The Gifted Gourmet is an upscale Personal Chef/Catering business located in Rochester, MN. Paul. I look forward to speaking with you!
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The Gifted Gourmet is a modern in-home personal chef service owned and operated by Chef Matt Ranfranz in Rochester, MN. With a vision of delivering Culinary consistency from start to finish, we truly have no room for " guaranteed mediocrity." Services include:
-Personal Chef/ Private Chef services
-Healthy Meal Prep for busy individuals and families
-In Home Chef Services- Wine Dinners, Multi Co
urse Dinners for groups ranging from 4 to 20 guests
-Hands-on culinary cooking classes
-Catering-Weddings, special custom events, drop offs, you have a need? We have your solution!
-Corporate Dining/Catering
-Culinary Consulting
-For questions on pricing/setting up a free phone consultation, contact The Gifted Gourmet today for more in@ 507-272-8845 or send us a direct message here! About Chef Matt:
Born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, Matt’s love for cooking began at a young age. As a teenager he loved spending time in the kitchen with his mom and grandmother, learning family recipes. In high school he worked as a line cook at the Rochester Athletic Club and found enjoyment in creating dishes along with a high school cooking class, Creative Foods/Foods for Life, which led to his decision to pursue a culinary arts degree at Saint Paul College. While in school, he worked at the established Grand Avenue D’Amico & Sons in St. After graduation, Matt began working in fine-dining establishments throughout the Twin Cities and worked up the kitchen ranks from prep cook to sous chef, and finally becoming an Executive Chef at multiple well-known restaurants. Some of these include The Hotel Minneapolis, Borough & Parlor, The Happy Gnome, Normandy Hotel, The Como Zoo, and Common Roots Catering. Eventually he returned to Rochester in 2016 and has since been Chef at Mayo Clinic-St Mary’s Hospital, Le Petit Café, Pescara, and the Rochester Golf and Country Club. With his experiences from the Twin Cities/Rochester food scenes, Chef Matt decided to pursue working as a private chef for multiple high-end families in Minnesota, as well as serving clients with his newest culinary concept, The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service. Matt has a passion for creativity, finding balance in every component of a dish, and is passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences with his modern and refined touch. His enthusiasm for cooking is contagious, and his personal nature is engaging and relaxed, inviting everyone to a place at the table. Sometimes we all could use a helping hand to relieve the stresses of preparing a healthy and delicious gourmet meal. Contact The Gifted Gourmet today by clicking the " Get Quote " with questions on pricing, full service breakdown, and everything in-between.
A few shots highlighting last weekend's 4-course surprise birthday dinner for Rochester locals. Shout out to Emma Weatherly for assisting with service!
Menu:
Amuse Buse- Summer Squash & Beets
Aperitif - An Ode to Cauliflower
Mains - Sous vide Airline Chicken
Dessert - Strawberry, Coconut, & Vanilla Bean "Panna Cotta"
Contact The Gifted Gourmet for your next special occasion!
Www.thegiftedgourmetmn.com
At the newly renovated City Hall Kitchen in Dover, MN, The Gifted Gourmet spent last Saturday afternoon teaching a “Make & Take - Cheese & Charcuterie” class to 15 ladies. The highlight of the afternoon was when it came time to describe my personal favorite item - Sous Vide Smoked Head Cheese (terrine made from pigs' heads), and the amount of enthusiastic palates that tried it for the first time!
Many Thanks to Dover Mayor Dave Iseminger for organizing this event as well as Sunflower Photography for capturing the memories in the moment!
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming cooking classes and events with The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service!
The Gifted Gourmet’s Meal Preparation Service takes the stress off your shoulders of preparing high-quality meals for you and the family, saving you precious time, money, and energy to spend doing what you love! Created for busy working individuals or families of all sizes, we have meal plans available tailored directly to your specific dietary needs, allergies, and preferences. Reach out today by clicking the button below to learn more!
Enjoy some photos from last weeks meals prepared for a weekly booked client based out of Lacrosse, Wisconsin!
Scenes from last Saturday evening's 6-course tasting menu served to a group of 10 that gathered for a 40th Birthday celebration in Rochester, MN. Thank you Dante and Kate. It was an honor and privilege to be of service!
A big shout out to James Higgs and Neli Cualtzin Tlacatl AP for the help !
