Verified chef

Food Safety Certified

9 Reviews

Chef Shawnie is a culinary instructor and food writer who brings global flavors and cultural inspiration into every cooking class. As a resident chef leading culinary programs in Columbus, she specializes in travel-inspired cuisine rooted in her experience living and working across Europe. Chef Shawnie’s engaging and approachable teaching style helps guests build confidence in the kitchen while exploring the connection between food culture and tradition.

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Chef Credentials

On Cozymeal since 2026

schooling

Carnegie Mellom University, Pittsburgh, PA
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
University of Edinburgh, Scotland

certifications

B.A. Art History and minor in French / M.A. History of Art and Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Post graduate research fellowship - Medieval Architectural History
250+ cooking classes around the world, from the US, Mexico and Caribbean to Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Turkey.

awards

Culinary Instructor & Program Designer with 18+ years of teaching hands-on cooking classes and culinary travel seminars for audiences from small groups to 500+ participants.
Food and Travel Writer for national and international magazines
Board Member - Columbus State's Hospitality Advisory Committee and Slow Food Columbus

publications

Published author and seasoned food and travel writer for books, magazines, and digital platforms. Articles and recipes published in Edible Communities magazines (Columbus, Cape Cod, Boston, Cincy)
Insiders Guide to Columbus: Covering wining and dining, restaurants, innovarive chefs, food scene.
Original recipes For Wanderlust Tours culinary travel company - website, newsletters, and guided tours since 2008

appearances

Regular cooking segment on Good Day Columbus - WSYX ABC 6 for 2 years
Occasional cooking appearances on all three of the local Columbus new channels and NPR.

philosophy

“#FoodIsLove #EatTheRainbow #EatRealFood”
“As a Food Educator and Writer: What I love about writing and cooking is the same: transforming disparate words or ingredients into a single, satisfying whole. Both crafts are artistic and subjective; outcomes and reactions will vary. Yet, whether it's a meal assembled from random components or book born from scattered words, the act of creation matters. In my world, writing and cooking feed each other, each informing and fueling the other.”

What are you looking for?

Cooking Classes

Private Chef Meals

Cooking Classes WITH Chef Shawnie

Columbus, OH Cooking Class: Essence of Thailand

Columbus, OH Cooking Class: Essence of Thailand 2 slide

Columbus, OH Cooking Class: Essence of Thailand 3 slide

Columbus, OH Cooking Class: Essence of Thailand 4 slide

Columbus, OH Cooking Class: Essence of Thailand 5 slide

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Chef Credentials

On Cozymeal since 2026

schooling

Carnegie Mellom University, Pittsburgh, PA
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
University of Edinburgh, Scotland

certifications

B.A. Art History and minor in French / M.A. History of Art and Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Post graduate research fellowship - Medieval Architectural History
250+ cooking classes around the world, from the US, Mexico and Caribbean to Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Turkey.

awards

Culinary Instructor & Program Designer with 18+ years of teaching hands-on cooking classes and culinary travel seminars for audiences from small groups to 500+ participants.
Food and Travel Writer for national and international magazines
Board Member - Columbus State's Hospitality Advisory Committee and Slow Food Columbus

publications

Published author and seasoned food and travel writer for books, magazines, and digital platforms. Articles and recipes published in Edible Communities magazines (Columbus, Cape Cod, Boston, Cincy)
Insiders Guide to Columbus: Covering wining and dining, restaurants, innovarive chefs, food scene.
Original recipes For Wanderlust Tours culinary travel company - website, newsletters, and guided tours since 2008

appearances

Regular cooking segment on Good Day Columbus - WSYX ABC 6 for 2 years
Occasional cooking appearances on all three of the local Columbus new channels and NPR.

philosophy

“#FoodIsLove #EatTheRainbow #EatRealFood”
“As a Food Educator and Writer: What I love about writing and cooking is the same: transforming disparate words or ingredients into a single, satisfying whole. Both crafts are artistic and subjective; outcomes and reactions will vary. Yet, whether it's a meal assembled from random components or book born from scattered words, the act of creation matters. In my world, writing and cooking feed each other, each informing and fueling the other.”

