Hi, I’m Chef Chong Kim.
Chong Kim Ooi

I create spectacular, high-end dining experiences with vibrant creativity, joyful energy, and impeccable attention to detail.

I turn your vision into a beautifully executed, unforgettable meal.

For over 20 years, I’ve captivated diners with spectacular and scrumptious dishes infused with vibrant creativity and a joyful spirit of adventure.

I’ve been in the kitchen since I was a child. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in 2002, I explored cuisines ranging from classic American comfort to Far East Asian flavors, and I’ve cooked in outstanding Southern California restaurants including Upstairs 2, JiRaff, Joe’s Restaurant (Michelin one star), L’Orangerie, Mamash, and Ortolan (Michelin one star). I’m also one of the elite chef features on Airbnb across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Indio, and Palm Desert, and I’m among the most requested chefs for Luxury Retreats and the Amex Centurion Club.

My secret is consistency, discipline, and pushing the limits of creativity.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I bring your ideas to life with precision and style

Cooking is bringing your dreams to life through imaginative planning, impeccable attention to detail, gracious service, and beautiful presentation.

I’m classically trained and globally inspired

I trained at Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena and built my experience cooking at Upstairs 2, JiRaffe, Joe’s Restaurant, L’Orangerie, Mamash, and Ortolan, shaping a versatile style that moves confidently across cuisines.

I’m driven by consistency and creative ambition

In my kitchen, I rely on consistency and discipline, and I keep pushing the limits of creativity so every event feels thoughtful, elevated, and memorable.

STARTERS

CHICKEN POT STICKER & SESAME SOY DIPPING SAUCE

MINI LUMPIA WITH SWEET CHILI AIOLI

FIRST COURSES

FIVE SPICE GINGER CHICKEN LETTUCE CUP: JICAMA, SCALLION, CILANTRO, PEANUTS, GARLIC HOISIN SAUCE

SHRIMP LETTUCE SALAD : BABY ROMAIN LETTUCE, JICAMA, SCALLIONS, TOMATOES, AVACADO, GINGER SOY VINAIGRETTE

MAIN COURSES

NEW YORK STEAK: GARLIC BUTTER RICE, MUSHROOM RAGOUT, BABY BOK CHOY, PAN GLAZED BLACK PEPPER SAUCE

PAN ROASTED HALIBUT: GARLIC BUTTER RICE, BABY BOK CHOY, SAUTE MUSHROOM, ORANGE BROWN BUTTER

DESSERTS

GREEN TEA DUSTED CHEESE CAKE: STRAWBERRY, BERRY COULIS

GREEN TEA CREME BRULEE

STARTERS

Tuna Nicoise Salad

CHEESE & CAHRCUTERIE

Truffle Pizza

Salami Arugula Salad, Pears, Artichoke, Crouton & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Escargot & Baguette

Angus Beef Meat Ball Bolognese With Garlic Bread

FIRST COURSES

CLAM CHOWDER

SHRIMP BABY LETTUCE SALAD : BABY ROMAIN LETTUCE, JICAMA, SCALLIONS, TOMATOES, AVACADO, GINGER SOY VINAIGRETTE

QUINOA SALAD: MIX GREEN, GARBANZO BEANS, TOMATOES, CHEESE, PEPPERS, PARMESAN CHEESE, ONION, SPANISH VINEGAR

Blue Crab Bisque, Crab Meat & Herbs Crouton

Celery Root Veloute, Dehydrated Root Chips & Baby Scallops

Mediterenean Orzo Salad Mix Green, Olive, Tomatoes, Artichoke, Lemon vinaigrette

MAIN COURSES

Chicken & Salmon Kabob: Saffron Rice, Roasted Tomatoes with vegetables, Tzatziki Sauce

NEW YORK STEAK: TRUFFLE POTATO GRATIN, MUSHROOM RAGOUT, CAULIFLOWER, PAN GLAZED SAUCE

PAN ROASTED HALIBUT: PARMESAN RISOTTO, BABY HEIRLOOM, GREEN BEANS, ORANGE BROWN BUTTER

SURF & TURF: CHICKEN & SHRIMP, GARLIC MASHED POTATO, BABY TOMATOES, ORGANIC SQUASH, PESTO

12 hours mole braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes baby squash & tomatoes confit

lobster & Squid ink pasta with baby heirloom tomatoes & Fennel (additional)

DESSERTS

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

STARTERS

Chips, Salsa & Guacamole

Fish Ceviche

FIRST COURSES

Shrimp Baby Romain Lettuce Salad ; Jicama, Scallions, Cilantro, Corn, Black Beans, Cheese, Tortilla Chips & Jalapeno Dressing

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Mix Green Salad: Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Radish, Corn, Onion, & Lemon Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSES

12 Hours Mole Braised Short Ribs With Garlic Mashed Potatoes Baby Squash & Tomatoes Confit

Cajun Spice Chicken: Tomato Rice, Caramelized Onion, Squash, Cheese & Roasted Salsa

Pan Roasted White Fish , Baby Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn & Cajun Butter Sauce

Taco Sampler: Authentic Mexican Style Taco served with Beef, Chicken & Pork ( Family Style)

DESSERTS

Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Cake: Berries, Berries Coulis, Walnut Dust

Cheese Cake : Berries Coulis & Strawberries

Tres LeChes Cake

Churros, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

Chef Kim was a true professional! Hands down a wonderful experience and I would absolutely book him again. He was clear, communicative, friendly, and delivered exactly what was promised. We request him for my husband’s birthday dinner and he delivered a flawless experience in every way. The menu was as promised, including gluten free accommodations for someone in our party. The presentation was wonderful, the food was delicious and he made it such a special experience for us. You should absolutely book with him, and we would again! Thank you Chef Kim!