▫️Amuse Buse
Pork and Melon- Compressed Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Sous Vide Pork Belly, Basil Seeds, Skordalia, Arugula
▫️Course Two
An Ode to Cauliflower- Roasted Caulifower/Romanesco, Puree of Cauliflower, Pickled Jalapeno, Oven Dried Cherry Tomato. Local Greens, Fingerling Chips, Sherry Gastrique
▫️Course Three
Pan Seared Arancini- Trufle and Parmesan, Oven Dried Cherry Tomato, Caramelized Corn Mushroom Ragout, Harrissa Aioli, Pea Tendril
▫️Course Four
Pan Glazed Beef Short rib- Horseradish Pommes Puree, Beurre Monte Glazed Parsnip & Carrot, Port Roasted Shallots, Red Wine Demi-Glace
▫️Course Five
Mever Lemon Tiramisu- Valrhona Ganache, Tiramisu Mousseline, Lemon Sheet Cake, Meyer Lemon Curd, Compressed Strawberry, Isomalt Glass
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The Gifted Gourmet team served an impromptu 6-course dinner experience for a lovely group of locals this past weekend. Thank you all for making this evening special with your generosity and for the very thoughtful review of the evening !
Our meal was absolutely unique. It truly was an experience that went beyond just a good meal. Each course was a an artful blend of visual presentation, texture and taste. Sometimes when we have a great meal we think about how we would make it at home. Chef Matt and his crew served a meal that was so far beyond what we could do, that we just sat back and enjoyed what they created. Great fun
-Scott J
5 stars
www.thegiftedgourmetmn.com
▪️Anniversary Celebration Dinner▪️
The Gifted Gourmet - A Modern Chef Service surprised a local couple on their 3rd wedding anniversary with a 6 course private dinner.
▪️Menu▪️
1st Course: Amuse Buse - Red Cabbage
2nd Course: Cold/Aperitif - Local Mixed Green Salad
3rd Course: Table Side Soup Pour - Wild Onion and Potato Vichyssoise
4th Course: Intermezzo Course “To cleanse the palate”- Blueberry Lemon Sorbet
5th Course: Pan Glazed Beef Short Rib
6th: Dessert Course: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta w/ Strawberry Caviar, Beetroot Ganache
The Gifted Gourmet - A Modern Chef service is currently booking private in-home chef services. Please visit our website for more details.
▪️www.thegiftedgourmetmn.com▪️
Here's a few throwback pictures from a few weeks ago where The Gifted Gourmet spent an afternoon teaching a modern technique cooking class to a local couple. Introducing Sous Chefs Wes and Miranda!
Together we prepared 2 modern vegetarian dishes from start to finish followed by a hands-on demonstration on plating techniques.
Thanks again Wes and Miranda for the opportunity!
Contact The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service today for information on signing up for individual or group cooking classes, which are also available to purchase as a Gift-card!
Happy Saturday!
This past month, The Gifted Gourmet has diligently been at work putting the finishing touches on our website. I'm proud to announce our redesigned site is LIVE and can be found at
www.thegiftedgourmetmn.com
The revamped site features the story behind The Gifted Gourmet brand, details behind services offered, sample menus of the signature in-home multi-course private dining experience, reviews from past clients, tons of updated photos and media, and a contact area for booking inquiries!
Thank YOU for your continued support as The Gifted Gourmet - A Modern Chef Service continues to serve and grow in Rochester and the surrounding areas.
We could not be more thrilled and excited to continue sharing our passion for unforgettable dining experiences by consistently delivering the highest level of service from start to finish.
Contact The Gifted Gourmet today for booking inquiries and more information!
What should you do with your thanksgiving leftovers? 🤔 I’m with The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service this morning to find out!
The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service was honored to serve 45 guests a few weeks ago who came together in celebration a family Greek Orthodox baptism followed by a 3-course plated dinner reception at Studio324 downtown Rochester. Huge shout out to the A-team for making this event memorable! Eric Kramlinger Abby Prigge Tummie Chan Ann Hennebeck JasonHughes
Thank you John Androus for the very thoughtful and kind review from this event and look forward to working together in the future!
John A.
5 stars
"We hired Matt's company for a celebratory dinner. We had over 40 people and the venue that we booked did not have a kitchen. Matt and his crew spent hours setting up a prop up kitchen outside for the event. All of the food exceeded our expectations. The appetizers, dinner, and dessert were tremendous. Additionally, the service staff were nothing short of delightful. I received many compliments from our guests about the food even into the next day, the guests kept bringing up how good the food was. My family is Greek and their bar for food is very high. They thought that the food was amazing. Most importantly, in a world where customer service is a lost art, Matt is breaking the mold. Matt is the type of guy that works with you and not just for you. He took my simple vision and made it into a wonderful event. He offered things that he knew would work and even met with the venue on his own to get a sense of the setting. He was always in communication to see what we needed. He truly went above and beyond for our event. Cannot go wrong with delicious food and excellent customer service. I would definitely recommend Matt for any type of event."
