Elevated Dining: In-Residence Private Chef Experience
July 10, 2024
In South Carolina’s Lowcountry, cuisine is an integral aspect of our cultural heritage, forging connections and fostering unity through the shared experience of dining with loved ones.
On your next visit, immerse yourself in Lowcountry traditions with the exclusive in-residence chef service at Timbers Kiawah. Enjoy a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home, where our gifted chefs craft unique culinary creations tailored to your palate.
Meet Our Chefs
Owen and Sarah, our two in-residence chefs, will accommodate your requests and desires to ensure the utmost convenience, providing you and your guests with the finest culinary experience possible. They create personalized menus based on your preferences, dietary restrictions, and the freshest local ingredients available.
Owen Gabe
Growing up in New York with a large Sicilian family, cooking always held a central place in Owen’s life. Inspired by his grandmother’s creation of signature Italian plates from scratch, Owen developed a passion for Italian cuisine, which became his defining culinary background. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston in 1999, he gained experience in various restaurant roles. Owen later served as an executive chef before ultimately deciding to venture out on his own, establishing OG Catering. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to his philosophy that “a meal should be a memorable occasion”.
- Ceasar Salad (Signature Dish)
- Classic Bolognese with hand-rolled Ricotta Gnudi
- Fresh Tagliolini with Rock Shrimp, Jalapeno Butter, Lemon Agrumato and Toasted Breadcrumbs
- Blue Crab and Spinach Conchiglioni, with Saffron and Ten-Minute Marinara
- Crispy Local Swordfish with Grapes, Cucumber, Tomato, Celery, Fresno Chili, Cherries, and Agrodolce
Your three-course family-style dining experience begins with three to four exquisite antipasti, followed by a serving of freshly hand-extruded pasta. The main course features a savory entrée accompanied by thoughtfully prepared sides, and sweet finale of a creamy, artfully plated dessert. Family-sized platters are designed for sharing, inspiring a sociable environment around the table. Should you need any assistance, Owen is joined by his assistant Erika who will set the table and provide detailed explanations of each plate as it is served.
Owen, who enjoys engaging with guests, is always available to answer any questions about the meal. To ensure a truly relaxing experience, a dishwasher will leave your kitchen spotless.
“The experience is designed for you to fully enjoy your time with your guests from beginning to end, and to leave the work to us.” – Chef Owen
Sarah Cooper
Sarah embarked on her culinary journey at a young age, cultivating her passion through baking, later earning a degree in culinary arts with a focus on baking and pastry from the esteemed Culinary Institute of Charleston. Recognizing that her true calling was not within the confines of a restaurant, Sarah aspired to bring the enchantment of gastronomy into the homes of families as a private chef. Today, she is the founder and head chef of The Carolina Chef, dedicated to “bringing the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of the Lowcountry’s finest kitchens directly to your home or vacation rental.”
- Mema’s Banana Pudding with homemade Vanilla Bean Banana, layered with ‘Nilla wafers, Warm Pudding, Sliced Bananas, and Cinnamon Whipped Cream (Signature Dish)
- Filet with Peach Gastrique with hints of Rosemary and crispy hoestring Sweet Potato Frites and Grilled Summer Squash. (Seasonal Summer Dish)
- Shrimp and Grits made with Marsh Hen Mill Grits from Edisto Island, toasted in Brown Butter, Heavy Cream, Scallions, Cheddar, and Sriracha
Chef Sarah and The Carolina Chef team will arrive to your home, bringing the freshest ingredients directly from local farmer’s markets, seafood markets, and butchers.
The dining experience will initiate with an appetizer, offering a choice of ocean, earth, or land-inspired creations. This is followed by a meticulously crafted salad using only the freshest local ingredients, such as John’s Island tomatoes and strawberries from Wadmalaw Island. The main course includes your preferred selection of seafood or meats, culminating with a delectable dessert.
Throughout the dinner, Chef Sarah explains each course and the origins of the ingredients and is always delighted to converse with clients about local history, food traditions, and how these influences shape their menus and dishes. Menus change seasonally to ensure ingredients are as fresh as possible. She also handles all the cleaning, and any leftovers are carefully packaged for you to enjoy later.
“My joy lies in creating local, seasonal meals that offer a personal touch, helping families and friends forge lasting memories in the heart of their own kitchens.” – Chef Sarah
How to reserve your in-residence dining experience
Private chefs are highly sought after in Charleston and often book up to six months in advance. If you and your family wish to experience our exclusive in-residence chef services, please contact our concierge team to arrange the date, time, and number of guests.
