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 share my passion for excellent, tailored food with you!

Emily Bolmen
Family & Private Chef

Areas of interest, nutritional support:

  • pre-natal and post-natal

  • during chemotherapy

  • for chronic illness

  • for neurodivergent adults & children

  • for a healthy intestinal microbiome

Culinary interests:

  • spices, herbs, and seasonings (freshly ground and blended)

  • cuisines

    • regional American foods

    • central & southern European cooking

    • circum-Mediterranean

    • Mexican cuisines

    • … and an eclectic range of other cuisines & fusions

  • whole foods

  • fermentation

  • plant-forward/flexitarian; vegetarian; vegan

Career and Education

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

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

Insured through The Hartford Insurance Group
Policy information available