The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service team cooked and served a 6-Course dinner in Pine Island, MN to a lovely group of 8 family members who simply enjoy fine dining, top- notch food, and great wine. Shout out to Ms. and for helping expedite, cook, & serve this successful dinner for the Jasper family!
Did you know that we offer our signature In-Home Multi-Course Dinners and custom Meal Prep services as a Gift Card? We sure do! Perfect for that foodie friend of yours with the holidays just around the corner, we've got you covered. Contact The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service today for more information.
Here's a few snapshots from a few weeks ago where a local family member contacted me and purchased a 4-course dinner gift card for her folk's special wedding anniversary.
Thank you, Lemke family, choosing The Gifted Gourmet, and for the opportunity to cook for you both on your special day.
Huge honor and privilege to serve a 7-course “double-header” Birthday dinner to the Brummond family out in Stewartville, MN a few weeks ago. Here’s some photos from the memorable evening.
A huge Thank You to for the thoughtful review!!
Brianna Brummond
"Matt exceeded all our expectations! The whole experience was superb! The flavor of his dishes are out of this world (the best food our family has ever tasted), the plating of food is like beautiful art, and the professionalism of him and his team was unmatched by anything I’ve experienced before. We loved getting to know them! My house was left cleaner than when they even arrived which just showed how seriously they take this job. I will never look anywhere else for a private chef experience because it my opinion I don’t think it could have been any better! Thank you to Matt and Eric for making our night one we will never forget!"
It as an honor to meet you all (Adam, Tina, Mitch, and Cameron), and thank you Eric Kramlinger for killing it with the server help!
The Gifted Gourmet has been busy cooking and serving a wide range of client requested events this past month.
Also , super excited to announce that the brand new The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service website is near completion! Keep those eyes peeled over the next few weeks for our website to be published. Big shout out to Melvin Tyree for the all development and web design assistance!
Here’s a sneak peak from a 6-person Gifted Gourmet Multi- Course Dinner from a few weeks ago. This memorable evening consisted of a 9-course dinner accompanied by some incredibly high-end wine pairings, which included a $7000 bottle of Shiraz!
Shout out to Dr. Abdel and Megan for being such wonderful hosts. Looking forward to working with you again soon !
Here's a few throwback pictures from a memorable evening last month where The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service cooked and served a custom 4-course dinner to the Kopischke family in their home.
Last December, one of the Kopischke family members purchased a multi-course dinner from The Gifted Gourmet as a Christmas “Gift-card" for Darci and Peter to redeem on a convenient date of their choice. The Kopischke family eventually reached out to schedule their dinner and worked together to create a menu for the special evening.
Upon arriving to their home, I began setting up for dinner service in their beautiful kitchen that had a large center island. When it came time for dinner to begin, Darci brought up the idea of sitting at the center island in the kitchen to watch as I cooked and served each course instead of eating in the traditional dining room. And what an awesome idea it was! It was enjoyable to be able to interact with Darci and Peter as we shared stories over some delicious food and top-notch wine. Thank you Darci and Peter for being such gracious hosts and look forward to another memorable evening!
Contact The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service today to book your next memorable dinner event!
We offer Gift-cards that are a perfect Gift for that "foodie " friend of yours too!
The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service spent Monday afternoon preparing meals for Ms. Ruth. This 99-year- old Rochester local was one of the kindest, sweetest, and enjoyable clients I've encountered over the years as a Personal Chef.
As I worked diligently in the kitchen preparing a week’s worth level 3 Dysphasia meals for Ruth, we went back and forth story telling with each other. I really enjoyed listening to her stories from her life growing up as well as her past accomplishments (including first place in multiple Triathlons at the age of 70).
I asked her what's the secret behind her youthfulness at 99 years young, and she cracked a few jokes before telling me how she would swim a mile every day for years!!
Thank you, Ruth, for a fun-filled afternoon and for choosing The Gifted Gourmet!
Contact The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service for more information on Meal Prep packages for Individuals or Families alike!
The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service was honored to cook and serve a 4-course dinner to a group of international business executives at The Berkman luxury apartments last week.
The Gifted Gourmet and team began pouring wine and offering hors d'oeuvres/appetizers to the arriving guests for a social/cocktail hour before dinner. From honey/basil compressed melon wrapped prosciutto skewers, to local SE Minnesota smoked trout mousseline crostinis w/ creme fraiche/capers, and a spring vegetable & crab wellington with lemon aioli, the evening was off to a great start.
Dinner service went smooth as the chef team quickly jumped into action as they artistically plated and served each course to the dinner guests. An Amuse buse of sautéed local wild Ramps on a bed of morel mushroom duxelle with fingerling potato & pickled watermelon radish excited the palates the dinner guests. As the courses came out of the kitchen, Chef Matt then explained in detail to the guests what they were about to enjoy. Overall , the evening was one for the memory books. What made the evening a success for the entire team was seeing the expression of excitement from the group of sophisticated businessmen and women as they progressed through the night.
Huge shout to ChefJason Hughes a.k.a "Dad", Boune Phommakhy, and front of house master for all the help!
Spring is finally upon us in Minnesota!
The Gifted Gourmet- A Modern Chef Service is In the process of rolling out 4 new spring dishes that will be available on all signature In-home multi course dinners for your next special dinner party! (four,six, and ten course pre-fixed menus). We are pumped to share these vibrant, fresh, and downright delicious additions with you! Stay tuned as The Gifted Gourmet rolls out the remaining dishes this week!
*Sous vide Glacé Pork Belly*-parmigiana polenta , smoked carrot purée , pork belly specification pearls , parsnip x2 , charred brocoli, and a peach & pineapple mostarda.
*Strawberry/Coconut Panna Cotta*-Rum compressed pineapple/ strawberry, reverse spherical strawberry Gelee, Pineapple powder , Valhrona & Pepita crumble, mint Strawberry Sorbet , Isomalt / black pepper glass.
Introducing The Gifted Gourmet's 11 year old Sous Chef, Luke!
Luke is a local 11 year old that has a deep passion and love for cooking. He loves sharing his culinary creations with his brothers and sisters, and has even been seen frying homemade beignets!
Luke's mother and I worked together on a Birthday surprise for him which consisted of an afternoon cooking class where we created a 3-course dinner that Luke proudly served to 11 of his family members and friends!
It was an honor to be apart of your Birthday Chef Luke!
Contact The Gifted Gourmet today to learn more about signing up for Individual or Group cooking classes !
The Gifted Gourmet enjoyed another successful evening full of flavor & fun last Saturday evening where he served a client request for a last minute multi-course surprise dinner celebration for her husbands birthday. Here's a few pictures from the home-run evening.
Huge shout out to Jennesa Kinscher for co-creating & planning the memorable celebration for husband Bryan! It was a pleasure to meet you both.. til next time!
Amuse Buse:
Crostini of -Sous Vide Short Rib-Skordalia Sauce-Pickled Watermelon Radish-Romanesco Gremolata-Chorizo Powder-Mico Greens.
Canadian Mussels:
Grilled Baguette-Pernod Liquor-Fresh Tarragon-Chorizo/Charred Shallot Nage-Iberico- Preserved Lemon.
Steak Au Poivre:
Sous Vide Ny Strip-Au Poivre Sauce-Parmesan Broccoli Puree-House-made Ricotta & Truffle Gnudi- Glazed Broccolini-Sicilian Caramelized Cipollini Onion- Pickled Shallot- Lemon/Sherry Gastrique.
The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service had the pleasure of serving another memorable signature in-home multi-course chef’s dinner to a lovely local couple. The evening was a tremendous success- full of complex flavors, great wine, laughter, and fun-filled conversations. But there was something "extra special" in store when it came time to serve the most memorable plated White Chocolate cheesecake to Maria Anne Thompson
Sravan Nuli contacted The Gifted Gourmet requesting a distinctive fine-dining menu for he and his girlfriend, which also included his brilliant marriage proposal idea. As is customary, The Gifted Gourmet co- created the menu together with Sravan to make it the unique & individualized dinner evening he envisioned. Written in Meyer lemon curd sauce were the words "Will You Marry Me" on Maria's White Chocolate Cheesecake plate. Once she saw it and gasped, Sravan dropped down to his knee..
**Hallmark Moment**
She Said Yes!
Just look at this happy couple!!
Wishing you both the best in your new adventure navigating life together and it was an honor to be a part of your memorable milestone.
