I create local, farm-to-table private chef experiences and full-service catering—coastal flavors with Latin BBQ, often cooked over live fire.

Sami Marquez

I craft bespoke, live-fire farm-to-table menus that feel like a celebration—coastal meets Latin BBQ.

I’m a private chef and hospitality professional with 24 years in food and hospitality, and 12 years focused on food and holistic health. I offer private chef experiences, catering, and healthy home meal plans—always tailored to your occasion, your guests, and your preferences.

My style blends fine dining with farm-to-table cooking, often over live fire, inspired by coastal flavors and Latin BBQ. I prioritize local, seasonal, organic ingredients through close relationships with farmers, fishermen, and local purveyors. I also cook gluten-free and 100% dairy-free without compromising flavor, and I can design wine pairing dinners, hibachi group dinners, 4-course experiences, or cocktail-style socials with full service staff and bar support.

Plan my event with you

Cooking is therapy, medicine, and art—my way of sharing my love for local and seasonal ingredients, sustainable choices, and true hospitality.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook with purpose and seasonality

Cooking is therapy, medicine, and art for me. I use it to share my love for local and seasonal ingredients, sustainable choices, and hospitality—so every menu feels intentional, fresh, and welcoming.

I bring a lifetime of hospitality to your table

I learned to cook beginning with my mother, then deepened my skills through holistic nutrition education, followed by 25 years working in and with restaurants and continuous self-study. I bring that range of experience into every private dinner, catering event, and meal plan I design.

I keep it creative and beautifully simple

My kitchen secret is to stay creative—simple ingredients can go a long way. I focus on smart technique, bold flavor, and thoughtful details so the food feels elevated without ever feeling fussy.

Sami’s Menus

I offer curated menus you can choose from, and I’m always happy to tailor them to your event. My dishes highlight local, seasonal ingredients with coastal flavors and Latin BBQ influences—often finished over live fire for an unforgettable experience.

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Stories and testimonials

Chef Sami Marquez was an amazing addition to our girl's weekend. She communicated clearly and promptly prior to the event. She was on time with all items and needed supplies on hand. The food was amazing. All ingredients were fresh and local, including herbs she grew in her own garden. All items were scratch made and so delicious. Everything was presented beautifully. We are currently trying to convince her to move to our location so we can hire her more frequently!

Alexis Meredith

Chef Sami curated a great, memorable experience.

Jeremy Ordemann

Chef Sami and her assistant Holly helped to make our family vacation to the Willamette Valley a wonderful Thanksgiving experience. Her menu was very thoughtful, the table setting was beautiful and festive, the presentation and service were excellent, and the food tasted delicious. Thank you!

Jeffrey Pickering