Cooking in Healdsburg: A Weekend with Viet Pham for Guy Fieri

This spring I had the chance to spend a few days in Healdsburg, California, for the Food & Wine festival, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had as a private chef. I was invited to help Chef Viet Pham with his event, and being part of something that brought together such talent, passion, and creativity reminded me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.

Working alongside Viet was something special. His focus and creativity are next level, but he also brings a sense of calm and generosity that made the whole experience even more meaningful. We prepped and cooked in a fast-paced environment, plating beautiful dishes while staying locked in on timing and detail. It was intense, but in the best way possible. Every move in the kitchen had to be intentional, and there was a shared sense of purpose that brought everyone together.

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was cooking for Guy Fieri. Serving someone who has had such a huge influence on American food culture was surreal. He walked into the event with such a big presence but was incredibly kind, laid back, and genuinely interested in what we were doing. Watching him enjoy the food we created was a full circle moment I won’t forget.

For private chefs, experiences like this are fuel. We spend a lot of time working behind the scenes, creating intimate experiences in people’s homes, often without the visibility or recognition that comes in a restaurant setting. Events like Food & Wine give us a chance to step out of that and connect with other chefs, push ourselves, and come home with new energy and inspiration.

What I love about being a private chef is that every event is different. Whether I’m cooking for two people celebrating an anniversary or twenty people gathering for a birthday dinner, I get to design menus that are personal and seasonal. Being in Healdsburg reminded me how much inspiration can come from stepping outside your usual routine and seeing how other chefs work, how they flavor their dishes, how they plate, how they build experiences for guests.

I came back to Austin feeling recharged. These kinds of moments shape the way I cook and how I think about hospitality. They influence the dishes we create at Hosting Austin and how we approach the small details that make an experience memorable.

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind dinner, something elevated but relaxed, intimate but unforgettable, we’d love to cook for you. Every menu is customized and built with the same care and passion I brought with me to Healdsburg. And that’s what Hosting Austin is really about.