Today, I’m excited to speak with Chris Demaillet. Chris spent 18 years working as a private chef for some of the world’s wealthiest families: on yachts, in residences, and across the globe. He founded Montclair Chef to help clients find world-class Chefs such as himself and the culinary masters he’s worked with and trained.

Before private service, Chris trained in France and worked in several of the world’s best kitchens, including a 3-Michelin-star restaurant once ranked among the top 25 globally. That experience, which was the culinary equivalent of being a professional athlete, taught him what precision, discipline, and world-class execution really mean.

Now, he runs Montclair Chef with that same mindset: placing elite private chefs into ultra-luxury homes and superyachts, with the standards and care of a Michelin kitchen. Chris is the author of The Private Chef Guide – How to Become a Private Chef and Build a Career in Private Dining.

We start with an overview of the world of private culinary services. Chris explains how the need for a personal chef normally arises and when it makes sense for a family or a family office to consider employing a private chef. He describes what UHNW clients and families look for in a private chef and outlines the most common needs and preferences of UHNW clients when they are considering or working with a private chef.

For families who are considering private culinary services, Chris offers his tips on how to find and hire the right private chef. A personal chef can become an integral part of the family’s household and everyday life. Chris provides some practical suggestions for families and their family offices on how to retain their chef for many years and what they need to do to take good care of their chef.

Enjoy this informative exchange with one of the best connected and most experienced advisors in the world of private culinary services for UHNW individuals and enterprising families.