MARIA DELZELL
Walnut Creek,CA
Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.
Voltaire
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkSummary
Health-driven Private Chef & House Manager with over a decade of experience translating worldwide culinary influences into modern, home-forward cuisine. Supporting high-performing households through soulful, intentional, globally inspired cuisine and seamless home operations. Known for creating beautiful, nutrient-dense meals that balance wellness goals with creativity, comfort, and flavor - equally suited for daily family dining and elevated in-home entertainment. Trusted presence within private residences, combining culinary excellence with exceptional organization, discretion, and staff leadership. Highly skilled in custom menu development, dietary-specific cooking (gluten-free, vegan, allergen-conscious), and short-notice, full-course event execution. Brings a calm, polished, and professional approach to household management that enhances daily family life and long-term home efficiency. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French. Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with solid foundation in retail sales. Proven success in fostering customer engagement and driving revenue through personalized service. Demonstrated ability in product merchandising and inventory management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Global to District Catering
01.2019
- Founded Catering Business
Second Chef
Sparrow Bar and Kitchen
01.2016
- Head chef during dinner hours, food prep, plating and directing sous chefs
- Developed dinner menus and seasonal menus
- Dinner service generally covered over 100 reservations per night
Private Chef
Freelance Catering
03.2025 - Current
- Private event catering, short term engagements, and dinner parties
Private Chef
Family of Four
03.2025 - 12.2025
- Overseeing daily operations and supervising a six-person household staff
- Crafting protein-forward, wellness-focused meals using seasonal, locally sourced, and globally inspired ingredients
- Preparing daily lunches, dinners, and school meals aligned with lifestyle, fitness, and family preferences
- Designing custom menus accommodating gluten-free, vegan, and food-sensitivity requirements
- Developing creative, visually appealing dishes that balance nutrition, flavor, and presentation
- Execute short-notice, multi-course private dinners and large in-home events with restaurant-level precision
- Translate food trends into accessible, repeatable home menus for long-term household enjoyment
- Coordinate staff schedules, workflows, and service standards to ensure seamless household functionality
- Private event catering, short term engagements, and dinner parties
Private Chef
Family of Five
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Prepared and executed daily meals for a family of four, developing weekly rotating menus
- Managed household logistics and event operations, including sommelier coordination and sourcing of gourmet ingredients
- Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner for work-from-home principals, including daily grocery sourcing
- Traveled with the family seasonally, providing on-location culinary service for extended family, guests, and staff
- Planned and executed weekly in-home catering events, managing bartenders and service staff for gatherings of 10+ guests
- Designed and prepared age-appropriate meals for young children with severe food allergies, ensuring safety and nutrition
- Planned and executed large-scale private dinner parties and events throughout the year for 70+ guests
Private Chef
Family of Four
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Responsible for preparing and cooking meals for a family of four, creating weekly menus that reflected preferences of the kids
- Ensured a clean and tidy kitchen, consistently meeting high health and hygiene standards
- Managed weekly and daily grocery shopping within budget while planning meals and menus
- Offered a selection of various cuisines, a range of meal categories, varying in price and budget
- Practiced safe food-handling skills and stayed current with culinary trends and techniques
Corporate Chef & Kitchen Supervisor
Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Provided a professional service, offering efficient meal preparation to the food department in the San Francisco location
- Influenced sales by revising the menu and merchandising prices
- Received positive customer feedback through implementing new recipes and offerings
- Successfully liaised with customers to learn satisfaction level and incorporate feedback
- Collaborated with management to revise strategies, widening brand awareness and generating new and repeat customers
- Oversaw food safety, new menu cooking, and best practice training for all 10 employees in the kitchen
Education
Bachelor of Arts and Science - International Hospitality Management
College of Foreign Language of Translation and Interpretation for Spanish and French, Lausanne, Switzerland
Associate of Science - undefined
01-2009
Online Degree Certificate - Spanish Teaching at all levels
01-2005
Skills
- Proper food storage techniques
- Event catering management
- Home management responsibilities
- Food preparation expertise
- Team leadership
- Nutritional expertise
- Culinary diversity
- Quality control management
- Operational efficiency management
Accomplishments
Website builder for City Catering with global culinary background.
Languages
French
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
World Travel to new places
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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ADDITIONAL PRIVATE CHEF EXPERIENCE FROM 2004 TO 2016
- Family of Four and Extended Live-in Family (2015 - 2016) - San Francisco CA
- Family of Five (2014 - 2015) - San Francisco CA
- Family of six (2012 to 2014) - Menlo Park, CA
- Family of four (2010 to 2012) - Atherton, CA
- Family of four (2004 to 2009) - Burlingame, CA
Websites
Timeline
Private Chef - Freelance Catering
03.2025 - Current
Private Chef - Family of Four
03.2025 - 12.2025
Private Chef - Family of Five
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Global to District Catering
01.2019
Private Chef - Family of Four
01.2017 - 01.2020
Second Chef - Sparrow Bar and Kitchen
01.2016
Corporate Chef & Kitchen Supervisor - Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 01.2016
Espai Boisa Culinary School - Associate of Science,
- Online Degree Certificate, Spanish Teaching at all levels
Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne - Bachelor of Arts and Science, International Hospitality Management