carlos Berlanga

Absolutely incredible meal, very great experience, our party loved it. Chef James was top notch, 10/10.

Andrew Welling

James's cooking is absolutely delicious and presentation beautiful. I was very satisfied with the menu and his service and would use him again. All my guests asked for his details and I gladly shared his profile on Take a Chef.

Helene Ambiana Ambiana

James was extremely easy to work with. He provided a proposal menu that had a wide array of options. Once confirmed, he was very communicative with us. He came on time, set up, cooked, and then cleaned. Didn't bother us at all during our dinner which was awesome. Looking forward to the next meal.

William Kwok

Chef James was a pleasure to work with. He planned an intimate dinner for 26 high-profile guests with just a week's notice, and executed it flawlessly. The guests loved the menu, and James handled the pressure with total professionalism. His assistant, Angela, was also incredibly warm with everyone onsite. We’ll definitely keep James in mind for future events.

Karina

Highly recommend Chef James -- easy to work with and engaging. Presentation and the food -- oh my the food -- wonderful --- just outstanding! Highly recommend Chef James and will definitely hire him again when we are in the area -- he made the evening a life long fabulous moment. Thanks Chef James!

Rhonda Sparks

Chef James was absolutely incredible! We were visiting California for a family celebration trip and staying in an Airbnb. Wanted to do something special for the last night and had high expectations… Chef James found a way to exceed that! My brother is gluten free and he went out of his way to make him gluten free versions of all the dishes in addition to the regular ones and didn’t charge extra. The food was amazing and the attention to detail explaining all the dishes. He even cleaned up after leaving the kitchen spotless. Can’t recommend enough and was an amazing way to end a bucket list trip for my family. Also leading up to it Chef James was great about communicating as we picked the menu.

Chris Porcelli

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private chef experience with Chef James cost?

The average menu price for Chef James is 221 USD per person. Final pricing may vary depending on the menu, number of guests, and event details.

What type of cuisine does Chef James cook?

Chef James offers French, Latin American, Mediterranean, Italian and Chef's special cuisine for private dining experiences.

Where does Chef James offer private chef services?

Chef James offers private chef services in Napa, US.

Which occasions can I book Chef James for?

You can book Chef James for Birthday, Family reunion, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Friends gathering, Romantic night, Corporate and Foodie adventure, depending on availability and the event details.

How do I book this private chef experience?

Choose a menu, share your event details, and the Take a Chef team will help confirm the experience with the chef.

I’d love to cook for you—email me to start planning your menu.

[email protected]
7072934103

Napa, California (serving Napa County and surrounding areas)

Chef James Richmond

I create bespoke, restaurant-quality dining experiences rooted in local, sustainable, and wild foods—brought directly to your table.

I bring refined, seasonal cooking and personalized service to your home table.

My approach is rooted in craft, seasonality, and the outdoors.

I cook from the land and the water

I’m classically trained and chef-mentored

I let ingredients lead the experience

James’s Menus

Summer Menu

Late Summer & Early Fall Sample Menu 2022

Latin American Fiesta

French Spring

Italian aficionado

Stories and testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions