Who exactly is showing up to my home?

Every chef on our roster is trained, background-checked, and food safety certified. We carry full liability and workers comp insurance and run food board analysis on every event.

What's included in the price?

Everything. Shopping, prep, cooking, plating, service, and cleanup. One number. No surprises. We suggest a 20% gratuity, but that's the only thing not baked in.

What does it cost to hire a private chef in Denver, Colorado?

Private chef dinners start at $150 per person for a custom four-course meal, $1,200 minimum. Catering runs $75 per person for buffet, $100 for family style, $125 to $150 for plated. All-inclusive either way.

Do you travel to mountain towns and resort areas?

We're already there. Chefs stationed across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona. No travel fees. Ever.

Can you cook in a rental kitchen you've never seen?

We do it all the time. We come fully prepared. For bigger events we might ask for a quick photo of the kitchen ahead of time, but we show up ready.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Ideally a week. We can move faster for smaller dinners. We also have events booked two years out. Whatever your timeline, let's talk.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

There's nothing we can't or won't accommodate. Kosher, halal, any allergen, any lifestyle diet. We love a good challenge.

How many people can you serve?

One person to 150 to 200 guests. We try to stay under 120 for most events to keep quality exactly where it needs to be.

What is the difference between a private chef and a caterer?

A private chef cooks fresh in your home or venue, typically for groups of 2–20 guests, with fully custom menus built around your preferences. Catering typically serves larger groups, often with pre-set format options (buffet, family style, or plated) and a service team. MileHighCook provides both services under the same CIA-trained brand standard.

Should I hire a private chef or caterer for my dinner party?

For intimate gatherings of 2–20 guests where you want a fully personalized, immersive dining experience, private chef service is ideal. For larger events of 20–150+ guests where you need scalable staffed service, catering makes more sense. MileHighCook does both.

Does MileHighCook offer both private chef and catering services?

Yes. MileHighCook is a full-service culinary brand offering both private chef services and full catering across Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Both services are all-inclusive and overseen by CIA-trained Executive Chef Steve Ingber.

Home›Private Chef vs. Catering

Know the Difference

Private Chef vs. Catering:
Which One Do You Need?

Most people have a rough sense that these are different things — but not a clear picture of how. Here's the honest breakdown, and since MileHighCook does both, we're not trying to sell you on either one.

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Side by Side

The Real Differences

Option A

Private Chef

Fresh cooking in your home or venue. Fully custom menus. Maximum personalization. The chef is focused entirely on your table.

Group Size

2–20 guests

Service Style

Plated, multi-course

Customization

Complete — built from scratch

Cooking Location

Your kitchen, live

Best For

Anniversaries, dinner parties, proposals, ski week programs, milestone celebrations

Option B

Catering

Scalable service for larger events. Staffed teams, multiple service formats. Same chef-led quality at greater scale.

Group Size

20–150+ guests

Service Style

Buffet, family style, or plated

Customization

High — format choices + custom menu

Cooking Location

Your venue or rental property

Best For

Weddings, corporate events, estate parties, rehearsal dinners, large celebrations

Choosing the Right Fit

When to Choose Each One

Choose Private Chef When…

You want total personalization

Your group is 4–16 people, the occasion is intimate, and you want the chef to be fully focused on your specific menu, your guests, and your table. Dinner parties, anniversaries, proposals, ski week programs.

Choose Catering When…

You need scale and staffed service

Your guest count is 20 or above, or the event requires a full service team with multiple roles. Weddings, corporate retreats, estate parties, rehearsal dinners, large celebrations.

The Gray Zone

Groups of 12–25

This range can go either way depending on the event format. An intimate seated dinner for 18 is still a private chef engagement. A cocktail party for 18 with passed apps and a grazing table is catering. We'll help you figure out which fits.

Both Together

Charcuterie + Private Chef

Many of our most popular engagements combine services — a charcuterie buildout for the cocktail arrival experience, then a private chef plated dinner for the seated group. See charcuterie services →

Not Sure?

We'll Tell You Which One Fits

Since MileHighCook does both — and doesn't have a financial reason to push you toward either — we'll give you an honest recommendation based on your event. Guest count, occasion, venue, and format all play a role.

Contact us with the basics. We'll tell you which service fits and why, and have a custom proposal back within 24 hours of the call.

Get a Recommendation Explore Catering Explore Private Chef

Not Sure Which One? Ask Us.

Tell us your event details — guest count, occasion, venue — and we'll give you an honest recommendation and a proposal within 24 hours.

Get a Recommendation Call (516) 996-1202

Private Chef vs. Catering:Which One Do You Need?

The Real Differences

When to Choose Each One

We'll Tell You Which One Fits

Not Sure Which One? Ask Us.

Private Chef vs. Catering:
Which One Do You Need?