Amuse Buse: Sous Vide Confit Chicken Presse/Brown Butternut Squash Puree/Pickled Pearl Onion & Mustard Seeds/ Roasted Romanesco/ Sherry Gastrique/Rye Crisp
Tempura Brandade-(Emulsified Salt Cod & Potato)Sofrito Veg w/ Harissa "Hash"/Espelette Aioli/Celery Ribbon
Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut/ Glazed Lentils Du Puy w/ Leek/ Parmesan English Pea Puree/ Pickled Watermelon Radish/ Arugula Greens & Crispy Fried Green Leek Slaw
White Chocolate Cheesecake/ Blood Orange Reverse Spherification Pearls/ Isomalt "Glass"/Uzu compressed Watermelon/ tiramisu Mousse/Candied Blood Orange/ Meyer Lemon Curd
The Gifted Gourmet-A Modern Chef Service loves taking the stress of preparing healthy & delicious meals from his Clients with his Meal Prep Service! We've got you covered by taking care of all tedious details such as planning, grocery shopping, developing custom weekly menus( which are specifically crafted to your dietary needs/requests), and finally cooking! With individual meal plans for a party of one, couples, or large families alike, we aim to save you precious time, energy, and money when It comes to preparing healthy and down-right delicious. Contact The Gifted Gourmet for more information on signing up on this popular Chef Service!
Enjoy some Meal Prep photos done last week for a lovely Family of 4 by The Gifted Gourmet.
Shown below:
Oven Roasted Garlic Shrimp
Beef, Pork, And Spinach Meatloaf w/ Silky Smooth Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Broccolini w/ Cremini Mushroom Demi Glacé Sauce
Wild Onion & Loaded Potato Soup served with Cheddar Cheese, House-Cut Fingerling Salt & Vinegar Chips, Chopped Bacon, and Chives
Vegetable Primavera Risotto ( English peas, Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, Carrot, Squash, Zucchini, Romanesco topped with Parmesan/Asiago Cheese
Also Pictured:
Tandoori Chicken Thighs w/ Veggie Cous Sous "Pasta Salad" , Cucumber/Tomato/Feta w/ TzatzikiSauce
Bulgogi Beef/Roasted Spicy Chicken w/ Herbs
Buffalo Chicken Mac n Cheese Bake
MN
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Making brown butter dippin dots for dessert course with Liquid Nitrogen.
The Gifted Gourmet is prepping up for some fun holiday events upcoming this next week. In this video, The Gifted Gourmet is channeling his inner Bill Nye the Science Guy by using the “Reverse Spherification” method where these mango gel “bombs” will be plated as a component going with a Scallop Crudo for an In-home client multi course dinner this week. This is an innovative technique where you can incapsulate larger liquids through the chemical reaction of mixing together a water bath of Sodium Alginate/ distilled water, and separately mixing a ratio of Calcium Lactate with a liquid ( in this case I used a purée of mango/orange zest/ juice/ lemon/ lime/ simple syrup). After letting both solutions relax in the fridge for 24 hours , the magic happens by simply using a teaspoon and dropping the liquid/ calcium mix into the alginate bath and watch the chemical reaction unfold! Once the spheres have formed and “cook” for 2 mins in the alginate bath , I scoop them out with a slotted spoon and move them next into 2 plastic containers filled with tap water which is a rinse for the spheres. Then you’re good to go ! This is a super fun and easy experiment that people of all ages can enjoy! Happy holidays - The Gifted Gourmet
The Gifted Gourmet dusted off some old Molecular Gastronomy moves He aquired from working in various fine dining establishments years back. Shown in this video, Chef made a quick rasberry coulis sauce (Simple Syrup, fresh Raspberries, Salt, Lemon peel/lemon juice combined in a saucepot over medium heat the stove, then blended and strained through fine strainer), and then used the Agar Agar Spherification method to make raspberry caviar/dippin dots which was a component used for a client requested cheese and charcuterie artisanal dislay event over the 4th weekend!
A quick sneak peek of the culinary spread done by The Gifted Gourmet at last weekends bridal shower bruncheon!
Prepping in the Gifted Gourmet kitchen for a bridal shower last weekend for a lovely group of 25 ladies!
Prepping this afternoon in the Gifted Gourmet kitchen for a client requested 6 course dinner tomorrow evening! With Covid 19 restrictions starting to loosen, let us take the stress of having to cook for your next hosted event! Here at the Gifted Gourmet, we dont have room at the table for " Guarenteed Mediocrity." Call us today to book your next event! We look forward to speaking with you. Cheers!
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