Private Chef Wendy Petersen for Hire
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a restaurant-quality dining experience right in your own home, Chef Wendy Petersen is making that dream a reality. After spending two decades cooking for elite clients on private jets and luxury yachts, Wendy has returned to her hometown of Boise, Idaho, bringing world-class flavor and artistry back to the Treasure Valley.
From Private Jets to Private Dinners
Before founding her company Food by Wendy, Wendy built a remarkable career cooking for high-profile families in Houston, Texas—one in the natural gas industry and another who owned over 350 restaurant concepts worldwide.
Her culinary journey began in local restaurants, working her way up from bartender to chef. “I never expected it to lead me into aviation,” she laughs. “But one call changed everything, and I found myself cooking on private aircraft and yachts for nearly twenty years.”
Her travels took her around the world—from Japan and Hong Kong to the Mediterranean and Napa Valley—immersing her in diverse food cultures and techniques. “Every destination inspired me. I learned how food connects people everywhere.”
Back to Boise—and Back to the Heart of Food
When Wendy’s mother passed away in 2021, she decided to return to Idaho, where she had grown up and graduated from Borah High School. Once home, she knew she wanted to get “back on the ground” and reconnect with what truly matters: food, people, and community.
“Being back in Boise has been grounding,” Wendy says. “The local farmers, the markets, the sense of connection—it’s what food is supposed to be about.”
Today, she sources her ingredients from local Idaho farms and producers, including Purple Sage Farms, Thomas Cattle Company, State River Farms, and Fergie’s Mushrooms. Her menus are a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and local flavor.
What Makes Food by Wendy Different
Wendy doesn’t just cater—she creates an experience. Her private dinners, brunches, and special events are completely customized and designed for each client.
Every detail—from the menu to the linens and centerpieces—is curated with care. She crafts personalized printed menus for each place setting and builds multi-course dining experiences that can range from three to six courses.
Clients can expect elevated plating, locally sourced ingredients, and unforgettable presentation. “We all eat with our eyes first,” Wendy says. “So it has to look as good as it tastes.”
Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired
Wendy’s dishes are built around fresh, clean ingredients—from imported Italian olive oils to homemade stocks and sauces. She avoids seed oils and processed additives, focusing instead on natural, nutrient-rich foods.
Her style reflects the best of both worlds: the precision of fine dining and the warmth of Idaho hospitality. “My food has global influence, but it’s grounded in simplicity and flavor,” she explains. “I want people to feel nourished—not just full.”
Luxury Meets Local: Private Dining in Boise
Food by Wendy has become a favorite among Boise families, travelers, and event hosts looking for something more intimate than a restaurant.
Whether it’s a bachelorette dinner in McCall, a wine-paired garden party in Fruitland, or a private tasting menu at home, Wendy brings everything you need for an unforgettable evening—including setup, service, and cleanup.
For larger events, she brings along her sous chef to ensure everything runs seamlessly. “It’s about creating an effortless experience,” she says. “My clients get to relax and enjoy every moment.”
Celebrity Encounters and Memorable Moments
During her aviation years, Wendy cooked for everyone from world leaders to Hollywood icons—including actor Tommy Lee Jones, who she recalls as “kind, gracious, and completely down-to-earth.”
She’s even prepared meals for President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, who, she says, “always wanted to take pictures right after stepping off the plane.”
But these days, her favorite memories come from Idaho clients who open their homes for her to create something special. “I love the gatherings here,” Wendy says. “The laughter, the conversations—it’s what food is all about.”
A Future Vision: Communal Dining Under the Stars
Wendy’s dream for the future is to create a private dining space on her own property—a half-acre with a large willow tree, long tables, twinkle lights, and gatherings that bring people together under the Idaho sky.
“I imagine dinners at dusk, brunches in the garden, maybe even cooking classes,” she says. “It’s about creating community through food.”
Book Your Private Chef Experience in Boise
If you’re looking to host a private chef dinner in Boise, celebrate a milestone, or treat your guests to something unforgettable, Food by Wendy delivers a full-service experience that blends luxury, warmth, and creativity.
From sky-high service to farm-to-table flavor, Chef Wendy Peterson is redefining what private dining means in Idaho—one unforgettable meal at a time.