Private Chef Meals WITH Chef Shawnie

Columbus, OH Private Chef Meal: La Dolce Vita: A Tuscan Chef's Table

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

La Dolce Vita: A Tuscan Chef's Table

$129 each

Private Chef Meal

$129

Discover authentic flavors straight from Tuscany. Indulge in the rustic elegance of Tuscany with this private che experience curated by Chef Shawnie, an esteemed culinary talent. Every course is thoughtfully prepared and served – simply sit down at your table and let the evening unfold.   The table opens...

Next Date: Fri, Aug 14th & other times

More dates >

Columbus, OH Private Chef Meal: Passion on a Plate: A Spanish Feast

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Passion on a Plate: A Spanish Feast

$129 each

Private Chef Meal

$129

Discover hearty, soulful dishes inspired by Spanish kitchens. Enjoy the bold, sun-drenched flavors of Spain with a private chef meal crafted by Chef Shawnie, a top-rated culinary talent with a gift for bringing the soul of Spanish cuisine to life. Every detail is handled – all you need to do is arrive...

Next Date: Fri, Aug 14th & other times

More dates >

Columbus, OH Private Chef Meal: Fragrant Thai Fare

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Fragrant Thai Fare

$109 each

Private Chef Meal

$109

Savor the bursting flavors of Thailand. Savor the vibrant, fragrant flavors of Thailand with a private chef meal curated by Chef Shawnie, an esteemed culinary talent. Sit back and enjoy every course as Chef Shawnie takes care of everything from start to finish.   The evening opens with crunchy Thai summer...

Next Date: Fri, Aug 14th & other times

More dates >

Columbus, OH Private Chef Meal: Deeply Indian Fare

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Deeply Indian Fare

$119 each

Private Chef Meal

$119

A richly spiced Indian dinner of tikka masala, Bombay aloo and handmade naan – served just for you. Explore the bold, comforting flavors of Indian home cooking with a private chef meal led by Chef Shawnie. Every dish is rooted in Indian culinary tradition and prepared with care – from the masala-dressed...

Next Date: Fri, Aug 14th & other times

More dates >

Luxury Experience

Columbus, OH Private Chef Meal: A Rustic Italian Dinner

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

A Rustic Italian Dinner

$129 each / 4 Courses

Private Chef Meal

$129 / 4 Courses

Savor this private dinner featuring an exquisite homemade Italian menu. Settle in for a warm, rustic Italian evening with a private chef meal led by an esteemed culinary talent with a gift for uncomplicated, deeply satisfying Italian cooking. Every detail is handled from start to finish – simply arrive at...

Next Date: Fri, Aug 14th & other times

More dates >

REVIEWS

Chef Shawnie's Overall Rating

5.0 / 5

Based on 9 reviews

Reviews Chef Shawnie received outside of Cozymeal

Phil

04/18/26

Whether preparing for a party, special occasion, or a family dinner, Shawnie always ensures a memorable, mouth-watering experience with fresh, culinary takes on virtually any type of cuisine, whether it's regional, international, farm-to-table, or for special dietary requirements. The presentation is flawless, and she makes everything look so easy! I'm getting hungry just writing this review!

04/18/26

Nick K

04/11/26

I’ve had the pleasure of taking several of Chef Shawnie’s cooking classes—both in-home and in group settings—and every single experience has been exceptional. Shawnie brings an energy to the kitchen that is absolutely contagious. She’s vibrant, welcoming, and an expert communicator who has a gift for making everyone feel comfortable, no matter their skill level. Her depth of culinary knowledge is remarkable. She has traveled the world studying techniques and flavors from a wide range of cultures, and she brings that global perspective into every class she teaches. You can feel her passion for food and learning in the way she explains each step, each ingredient, and each method with patience and clarity. What truly sets Chef Shawnie apart is her ability to create an environment that is both educational and incredibly fun. Her classes are lively, engaging, and full of laughter. You walk away not only with new skills and recipes, but with a genuine sense of accomplishment and joy. I highly recommend Chef Shawnie to anyone looking to elevate their cooking, explore new cuisines, or simply enjoy a memorable culinary experience. She is a true professional and an absolute delight to learn from.

