(503) 298-3043 Portland, Oregon
Private Chef & Curated Catering in Portland, Oregon
Seasonal, chef crafted dining for intimate weddings, gatherings and private celebrations.
Chef at Home
About Us
Bonjour
&
Bon Apetite
Tel: 503:298-3043
Email: info@theboutiquechef.com
What Clients Are Saying
The Boutique Chef is a Portland, Oregon based private chef and curated catering company specializing in intimate gatherings, micro-weddings and chef-led dining experiences. With more than three decades in private estates and yacht galleys, Chef Michelle van Hees brings seasoned craftsmanship, discretion and thoughtful hospitality to every table.
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Her career has included preparing meals for celebrity icons and United States presidents. These experiences shaped a standard rooted in precision, calm execution and deep respect for the guest experience. Today, that same level of care is brought to intimate wedding celebrations, private dinners and in-home chef services throughout the Pacific Northwest.
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Each menu is guided by the seasons and composed with intention - ingredient driven, balanced and quietly memorable. The focus in never spectacle, but connection: food prepared with skill, served with grace and designed for the people gathered around it.
I'm engaged to a French man who is very particular about food, and we've been fortunate enough to dine at many Michelin-starred restaurants. Michelle's food genuinely held its own. The flavors, the plating, and the creativity were all outstanding.
Greta Rose Evans, Portland, Oregon, 2025
Michelle created the best birthday dinner...Every bite was INCREDIBLE!
Brecken Baggs, Portland, Oregon, 2026
Michelle prepared what was - hands down - the most memorable meal I've ever eaten in my entire life.
John Laurie, Portland, Oregon 2024
Cooking Class Experience
Let's have some fun in the kitchen! Experience the joy of cooking with friends, family, or one-on-one hands-on sessions where you develop your style and tastes. You can travel the world through different cuisines, exploring regional flavors and techniques, and never leave the comfort of your own home.
Chef at Home
At The Boutique Chef, we believe that free time and good health are the true luxuries in life. Busy people lead busy lives. Cooking, planning menus, and going to the grocery store and farmers' markets can be time better spent with family and friends, doing what you love in those precious spare moments. The Boutique Chef works with your individual tastes and nutritional needs to create custom-specialized menus and ready-to-reheat entrees prepared in your own home. We spend a few hours in your kitchen prepping, cooking, storing and labeling. You follow the simple reheating instructions and enjoy!
Micro-Wedding Chef's Table Experience
An intimate, plated celebration menu designed for 6-20 guests, seasonal, Pacific Northwest-inspired and executed with restaurant-level precision in your home or private venue
Caesar Tower with Dungeness Crab, Garlic Shrimp, Parmesan Crisp & Garlic Toast Points
Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter, Sage and Lemon Zest
Beef Tenderloin Medallion, Rosemary Jus, Seasonal Vegetables, Potato Puree
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"You can test the caliber of a chef on their Roast Chicken and Chef Michelle's rivals my mothers.
Chef Michelle's is better than your mother's."
Bob & Dolores Hope, Toluca Lake, CA
"Chef Michelle is Five-Star!"
Darryl & Cindy Jones, Seattle, WA
"It's hard to articulate in words what Michelle does because it is much more than just cooking delicious food. Michelle creates unforgettable experiences."
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Devon Craig, Portland, OR
"Michelle planned and executed every detail of my Japanese Garden Party perfectly! It was an event to remember!"
"From first consultation, through to the final billing she was creative, knowledgeable, thoroughly professional and a real pleasure to work with. Planning parties with Michelle is fun!"
Mary Ellen Matthews, Seattle, WA
"Wonderful evening created by Michelle of The Boutique Chef! She was a delight to work with and created a menu perfect for our birthday celebration! Everything was delicious and everyone raved about the menu and especially the cake! Thank you, what a lucky find for us for our first trip to the Willamette Valley! Highly Recommend!"
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Fannie Flood, McMinnville, OR
Arlene Schnitzer, Portland, OR
At Your Service
Tel: 503-298-3043 / Email: info@theboutiquechef.com
Thank you for your interest in The Boutique Chef.
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For micro-weddings and intimate, plated celebrations, we invite you to begin with our Micro-Wedding Inquiry, which allows us to understand your event and respond thoughtfully.
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For all other private chef services, curated catering, meal prep services or cooking classes, please use the form below.
The Boutique Chef specializes in fully executed, on-site dining experiences and curated events. Services are best suited for clients seeking professional preparation, service and thoughtful execution rather than drop-off or budget-based solutions.