— Caitlin Potter

Our chef Kim Ooi did a great job. He did a wonderful job of taking care of all of us and he did it with a smile on his face.

— Barry Lutz

Chef Kim was amazing for my cousins bachelor party! The food was incredible and his service was incredible as well!

— Mithul Garg

Chef Kim exceeded my expectations and prepared a fantastic meal for our stay at Joshua Tree. The Caviar spread and Wagyu was truly a memorable moment in the trip. He is punctual and his execution will blow you out of the water. The service my guests and I recieved from his team was impeccable. Will definitely book Chef Kim again.

— Abby Tang

Chef Kim was amazing. From the ongoing communication prior to my event , up to the full event. He was attentive, very engaging , and the quality of food was amazing. I would say the amount of food could have been more as my guest were left still a bit hungry. However, Chef did scrap up what we had in our fridge at our Airbnb and topped it off. Overall, from the communication, to professionalism to the engagement with our party, it was amazing. Would highly recommend using Chef Kim again during our next experience.

— Danny Nguyen

Chef Kim was great! Look forward to using g him again!

— Joel Van Treese

10/10 would recommend!

— Sunshine Navarro

Wonderful food and very accommodating to our schedule. He was flexible in designing the menu and we enjoyed every meal.

— Cherie Kloss

Chef Kim was fantastic. He was punctual, friendly, and the food was delicious. It exceeded my expectations. This was my first time experiencing something like this and would definitely book again! Highly recommend Chef Kim for any event.

— Abby

Chef Kim exceeded our expectations and created a beautiful birthday dinner. He was professional and kind, he even went out of his way to tailor a plate for our 5-year-old guest. The food was incredible, there wasn't a crumb left on anyone's plate!

— Taylor Phillips

Chef Kim and his staff member were incredible! They were very kind, sweet and helpful and the food was absolutely delicious.

— Melissa Levesque

This was my first time using Take A Chef and the experience exceeded my expectations. I chose Chef Kim based on his reviews and menu, you will not be disappointed! I had an intimate wedding (13 people) dinner at an Airbnb and selected the 7-dish family style menu which was excellent since food was placed at three spots on the table so every person could reach one of the plates. The amount of food was perfect for our party. Chef Kim was professional, fun, and made the night very memorable. Every single person was talking about how impressed they were with the quality and presentation of the meal. The experience from start to finish was impeccable. Everything was taken care of, from the preparation of the food, keeping glasses full with water and drinks, clearing dishes, washing everything, and cleaning the kitchen to be better shape than it was when he arrived. He also prints a menu but we ended up not using it because my husband and I prepared the table decor ourselves. Chef Kim went above and beyond. One example of this is when he helped prepare our Whole Foods cake and decorated it with some of the extra flowers we had. It was STUNNING! We ordered the cheesecake dessert which paired perfectly with the Chantilly cake we brought. After our first cut as husband and wife, he cut and served the cakes out to everyone with beautiful berry compote on the plate. Chef and Damien’s attention to detail was unmatched, remembering who got what drink and which guests wanted only cheesecake not both cakes. I was very impressed. For family style food recommendations, everything was delicious. Our guests particularly LOVED the lumpia, chicken, steak, butternut squash stuffed clam shell pasta, and cheesecake. You should without a doubt choose Chef Kim!!!!!

— Gabrielle Custodio

Chef Kim and Jesse were amazing from beginning to end. They are incredibly kind, talented, accommodating and attentive. We hired a private chef for a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs. Chef Kim put together a beautifully delicious menu that brought many moments of quiet appreciation, dish after dish. If you’re looking for a private chef experience, this is the way to go! We’re grateful for the delicious and memorable meal!

— Maricris Rosario

WE LOVE CHEF KIM! I planned a bachelorette party for 18 ladies and Chef Kim curated a menu for 3 breakfast and 2 dinners. The bride and guest were extremely surprised and happy. We are from the DC area and for us to be able feel comfortable with him and his staff for our time in Palm Springs, CA was out of this world. While planning months in advance he was patient with me, supportive of ideas and any last minute menu changes. I am telling you he will not disappoint.

— Olukemi Newby

Chef Kim did an absolutely amazing job at my sister’s bachelorette party! He served us professionally and the food was fantastic! His sous chef even took some time to take some group pictures of us. I can’t stop talking about this meal, and I’m recommending Chef Kim to everyone I talk to.

— Miller

Chef Kim and Jesse were excellent. Highly recommend.

— James Sinclair

Chef Kim was wonderful! This experience was a highlight of our trip and the food was incredible!

— Eline Vermeulen

Chef Kim was fantastic. We hired him for a bachelorette party and had an amazing experience. We had a few allergies in our party and he was very thoughtful about providing delicious alternative options and he was flexible. Would highly recommend!

— Stephanie M Lewis

Chef Kim was incredible! We were celebrating my sister and he was sure to make our event special. He was communicative, timely, and accommodating of all dietary restrictions. We wanted to be involved so he taught us about what he was making, his cooking techniques, and gave us the option to assemble our own lettuce cups. We also had the option to sit back and relax. The experience overall was very relaxing and the food was delicious. He had several menu options with a variety of cuisines. I would definitely recommend Chef Kim for your next event!

— Elizabeth Machemehl

Very pleased with our experience and the communication from the chef. The dinner and the service were lovely.

— Wendy Van Kirk

Chef Chong Kim Ooi

+1 6262775958

[email protected]

Chef Chong Kim Ooi

Hi, I’m Chef Chong Kim.Chong Kim Ooi

I turn your vision into a beautifully executed, unforgettable meal.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I bring your ideas to life with precision and style

I’m classically trained and globally inspired

I’m driven by consistency and creative ambition

My Menus

Stories and testimonials

Hi, I’m Chef Chong Kim.
Chong Kim Ooi