04/11/26

Justin

04/05/26

Shawnie is an outstanding teacher and chef! I have attended several of her classes and enjoyed every single one. She brings a combination of experience and approachability to cooking. At the end of each of her classes I felt that I had new skills afterwards and was excited about not only the meal we prepared but the techniques we learned. I especially appreciated her organization and follow-up, which allowed us to focus on cooking and learning without distraction. Definitely don't miss out on any future classes with her, you won't regret it!

04/05/26

Meredith

04/01/26

I have had the opportunity to enjoy Shawnie’s delicious meals on several occasions. She customized menus that satisfied my vegetarian requirements and my husband‘s tree nut allergy. The meals were crafted with amazing flavor and exceptional presentation. Don’t ever miss dessert … her pastry skills are out of this world. I have also had a chance to take cooking classes with the Chef. I witnessed her being encouraging and patient with people newer to cooking while being able to clearly articulate flavor profiles and techniques to those with more advanced skills. She has given me new skills that I am able to use in my kitchen with my family. I highly recommend Chef Shawnie and look forward to my next opportunity to enjoy her talents.

04/01/26

Melissa

03/27/26

Working with Shawnie is an unforgettable experience from start to finish. She has a true gift—not only for creating incredibly delicious, standout dishes, but for teaching in a way that feels fun, approachable, and inspiring. Every recipe we learned was thoughtfully curated and packed with flavor, reflecting her deep knowledge of regional cuisines. What made the experience truly special, though, was how she brought each dish to life with stories from her travels. She shared insights into the origins of ingredients, cultural traditions, and cooking techniques in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. Her energy is warm, lively, and genuinely entertaining. She creates an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, she meets you where you are and makes the entire experience enjoyable and memorable. This isn’t just a cooking lesson, it’s an immersive culinary experience that turns any gathering into something truly special. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn, laugh, and enjoy exceptional food all at once.

03/27/26

Nathalie

03/20/26

Chef Shawnie's experience spans multiple cuisines. She loves to share stories about Wanderlust Tours, a boutique culinary travel company she founded in 2008, which takes you on a trip to hands-on villa cooking classes and regional culinary workshops - from teaching pasta-making in Italy to preparing seafood in France. Her friendly and approachable personality are an added bonus to welcome into your home.

03/20/26

Gary

03/20/26

I can’t say enough great things about Chef Shawnie! I first met her back in 2017 when she led a private cooking class for me and about 20 friends, and from the moment we met, we instantly hit it off. She has such a warm, engaging personality and an incredible ability to make everyone feel comfortable. What really sets Shawnie apart is how she balances fun and learning. Her classes are lively and entertaining, but never intimidating. She creates an environment where everyone, no matter their skill level, feels welcome and confident participating. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, you’ll walk away having learned something new and having had a fantastic time. Since that first experience, I’ve attended several more of her classes, and each one has been just as enjoyable as the last. She even hosted a private event at my home, where all of my guests got to jump in and be part of the cooking experience. At this point, it’s safe to say I’m a huge fan, and I have no doubt you will be too. If you’re looking for a unique, interactive, and truly memorable experience, I highly recommend Chef Shawnie for your next party or event!

03/20/26

Sarah

03/13/26

Chef Shawnie is the best – fun, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and all-around chef superstar. I have had the privilege of attending various cooking classes with her and cooked with her side-by-side at a villa in Tuscany, where we made amazing, memorable meals. I make recipes from Shawnie all of the time!

03/13/26

JoAnne

03/02/26

Shawnie is an extraordinary chef and teacher. I've taken multiple cooking classes by Shawnie at 3 different venues over the years and always learned new things and had just a wonderful time. I've referred her to several of my corporate clients looking for a fun activity for their employees. As a social cook and home entertainer, it takes a lot to impress me and I have always been impressed with Shawnie's people and cooking skills!

03/02/26

Chef Shawnie

Cooking Classes WITH Chef Shawnie

Essence of Thailand

Spanish Creations

Indian Cuisine From Scratch

Fresh Pasta Three Ways

French Countryside Brunch

Private Chef Meals WITH Chef Shawnie

La Dolce Vita: A Tuscan Chef's Table

Passion on a Plate: A Spanish Feast

Fragrant Thai Fare

Deeply Indian Fare

A Rustic Italian Dinner