Chef Emily Bolmen on site at a catering job, 2024.

Hi, I’m Emily.

A little about me…

I grew up living and traveling in Europe and various parts of the US, and early on developed a strong belief in the power of food as central to life - the foundation of individual health, a deep source of togetherness for family, friends, and community, and a fundamental, accessible art form to be enjoyed by both diner and chef.

Becoming a chef happened almost by accident, but years in commercial kitchens catering for almost every kind of event has just made me that much more passionate about presenting good food to people.

Not good enough food, but truly good food.

Accessible, tasty, attractive, real food, handmade with care from quality, minimally processed ingredients.

I very much hope to have the opportunity to share my passion for excellent, tailored food with you!

Emily Bolmen
Family & Private Chef

Areas of nutritional interest:

  • maternal nutrition (support for pregnancy & lactation)

  • chemotherapy

  • chronic illness (long COVID/PASC, fibromyalgia, etc.)

  • adult & child neurodivergence

  • intestinal microbiome

Culinary interests:

  • fresh spices and seasoning blends

  • cuisines ranging from American regional traditions through Europe & the British Isles, and around the Mediterranean, plus eclectic flavors and dishes from around the rest of the planet

  • whole foods & minimally processed ingredients

  • plant-forward/flexitarian; vegetarian; vegan

  • fermentation

  • large-batch (party-friendly!)

Career, Education, Certification

2023 - present - executive chef & part owner
California Catering Cafe, San Jose, CA

2025 - Nutrition,
Stanford Center for Health Education
Certificate

2022 - Food Protection Manager
ServSafe (certificate & expiration on request)

2014 - apprenticed as a cook
DNL Catering, Santa Clara, CA

1993 - BA in Anthropology
San Francisco State University

Insurance: The Hartford Insurance Group
Policy information available