Chef Spotlight
A chef-sourcing division of Forage + Grace, Forage Society offers hand-selected private chefs for in-home dining, intimate celebrations, retreats, and curated gatherings—delivering the same warmth, aesthetic, and culinary excellence as our flagship experiences.
Private chef experiences
In-home dinners, anniversaries, birthdaysPop-up dinners
Bring the Forage & Grace experience to private venuesRetreat & Airbnb services
Chef-prepared meals for multi-day stays
Meal prep & drop-Off
Clean, elegant meals delivered by local chefsOptional add-ons
Wine pairing, table styling, serving staff, music, flowers, what else can you think of?
Click the link below and complete a short form, so we can get an understanding of your needs and dream dining experience. Jason will contact you personally within 48 hours.
Meet our Chefs
Chef McDaniel Cooper
Meet Chef McDaniel Cooper, a passionate culinary talent from Johnson City, Tennessee.
His journey began in a small Mexican restaurant and led him through notable kitchens like Union Jacks and Koi in Knoxville, before heading west to California’s Looking Glass House. There, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished with the launch of Brothers Pantry catering.
In 2015, Chef Mac returned to Asheville, where he began exploring Italian and Appalachian cuisine. By 2017, he founded Ciao Y’all Catering Co., blending Southern warmth with Italian elegance.
His menus celebrate local flavors, emphasize aging and preservation techniques, and are crafted with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. His culinary creations are a testament to his dedication to bringing people together through food, welcoming all to his table with open arms and a delicious promise of joy.
Chef Emma
Chef Emma has lived and worked in the Asheville area for over 15 years.
She began her food journey through obtaining her Bachelor’s in Nutrition from Western Carolina University. While originally working in kitchens as a part time job to support her studies, she fell in love with the world of culinary arts and never looked back!
After graduating, she earned her Culinary degree at AB Tech while simultaneously competing on their student Hot Food Team - notably earning a Bronze Medal at the National ACF Competition. Emma gravitated towards building her career in the Private Club sector; working notable stints at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, and Old Edwards Inn & Spa, a Forbes Relais & Châteaux property known for sustainable luxury.
Emma reached the pinnacle of her career earning the position of Executive Chef at Balsam Mountain Preserve, and found a deep passion for the intimacy of elevated in-home dining.
Chef Emma is inspired by utilizing fresh and local ingredients; specializing in Southern Appalachian, Classical French, and South-Eastern Asian cuisines. Emma brings a confident, flexible, and inclusive approach to every in-home culinary experience.
