Q&A with private chef Amy Kayne

Emilie Cole  |  January 17, 2025

Q&A with private chef Amy Kayne
What seems like a lifetime ago when our littles were in fact very, very little, I had the pleasure of meeting private chef Amy Kayne at a cooking party. It was an evening of wine, wonderful bites, friendship and fun centered around Amy as she led us through learning how to create each course. Amy is a bright light. I knew then that she was someone special and I have loved that our lives have woven in and out together over the years since that first meeting. I have photographed her on several occasions both professionally and personally, and have been the lucky recipient of her former Meals for a Week. Now she delights vacationers to Maine with provisions through our rental department and is available for weddings and special occasions. The next time you are considering a restaurant gathering, why not consider treating your VIPs to a dinner party in your home instead!
 

Q. How did you get started as a private chef?

A. 12 years ago I had the opportunity to be on a show called The Chew. It was my mom‘s 70th birthday and I wrote to the show to see if we could get tickets at the tasting table. They were so excited about my story. They actually reached out and asked if I would be interested in being on the show and of course I said "heck, yeah!" After the experience of being on the show, I looked at my husband when I had a three and a one year-old and I said "I need to be a chef." I truly believe that the universe gave me the opportunity to see a path into the culinary career that I created. I started off doing 2Gether We Cook, which was primarily cooking classes, and then once people realized that I was able to cook in their kitchen, they started hiring me without the cooking classes and that was the beginning of my culinary career. 

Q. How has your business evolved over the years?

A. From the love of teaching to creating meals for the week to then coming up with an idea of working with vacation clients I was able to really create a career for myself part time. I went door-to-door and offered "buy nine spots for cooking class, get one free if you’re the host." The idea of an in-home cooking party came to life! Eventually I found myself running a business with 12 people on my team and not having any idea what I was doing except cooking for people because that was my passion! Five years later, I’ve evolved into loving what I’m doing by tailoring menus to my clients' tastes and truly having their food experience connect with the event they are holding. I am grateful to create a focused emotionally-connected food experience for my clients. 

10 years ago, I connected with Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty rental properties and have worked with clients over the years through the connection of Sotheby's luxury rentals in Maine. I love being the go-to chef and work in some of the most gorgeous kitchens in and around southern Maine.

Q. If you were in the market for a new house, what current trends would be appealing to you in a dream kitchen?

A. When working in any kitchen having plenty of counter space is always key, especially if we are creating with multiple courses.  A dishwasher, great space in the refrigerator, and two ovens always brings a smile to my face. One thing that also gets me super giddy is a side pantry room to prep and store provisions.

Q. What might a homeowner need to know about hosting a private dinner party? 

A. Usually my clients come to me with an idea of a celebration without knowing what 2Gether‘s capabilities are. We’ve turned backyards into a private dinner under a tent with bar, or micro weddings, or an intimate seven course dinner all customized by and for the client. Happily, 2Gether books up pretty fast so if there’s a specific date that clients have in mind, I usually request a 6 to 8 month window and my availability is always updated on my website calendar.

Q. What is your favorite dish? Your family? Bauer? :) 

A. So many people ask if I was to cook for myself what would I cook or what does my family really enjoy. Being raised Lebanese and Italian I’ve always been surrounded by food with family and friends and cooking and preparing and then eating. Some of my all-time favorite foods are definitely part of my Lebanese culture. My kids love trying some of my new dishes and are my toughest critics. On the other hand my dog Bauer has a simple palate and loves his cucumbers and carrots when I sneak them in his dinner.

Thank you, Amy!

I'm hungry now! You, too? Amy also offers some ticketed events. Follow Amy on socials to learn more and don't hesitate to reach out to her directly for info:

website: 2Gether Private Chefs

socials: @2GetherPrivateChefs

Photos by Cait Bourgault Photography, Amy and me!

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